It's the end of the world, as we know it...

[Stoic]

After a pause that seems to take forever, the ley line begins to flicker. It’s subtle at first, but after a minute or two it’s full out agitated, like a big blue whip cracking. A dozen or two tendrils of electric light, with a pink tinge, curiously, shoot out from the ley line, and when the tendrils return, they leave a figure in their place. There are roughly twenty figures standing before you, a wide assortment of genders and races, the only thing in common is that they all appear to be physically fit, and are holding psi weapons in hand. You see a giant with four psi-blades, one for each hand, a frogman, holding a glowing pink psi-trident, his big bulbous eyes scanning the immediate area, A cyberhorseman, holding a massive two handed psi axe, and then, there is one that is clearly out of place. A short, plump African American woman with a shaved head. Something about her just radiates peace, and you instantly feel inclined to want to make her like you. She is wearing a simple gray robe, and what appear to be sandals. She looks to your party, and smiles warmly. She is just about to speak when all hell breaks loose. Psychics and Spellcasters feel it, but even those who are not adept in the arcane can hear it. It sounds like the world breaking in half, and as soon as the noise mercifully ends, the sky turns a dark red, and is marred by a strange alien assortment of celestial objects, including at least three moons that you can see. The gray robed woman starts to scream.

OOC Comments

Just kind of open roleplay here. How does your character react to these events?

Interlude Opportunity: Name a time your character faced a strange event, and how they got through it. After doing so, take a Benny.

Just going to let this post marinate for a bit, then we’ll get to the next part. Try to keep it to dialogue, no combat type actions just yet.

[Alison]

Alison’s heart rends along with the world.

”No...” she whispers as the alien moons invade the sky.

[Sig]

Fort Detroit/Wilds/Ley line
Afternoon
Round 0

Sig tensed as a group of well-armed individuals emerged from the ley line, armed with psi-weapons. And that robed woman was awfully suspicious.

Then the world seemed to break, and an ear-splitting shriek rent the air. Sig cringed, flicking on his armor’s noise suppressants to save his hearing. He stared at the blood red sky, filled with three moons and alien celestial objects. What the hell was happening?

Sig hadn’t seen anything like this since Gloomtown, when that necromancer had nearly wiped the town out of existence with an annihilation wave.

“What is this?” Sig called out to the magic experts in the party. “And who are you?” he asked the new arrivals.

***

Character Tracker

Sig Character Sheet
Parry:9 (-1 cover); Toughness: Melee: 22 (8)/Ranged: 24 (10)
Bennies: 5/4
Deflector screen: 10/10 PP; deflection and protection
Winter’s Heart: 10/10 PPE; smite and slow

• Sloth (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): frost condenses around the target, slowing the target)
  • Halves the target’s total movement each round (round up). With a raise, movement is also an action. The target automatically attempts to shake off the effects of sloth at the end of each of his next turns by making a Spirit roll.
  • Area of Effect (+2 or +3): MBT or LBT
  • Strong (+1): Spirit roll to shake the effect is at -2.
  • Greater Sloth (+2): The target cannot run, and with a raise is Vulnerable.
• Smite (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): Weapon grows cold and glows an icy blue)
  • Increase damage +2, raise +4
  • Additional Recipients (+1 per target)
  • Greater Smite (+2): Damage +4 MD, Raise +6 MD

Thunderer: 8/8 x 2 reloads (8)
Plasma Ejector: 45/48 x 2 reloads (48)
NG-59 Ion Pistol: 20/20 x 2 reloads (20)

• Grenade: AP 1/1

NG-LG6: 20/20

• Grenades: Plasma 6/6

Armor Piercing Grenades x 2
Fragmentation Grenades x 4
High Explosive Grenades x 3
Plasma Grenades x 2
Rockets Launcher: 4 mini-missiles
IRMS: 4/4
First Aid Kit: 3/3
Rations: 7
Arcane Resistance/Improved: Arcane skills targeting the hero suffer a −4 penalty (even if cast by allies!); magical damage is reduced by 4.
Assassin: +2 to damage foes when Vulnerable or assassin has The Drop.
Block/Improved: +2 Parry, ignore 2 points of Gang Up bonuses.
Brawny: Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Brave: +2 vs. Fear, -2 to rolls on Fear table
Dodge/Improved: -2 to all ranged attacks against him unless surprised, and +2 when evading area effects.
Combat Reflexes: +2 Spirit to recover from being Shaken or Stunned.
First Strike: Once per turn, free Fighting attack against an opponent when they move within reach
Improved Arcane Resistance: +4 Armor vs. magic, +4 to resist magic
Improved Nerves of Steel: Ignore 2 Wound modifiers
Iron Jaw: +2 to Soak and Vigor rolls to avoid Knockout Blows.
Prehensile Tail: Extra non-movement action. Ignore 2 points of MAP
Regeneration: Natural healing roll every day for Wounds and Injuries.
Soldier: Free reroll on Vigor vs. environmental hazards; Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Titan Belt: +2 Size, +4 Toughness, +2 die types Strength

Unclaimed Loot

11 generic laser rifles (Range 24/48/96, Damage 3d6, RoF1, AP 4)

[Carlos]

Khar-loez screams and falls to the ground as the alien environments overwhelm his ecologically sensitivity.

OOC Comments

This is probably an open rift and we are seeing the other side, assuming we were not swept through. However, either way, the sudden change is going to be overwhelming to an Eco-wizard.

[Serival Drumm]

Serival immediately starts to evaluate the new arrivals--in particular, the short woman with the gray robes, who is most likely the leader. However, his musings are cut short, hard, as the world shatters around them. The D'norr suddenly feels a massive wave of arcane energy being funneled at him through his link with Glass.

Nggh.... Like that time I fell in the selkie's pool in the Far Lands.... How'd I get out of that? Right, just accepted it, drew it in, even though it felt like dying.... Wound up breathing water for a week, but I lived.... Instead of trying to resist the crushing wave of magic, he opens himself to it, body and soul, and suddenly, the pressure sort of... pops. He finds himself attuned to the magic in a way he'd never been before. He looks around again, as the landscape without is as altered as his internal self.

"Well, this is... unexpected.

OOC Comments

4/3 Bennies, also a narrative explanation for taking One With Magic for my most recent Advance.

[Xiang]

Before Xiang can call dibs on the big one (ya know, if they're hostile...), the world tears itself a new one. Despite being from a place stuck halfway between here and some hell dimension, Xiang is still quite put out by the shockwaves of mystic energy and sound. His ears flatten and his stance gets lowers and he glares about for the cause.

With his tail twitching in obvious irritation, he stops the low growling he'd unconsciously been doing to ask, Anyone have a clue what the <tone and context suggest vulgarities in Mayan> is going on?"

[Danny]

Danny’s last mission

The war had gone... Well it had gone about as bad as anyone couLd have expected. The resolve of the CS forces were unexpected to say the least. In the last days, Danny came into the General’s war tent and found it empty exept for a note. Victoria had summoned him. It read: With secret power, now comes the hour... I’ll find a way. The grackle swore under his breath, “Frack...” This was worse than him getting chewed out for posing for some pics with Tawdry and Tale... Much worse. The light in the tent had been extinguished and he appeared to be alone. But the hairs on his neck told him otherwise.

He whispered, “Victoria? Are you there?” The command tent was in shambles. Tables knocked over and the usual furs and arcane lanterns strewn all over the place. Even the large battle map that normally hung on the wall was burnt, smoldering and curling as a fire slowly overcame its protective laquer. The grackle’s eyes narrowed as he surveyed the room, he felt someone near even though he could not see them in the truest sense. He whispered again, “Victoria?”

A hand touched his and his commanding officer appeared out of nowhere. An invisibility spell... What game is she playing? We need to get out of here before the CS raize this position... His thoughts were cut off as she feverishly spoke.

Her eyes were blood shot, and dried spittle caked her lips, “Daniel... I found it, I found him... He was alone in the dark, but I found our savior... We must get to her, this nexus.” She gestured to the most northern part of the map that had yet to burn. “Hurry Daniel, if we must save everyone we must be quick.”

His CO had issued an order and Danny snapped too hoisting his rifle and pack ready to follow her to the ends if need be. However, as the two departed the tent he could not help but wonder She had already unleashed the Deamonix... What more horrors will she unleash now?

North of Tolkien, the layline’s criscrossed forming a nexus. Danny had just finished picking off the last CS wilderness scout patrolling the area with his particle beam rifle. He growled softly as the last headless body hit the ground, “Ok. General, the path is clear. We should move.” Carefully he lead the two up a path to the rolling hill under the nexus.

General Victoria Geist’s eyes were jet black by this time. Her voice sounded strained as if two people were simultaneously talking. “Thank you Daniel. We thank you. Soon the legendary spells will be at our grasp and the Coalition will be turned at last...” The nexus erupted in a flash of fiery blue energy and Danny found himself flung back a few dozen feet away from Victoria. A portal opened and a dark hand, larger than a house drew forth grabbing Victoria Geist. She screamed as the shadowy finger like tendrils enveloped her.

Danny could see a strange moon in the portal accompanied by a landscape of tormented shadow and barren rock. ”Nyxla thanks you Grackle. Haha.” Danny pulled his rifle into firing position as the creature’s fingers tightened around Victoria Giest. “No, let her go you-“ He was too late. The hand pulled Victoria Geist through and then the portal closed leaving Danny looking up in abject horror.

Behind him an old centaur coughed. He had a psi pike gripped him hands. His hoof stomped the ground near Danny. The centaur seemed to take pity on Danny behind his gruff exterior. The centaur’s voice was like coarse gravel, “On your feet Grackle. Nyxla has claimed another soul. I suggest you find yourself another path. One... One without such horrors. Leave the fighting to those who protect Psyscape.” Still stunned Danny watched the centaur gallop away wondering what Nyxla was, and where psyscape was. The newest centerfold for Tawdry and Tail vowed under his breath, “I’ll get you back CO... I’ll find you.” Sadly it was a promise he could never keep.

Shocked by the memory of his last days in the war Danny leveled his spirit bow and particle beam rifle not at the people who arrived but at the portal itself. Whatever his mind might think of such a strange surrounding, his body reacted reflexively as it sensed a threat. He looked at Sig as he heard the scream. It sounds just like Victoria..., “Brother, whatever comes out we have to push it back! In the last days of the war I... There was a portal, something came through and took my commanding officer.”

[Doc Olliday]

Doc takes in his surroundings. When the world comes apart, his first reaction is to protect the boy.

[Sig]

Fort Detroit/Wilds/Ley line
Afternoon
Round 0

Sig looked over at Danny, noting his fellow Grackle looked a little pale. He nodded reassuringly. “No one’s getting taken,” he promised. “Not today.” He adjusted his grip on Winter’s Heart, aiming his plasma ejector with his tail.

***

Character Tracker

Sig Character Sheet
Parry:9 (-1 cover); Toughness: Melee: 22 (8)/Ranged: 24 (10)
Bennies: 5/4
Deflector screen: 10/10 PP; deflection and protection
Winter’s Heart: 10/10 PPE; smite and slow

• Sloth (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): frost condenses around the target, slowing the target)
  • Halves the target’s total movement each round (round up). With a raise, movement is also an action. The target automatically attempts to shake off the effects of sloth at the end of each of his next turns by making a Spirit roll.
  • Area of Effect (+2 or +3): MBT or LBT
  • Strong (+1): Spirit roll to shake the effect is at -2.
  • Greater Sloth (+2): The target cannot run, and with a raise is Vulnerable.
• Smite (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): Weapon grows cold and glows an icy blue)
  • Increase damage +2, raise +4
  • Additional Recipients (+1 per target)
  • Greater Smite (+2): Damage +4 MD, Raise +6 MD

Thunderer: 8/8 x 2 reloads (8)
Plasma Ejector: 45/48 x 2 reloads (48)
NG-59 Ion Pistol: 20/20 x 2 reloads (20)

• Grenade: AP 1/1

NG-LG6: 20/20

• Grenades: Plasma 6/6

Armor Piercing Grenades x 2
Fragmentation Grenades x 4
High Explosive Grenades x 3
Plasma Grenades x 2
Rockets Launcher: 4 mini-missiles
IRMS: 4/4
First Aid Kit: 3/3
Rations: 7
Arcane Resistance/Improved: Arcane skills targeting the hero suffer a −4 penalty (even if cast by allies!); magical damage is reduced by 4.
Assassin: +2 to damage foes when Vulnerable or assassin has The Drop.
Block/Improved: +2 Parry, ignore 2 points of Gang Up bonuses.
Brawny: Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Brave: +2 vs. Fear, -2 to rolls on Fear table
Dodge/Improved: -2 to all ranged attacks against him unless surprised, and +2 when evading area effects.
Combat Reflexes: +2 Spirit to recover from being Shaken or Stunned.
First Strike: Once per turn, free Fighting attack against an opponent when they move within reach
Improved Arcane Resistance: +4 Armor vs. magic, +4 to resist magic
Improved Nerves of Steel: Ignore 2 Wound modifiers
Iron Jaw: +2 to Soak and Vigor rolls to avoid Knockout Blows.
Prehensile Tail: Extra non-movement action. Ignore 2 points of MAP
Regeneration: Natural healing roll every day for Wounds and Injuries.
Soldier: Free reroll on Vigor vs. environmental hazards; Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Titan Belt: +2 Size, +4 Toughness, +2 die types Strength

Unclaimed Loot

11 generic laser rifles (Range 24/48/96, Damage 3d6, RoF1, AP 4)

[Stoic]

A tall slender mutant cat woman (she has the markings of a cheetah, for those familiar) nimbly bounds over to the woman in the gray robe. She puts her hands under the womans arms just a moment before she passes out, mercilessly quiet. (Those with arcana detection noticed the psionic energy coming from the cheetah woman just before the woman in the gray robe fainted)

She tenderly lays her down and then turns her attention to the group. The rest of the warriors are holding their positions as the cheetah woman narrows her eyes a bit, and takes a good sniff at the SET. She seems content, until she gets to Allison. You see her tail flicker back and forth a few moments, before she nods. The Warriors spread out, making a protective circle around everyone, as the Cheetah woman's psi-blade vanishes, and she walks forward a few steps.

"I am Zatanya, of Psy-Scape. We preserved ourselves in this ley line for 23 years, because we knew we would be needed at this point. Mary she nods toward the peacefully sleeping woman predicted that we would be needed at this moment. Please, tell me who you are, and, if you may know, what is the current situation? Do you know of any increase in arcane activities? Any recent rise of demonic figures?[/i]

[Doc Olliday]

Doc does his best to shield the boy, then realizing that he is likely to be suffering under the psychic surge that often accomodates the nearness to the leylines, he opts to inject his subject with a sedative.

The sedative is derived from chemical formulas used in Juicers but is strictly refined to induce euphoria.

Once his patient is stable, Doc takes the young man to the mobile med unit in the vehicles and connects the young boy for observation.

He then rejoins the team in the circle of psyscape warriors.

[Carlos]

A tall slender mutant cat woman (she has the markings of a cheetah, for those familiar) nimbly bounds over to the woman in the gray robe. She puts her hands under the womans arms just a moment before she passes out, mercilessly quiet. (Those with arcana detection noticed the psionic energy coming from the cheetah woman just before the woman in the gray robe fainted)

She tenderly lays her down and then turns her attention to the group. The rest of the warriors are holding their positions as the cheetah woman narrows her eyes a bit, and takes a good sniff at the SET. She seems content, until she gets to Allison. You see her tail flicker back and forth a few moments, before she nods. The Warriors spread out, making a protective circle around everyone, as the Cheetah woman's psi-blade vanishes, and she walks forward a few steps.

"I am Zatanya, of Psy-Scape. We preserved ourselves in this ley line for 23 years, because we knew we would be needed at this point. Mary she nods toward the peacefully sleeping woman predicted that we would be needed at this moment. Please, tell me who you are, and, if you may know, what is the current situation? Do you know of any increase in arcane activities? Any recent rise of demonic figures?"

Khar-Loez activates his headband, so that everyone can understand what he says, and then replies, "We are members of the Tomorrow Legion, we are currently on a rescue mission involving this child, but we were sent to this area because there is a report of increased demonic activity nearby. If you will accompany us back to the area base, perhaps they can brief you more thoroughly."

Persuasion is not his forte, so hopefully what he is saying is persuasive enough without a pleasant personality behind it.

[Sig]

Persuasion 7

Persuasion 1d4!!: [7!!] = 7
Wild 1d6!!: [1] = 1

Fort Detroit/Wilds/Ley line
Afternoon
Round 0

The new arrivals didn’t seem hostile, and appeared to be from friendly-ish territory. Khaer-loez explained who they were.

Sig lowered his weapons and approached, a small halo of the ley line energy seeming to avoid sparking around him. “She gonna be okay?” The big grackle nodded to the unconscious woman. “You have wounded you need tending to? Food or anything you need? If you’ve really been in there that long, I know I’d be starvin’. We gotta get this boy back to base with his family and the docs. We’d be happy to give you a ride and talk about what’s next. The folks at the base are more knowledgeable about the demons and such around here. We just arrived yesterday.”

***

Character Tracker

Sig Character Sheet
Parry:9 (-1 cover); Toughness: Melee: 22 (8)/Ranged: 24 (10)
Bennies: 5/4
Deflector screen: 10/10 PP; deflection and protection
Winter’s Heart: 10/10 PPE; smite and slow

• Sloth (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): frost condenses around the target, slowing the target)
  • Halves the target’s total movement each round (round up). With a raise, movement is also an action. The target automatically attempts to shake off the effects of sloth at the end of each of his next turns by making a Spirit roll.
  • Area of Effect (+2 or +3): MBT or LBT
  • Strong (+1): Spirit roll to shake the effect is at -2.
  • Greater Sloth (+2): The target cannot run, and with a raise is Vulnerable.
• Smite (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): Weapon grows cold and glows an icy blue)
  • Increase damage +2, raise +4
  • Additional Recipients (+1 per target)
  • Greater Smite (+2): Damage +4 MD, Raise +6 MD

Thunderer: 8/8 x 2 reloads (8)
Plasma Ejector: 45/48 x 2 reloads (48)
NG-59 Ion Pistol: 20/20 x 2 reloads (20)

• Grenade: AP 1/1

NG-LG6: 20/20

• Grenades: Plasma 6/6

Armor Piercing Grenades x 2
Fragmentation Grenades x 4
High Explosive Grenades x 3
Plasma Grenades x 2
Rockets Launcher: 4 mini-missiles
IRMS: 4/4
First Aid Kit: 3/3
Rations: 7
Arcane Resistance/Improved: Arcane skills targeting the hero suffer a −4 penalty (even if cast by allies!); magical damage is reduced by 4.
Assassin: +2 to damage foes when Vulnerable or assassin has The Drop.
Block/Improved: +2 Parry, ignore 2 points of Gang Up bonuses.
Brawny: Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Brave: +2 vs. Fear, -2 to rolls on Fear table
Dodge/Improved: -2 to all ranged attacks against him unless surprised, and +2 when evading area effects.
Combat Reflexes: +2 Spirit to recover from being Shaken or Stunned.
First Strike: Once per turn, free Fighting attack against an opponent when they move within reach
Improved Arcane Resistance: +4 Armor vs. magic, +4 to resist magic
Improved Nerves of Steel: Ignore 2 Wound modifiers
Iron Jaw: +2 to Soak and Vigor rolls to avoid Knockout Blows.
Prehensile Tail: Extra non-movement action. Ignore 2 points of MAP
Regeneration: Natural healing roll every day for Wounds and Injuries.
Soldier: Free reroll on Vigor vs. environmental hazards; Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Titan Belt: +2 Size, +4 Toughness, +2 die types Strength

Unclaimed Loot

11 generic laser rifles (Range 24/48/96, Damage 3d6, RoF1, AP 4)

[Danny]

Thankful that @Doc Olliday took the kid, he whispered to his friend, “Keep that kid alive Doc... I doubt we will be getting back to base soon.” He commed sig as he scanned the horizon for an incomming threat. He commed @Sig, ”Stay frosty Sig... This is just the Lull before the storm. Be ready for anything.”

Danny only lowers his weapons half an inch. Not so much pointing them at the psyscapers, but keeping a warry eye on the strange landscape. A dark red sky with a flotilla of moon was not normal.

Still the grackle cracked a grin at the leyline sleepers, “Demons are on the rise for sure. A few weeks back we killed a Necromancer who turned into a bunch of bugs, probably some major demon inside him. So... It seems you are not Humbas, or evil, what do you know about the sky and moons there... ” Danny’s voice trailed off as he remembered the final words of the necromancer. “Blood Red... It’s Wro'etth!“ The necromancer was just a vessel, and the kid... Is he now a vessel!?”

[Doc Olliday]

@Danny, "The kid and sister have great potential as psychics."

"They need formal training."

Doc thinks back to the Wild Psychics he had encountered in the past.

Little Secrets of the Past

Occult 1d10!!: [1] = 1 Wild 1d6!!: [1] = 1

[Carlos]

Khar-loez starts disassembling the Resurrection Hut, he figures we will need it again sometime.

[Stoic]

Zatanya waits patiently while the group says their piece. At one point she casually nods toward the four armed giant, who immediately cancels his psi-blades and goes over to the passed out woman, scooping her up like a child might pick up a doll. After the group is done with their questions, she replied.

"Tomorrow Legion?" she wrinkles her nose, thinking. "I'm afraid I've never heard of the Tomorrow Legion before...are you a new organization?"

Zatanya smiles at Sig, her tail drops a bit, relaxing.

"That's very kind of you to offer, sir. We are well prepared. We knew we would be undergoing a great ordeal, so have quite a well stocked larder. Not only that, but we are more than capable of living off of the land. Still, it speaks well of you to make such an offer, and we greatly appreciate it. We would be honored to accompany you back to your base, it's important to find the right kind of people as we know we are up against a great ordeal."

Zatanya turns her attention to Danny, and you swear she cocks her head for just a moment, as if she recognizes him. "Wro'etth? Is that who caused this? She looks toward the child, sniffing the air. She immediately relaxes but takes one more sniff, this time in Alison's direction and after another pause, she shakes her head. "The kid seems clean to me."

Seeing the SET get their things together, she nods again and the Psi-Warriors immediately start pitching in where they can, looking to get going.

Instructions

Does anyone have any further questions/instructions/actions they want to do before we move on? If not I will move this along on Sunday.

[Danny]

At the begging of the war for Tolkien

The man’s sweaty hand grasped Danny’s well oiled bicep and let go. Danny never really liked the touch of Sweaty Kelly, and yet still the man could never take a hint. Sweaty Kelly smiled big and wide like he was about to sell Danny on the worst oppertunity ever. Over jazzed he stepped back and said to the poised grackle, “ Look Daniel, we got some major mojo here. Its time to capitalize my man! T&T issue 13 is flying off the shelves, now is the time to move. Heck even Erin Tarin is writing about it.”

Danny shifted and brought his arms akimbo for the camera shoot. The flash bulb made his skin glisten. In between shots he shook his head at Sweaty Kelly mouthing no. But still the shameless promoter continued as Danny raise his tail into his signature double 8. ”Think about in man! You could be bigger than... Uh Nostro! Or Prosek! I know a guy who knows a guy that’ll blanket all of North America with those leyline observation spheres. They got this new arcane magics in them that will project your likeness all over man.”

Why couldn’t these people realize he was just in it for the money. He needed a new suit of armor, and the war was about to go nova. He was a soldier about to go kill people so they could maintain their sultry way of life. He was not in it for the fame or glory, he needed cred to go buy machinations of death. Danny snorted fed up and disgusted, “Whatever Kelly, just get out of here. I got ten days left on my contract and then I am out.”

Sensing that these psyscapers were not going to kill the team Danny eased up on his doom and gloom posture for a bit. He hoisted his rifle and bow onto his broad shoulders. Addressing the question he smiled one of his famous Daniel T. Striker 100k smiles and nodded, “Yeah, Wro'etth. I thought was about to rear his head. Again. A few of us about a month or two ago tracked his meatbag to a small town. They had something like a necromaster raising the dead. After killing him, the guy yelled something about being a vessel and that he would return when the moon was red.” Danny took a look at the red sky and many moons, “The kid was used in a ritual, and I guess I got carried away a bit.”

[Sig]

Fort Detroit/Wilds/Ley line
Afternoon
Round 0

Confrontation avoided, Sig helped get the unconscious woman and boy comfortable in the truck. He did a mental head count, trying to see if they were all going to be able to fit. “We might need some to hang around on the outside,” he warned. There were plenty of external handholds, and hopefully it wouldn’t be too long before they were back at the base.

When everyone was ready, Sig levered in behind the wheel and they started off back to base.

***

Character Tracker

Sig Character Sheet
Parry:9 (-1 cover); Toughness: Melee: 22 (8)/Ranged: 24 (10)
Bennies: 5/4
Deflector screen: 10/10 PP; deflection and protection
Winter’s Heart: 10/10 PPE; smite and slow

• Sloth (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): frost condenses around the target, slowing the target)
  • Halves the target’s total movement each round (round up). With a raise, movement is also an action. The target automatically attempts to shake off the effects of sloth at the end of each of his next turns by making a Spirit roll.
  • Area of Effect (+2 or +3): MBT or LBT
  • Strong (+1): Spirit roll to shake the effect is at -2.
  • Greater Sloth (+2): The target cannot run, and with a raise is Vulnerable.
• Smite (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): Weapon grows cold and glows an icy blue)
  • Increase damage +2, raise +4
  • Additional Recipients (+1 per target)
  • Greater Smite (+2): Damage +4 MD, Raise +6 MD

Thunderer: 8/8 x 2 reloads (8)
Plasma Ejector: 45/48 x 2 reloads (48)
NG-59 Ion Pistol: 20/20 x 2 reloads (20)

• Grenade: AP 1/1

NG-LG6: 20/20

• Grenades: Plasma 6/6

Armor Piercing Grenades x 2
Fragmentation Grenades x 4
High Explosive Grenades x 3
Plasma Grenades x 2
Rockets Launcher: 4 mini-missiles
IRMS: 4/4
First Aid Kit: 3/3
Rations: 7
Arcane Resistance/Improved: Arcane skills targeting the hero suffer a −4 penalty (even if cast by allies!); magical damage is reduced by 4.
Assassin: +2 to damage foes when Vulnerable or assassin has The Drop.
Block/Improved: +2 Parry, ignore 2 points of Gang Up bonuses.
Brawny: Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Brave: +2 vs. Fear, -2 to rolls on Fear table
Dodge/Improved: -2 to all ranged attacks against him unless surprised, and +2 when evading area effects.
Combat Reflexes: +2 Spirit to recover from being Shaken or Stunned.
First Strike: Once per turn, free Fighting attack against an opponent when they move within reach
Improved Arcane Resistance: +4 Armor vs. magic, +4 to resist magic
Improved Nerves of Steel: Ignore 2 Wound modifiers
Iron Jaw: +2 to Soak and Vigor rolls to avoid Knockout Blows.
Prehensile Tail: Extra non-movement action. Ignore 2 points of MAP
Regeneration: Natural healing roll every day for Wounds and Injuries.
Soldier: Free reroll on Vigor vs. environmental hazards; Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Titan Belt: +2 Size, +4 Toughness, +2 die types Strength

Unclaimed Loot

11 generic laser rifles (Range 24/48/96, Damage 3d6, RoF1, AP 4)

[Doc Olliday]

Doc knows the boy is stable even though he is unconscious. Gently he secures the unconscious form in one of the two traveling medsurge beds.

He motions for the four armed man to set the unconscious woman in the other.

Doc admires the new allies, realizing that study of them may not happen at all.

Turning back to the unconscious woman, he runs some tests and

Science 1d8!!: [1] = 1 Wild 1d6!!: [2] = 2
Benny to Reroll - Unless her state is psychic in nature and beyond Doc's capabilities. (2 of 3 Remaining)
Science 1d8!!: [6] = 6 Wild 1d6!!: [2] = 2

.

[Carlos]

Khar-Loez tries to explain, "The CS made war against Tolkeen and destroyed it, the survivors fled and have created a new force, which they call the Tomorrow Legion. Some of the founders were Cyber Knights and they seek to recruit those who are ethical and accepting of the different."

He will be riding his steed, not taking up room in the vehicle. He might carry someone else. The Ostrasaurus is strong enough to carry two.

[Serival Drumm]

Serival is largely silent, simply observing the new arrivals and keeping Glass ready to act if needed.

[Xiang]

Somewhat disappointed he'd not get to fight the giant with four arms, the diminutive lycanthrope shifts into his cat form. "So what do you know of this.." He nods up at the sky.. "..situation. Or did your wise woman no deign to share before you all took your nap?"

[Stoic]

The cheetah woman nods in response to Danny’s words. ”It’s easy to be carried away. Have you ever given meditation a shot?”

In reply to Sig the Psyscapers find a good spot to hold onto, but not before the four armed Giant helps the older woman and the boy into a secure safe place as per Doc’s instructions.

To Carlos: ”I think that must be after our time. However if the rest of this Tomorrow Legion is as kind as you all, we’re eager to meet them.”

Zatar looks to Xiang, studying him for a moment. ”Mary is a very talented Seer, her insights and advice have saved our column countless times. She described this situation as an overlap, she explained that it was an odd phenomenon where another dimension, well, overlaps with our own. She foresaw the moment this would happen, and convinced the elders to commit out team to waiting for it to occur. As you may or may not know, prognostication is tricky at best. She described an ancient evil, and four guardians, that need to be overcome. When she wakes up, you can ask her all you’d like, but I suggest we get a move on, as there’s no way to know what if anything else is coming down that ley line.”

The Psyscapers grab a hold of the Canyonero, and you head back toward Fort Detroit. On the way back you notice the rest of the landscape has changed. The light appears to be in a constant state of twilight. There is now a significant amount of foliage, some of which consists of gnarled twisted trees with branches that actively reach toward the Canyonero as it passes. You go by the river where you saw the mammoth being sucked in by the tentacles earlier, and you sense that you are not alone. Without warning a dozen large bird like creatures descend from the sky. They are a crimson color, and do not appear to have any eyes. They also have razor sharp talons, which they use in an attempt to pick off anyone on the outside of the vehicle.

Instructions

This is a quick combat. Roll a relevant combat skill at a -2. A success means you take bumps and bruises, whereas a raise means you take no damage. A failure results in a wound and a critical failure means that you take 1d4 wounds. Please feel free to colorfully describe what occurs, and once you’re done will all of this, take a Benny.

[Carlos]

Khar-loez listens to the explanation, it certainly covers the problem he is having. He has two or more complete bio-systems flooding his ecological senses with information. He simply can not process all the input.

OOC Comments

Melee 1d8!!-2: [2]-2 = 0 , Wild Melee 1d8!!-2: [2]-2 = 0

He is used to his senses warning him of danger and to animals not attacking him, so the attack by the strange birds takes him by surprise. He takes a deep slash from the claws of the first to target him before he manages to dodge behind something sturdy enough to keep them away and pokes at any that try to approach from the unprotected side with his Steeltree wood spear.

[Serival Drumm]

OOC Comments

Bennies: 4/3
Spellcasting: 1d12, +1 for Professional, +1 for Ring, -2 for Scene Difficulty
Spellcasting 1d12!!: [5] = 5
Wild Spellcasting 1d6!!: [5] = 5
Benny to reroll
Spellcasting 1d12!!: [8] = 8
Wild Spellcasting 1d6!!: [7!!] = 7
3/3 Bennies, Raise = No Damage

Serival decides to give his new ring a workout. First, he reduces his own size down to miniscule dimensions, making himself a much harder target for the birds. Then he steps on top of the Mountaineer and begins dropping small clusters of the bird-things out of the air; the fiendish avians prove quite subject to the laws of gravity once they fall asleep. Meanwhile, his diminutive form makes Serival an easily missed target.

[Alison]

A Quick Post from the Past

She tenderly lays her down and then turns her attention to the group. The rest of the warriors are holding their positions as the cheetah woman narrows her eyes a bit, and takes a good sniff at the SET. She seems content, until she gets to Allison. You see her tail flicker back and forth a few moments, before she nods. The Warriors spread out, making a protective circle around everyone, as the Cheetah woman's psi-blade vanishes, and she walks forward a few steps.

"I am Zatanya, of Psy-Scape. We preserved ourselves in this ley line for 23 years, because we knew we would be needed at this point. Mary she nods toward the peacefully sleeping woman predicted that we would be needed at this moment. Please, tell me who you are, and, if you may know, what is the current situation? Do you know of any increase in arcane activities? Any recent rise of demonic figures?

Once there is a lull in the conversation, Alison goes to speak quietly with Zatanya. After a few animated whispers and a bit of an explanation, Alison's face hardens.

"Sorry, guys," she says. "I have to go. It seems there's... well there's something happening back at the Magic Zone, maybe. New necromancers. Bad ones, it sounds like. Now that the boy is safe, you can travel faster without me, and I need to head there by a less roundabout route." As she says this, two birdlike, black feathered wings sprout from her back. "Don't worry about me. You all handle whatever this is; I know you will. And we'll meet back up the next time we're all at Refuge, I promise."

With that, she wings away, her two zombie companions moving at inhuman speeds below and just behind her, keeping pace surprisingly easily.

[Kindreth]

The Psyscapers grab a hold of the Canyonero, and you head back toward Fort Detroit. On the way back you notice the rest of the landscape has changed. The light appears to be in a constant state of twilight. There is now a significant amount of foliage, some of which consists of gnarled twisted trees with branches that actively reach toward the Canyonero as it passes. You go by the river where you saw the mammoth being sucked in by the tentacles earlier, and you sense that you are not alone. Without warning a dozen large bird like creatures descend from the sky. They are a crimson color, and do not appear to have any eyes. They also have razor sharp talons, which they use in an attempt to pick off anyone on the outside of the vehicle.

Instructions

This is a quick combat. Roll a relevant combat skill at a -2. A success means you take bumps and bruises, whereas a raise means you take no damage. A failure results in a wound and a critical failure means that you take 1d4 wounds. Please feel free to colorfully describe what occurs, and once you’re done will all of this, take a Benny.

Fighting 1d10!, Wild 1d6!: [5]+[1] = 6 +1 from signature item, -2 for scene penalty
Let's benny that, eh? Reroll Fighting 1d10!, Wild 1d6!: [7]+[3] = 10 +1 from signature item, +2 for Elan, -2 for scene penalty

A strange elf appears as if by magic from amongst the newly alien foliage, a softly humming katana in his hands. "Oh, come on!" the elf yells in a clear baritone voice. "I was just looking for a ride!" The newcomer does not appear armored, except perhaps by his long, blue coat, and he wears no helmet or other obvious battle dress to speak of. He does have a traveler's pack on his back, a pump-rifle on a strap across his chest, and a necklace with some sort of crystal pendant that occasionally catches and reflects the light.

The eyeless creatures, unfortunately for Kindreth, seem to make no distinction between the members of the SET, the Psi-Warriors, and an elf hitchhiker who is unwisely traveling without a towel.

"Ahhhhhh!" the newcomer screams eloquently as the creatures begin dive-bombing him. He is surprisingly agile, even for an elf, and he dances and dodges between the crimson creatures, katana flashing and humming as he severs limbs and wings.

In between gasping breaths and strokes of his sword, he asks the team (who are of course still strangers to him), "I don't... suppose... you have room... for one more soul... in the truck that time forgot... do you?"

[Doc Olliday]

Unaware of the newcomer, Doc pulls his hat/helmet over his eyes and climbs one of the access ladders to the top. From beneath his duster he pulls a drone, part arcane and part tech.

Pressing an activator with his right hand's thumb, Doc passes his left hand over the top.

Barrier Gizmo, TW 17, success, raise

Techno Wizard Rank - Seasoned
Master of Magic - Mega Modifier (Stalwart Walls)
Arcane Machinist
Barrier Power (Seasoned) 2 PPE - (8 of 12 used) - Hardness 10
Damage 1 PPE - 2d4 damage on contact
Shaped 2 PPE - Dome
Size 1 PPE - 20 yards circumfrence
Stalwart Walls 2 PPE - 12 MDC Armor

Techno Wizardry 1d10!!: [17!!] = 17
Wild 1d6!!: [2] = 2

The Barrier Gizmo floats into the air and after ascending fifteen feet, hums to life and a very traparent umbrella covers over the Caynonero.

[Sig]

Shooting 11

-2 difficulty, +2 armor, +2 ion
Shooting 1d10!!+2: [9]+2 = 11
Wild 1d6!!+2: [1]+2 = 3

Fort Detroit/Wilds/Ley line
Afternoon
Round 0

Sig floored the throttle as the eyeless birds started attacking. “Hell!” he muttered. His tail yanked out his ion pistol and started shooting at any of the birds that got too close. He spotted the elf suddenly appear up ahead and swerved the Canyonero to avoid hitting the elf as he slashed at the birds. Sig reached out, and his claws snatched the elf and threw him up onto the roof of the Canyonero with the others as they swept past. He wasn’t going to leave the man behind with those birds!

***

Character Tracker

Sig Character Sheet
Parry:9 (-1 cover); Toughness: Melee: 22 (8)/Ranged: 24 (10)
Bennies: 6/4
Deflector screen: 10/10 PP; deflection and protection
Winter’s Heart: 10/10 PPE; smite and slow

• Sloth (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): frost condenses around the target, slowing the target)
  • Halves the target’s total movement each round (round up). With a raise, movement is also an action. The target automatically attempts to shake off the effects of sloth at the end of each of his next turns by making a Spirit roll.
  • Area of Effect (+2 or +3): MBT or LBT
  • Strong (+1): Spirit roll to shake the effect is at -2.
  • Greater Sloth (+2): The target cannot run, and with a raise is Vulnerable.
• Smite (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): Weapon grows cold and glows an icy blue)
  • Increase damage +2, raise +4
  • Additional Recipients (+1 per target)
  • Greater Smite (+2): Damage +4 MD, Raise +6 MD

Thunderer: 8/8 x 2 reloads (8)
Plasma Ejector: 45/48 x 2 reloads (48)
NG-59 Ion Pistol: 20/20 x 2 reloads (20)

• Grenade: AP 1/1

NG-LG6: 20/20

• Grenades: Plasma 6/6

Armor Piercing Grenades x 2
Fragmentation Grenades x 4
High Explosive Grenades x 3
Plasma Grenades x 2
Rockets Launcher: 4 mini-missiles
IRMS: 4/4
First Aid Kit: 3/3
Rations: 7
Arcane Resistance/Improved: Arcane skills targeting the hero suffer a −4 penalty (even if cast by allies!); magical damage is reduced by 4.
Assassin: +2 to damage foes when Vulnerable or assassin has The Drop.
Block/Improved: +2 Parry, ignore 2 points of Gang Up bonuses.
Brawny: Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Brave: +2 vs. Fear, -2 to rolls on Fear table
Dodge/Improved: -2 to all ranged attacks against him unless surprised, and +2 when evading area effects.
Combat Reflexes: +2 Spirit to recover from being Shaken or Stunned.
First Strike: Once per turn, free Fighting attack against an opponent when they move within reach
Improved Arcane Resistance: +4 Armor vs. magic, +4 to resist magic
Improved Nerves of Steel: Ignore 2 Wound modifiers
Iron Jaw: +2 to Soak and Vigor rolls to avoid Knockout Blows.
Prehensile Tail: Extra non-movement action. Ignore 2 points of MAP
Regeneration: Natural healing roll every day for Wounds and Injuries.
Soldier: Free reroll on Vigor vs. environmental hazards; Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Titan Belt: +2 Size, +4 Toughness, +2 die types Strength

Unclaimed Loot

11 generic laser rifles (Range 24/48/96, Damage 3d6, RoF1, AP 4)

[Kindreth]

Sig reached out, and his claws snatched the elf and threw him up onto the roof of the Canyonero with the others as they swept past. He wasn’t going to leave the man behind with those birds!

Kindreth makes a very masculine and dignified sound - something akin to a bird's vocalization when it runs into a window - when Sig grabs him. "Arrrhaaa...cawrah!" the elf says as he tumbles towards the truck, propelled by Sig's powerful throw. At the last moment, Kindreth twists a bit in the air and lands gracefully in a three point stance. "Thank you for that, traveler!," he calls to Sig, "I was almost bird food."

[Stoic]

After a pitched battle the 24th and the Psyscapers manage to kill/drive the remaining birds away. You pause a bit to catch your breath, but then wisely forge ahead. The distances here seem, odd. Any navigational equipment you have refuses to work properly (-2 to survival checks) and you constantly get the feeling of vertigo. Still after travelling a few hours the party decides to rest. After a few heavy calculations, one of the Psyscapers is able to shoot an azimuth factoring in the extra moons, and confidently says that it is 3:00 p.m. Nonetheless you decide to take guard shifts. The shifts are uneventful for you while you are sentries (though Chekov and the Grey Seer are having a difficult time sleeping, they each chatter away in their sleep in some strange foreign language (Demogogian, if you have that, message me), Chekov whimpering a few times. When you take your short but much needed rest, you each have the same dream.

The Dream

The dream is fine at first, nothing particularly strange about it, You’re back in your own land, a crisp fall night. You approach a humble wooden cabin on a hill. The yard is very neat and tidy, but in the four cardinal directions there is an object placed. To the north, you see a stuffed animal monkey, laying on its back. To the West, a wind-up robot toy. It’s in mint condition and clearly pre-rifts, it’s probably worth a fortune. To the South a small green gelatinous puddle. To the East, a necklace with a turtle charm on it.

As you approach the cabin, the sky starts to shift, a bad storm quickly rolls in. You song starts up, the music coming from the cabin. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiMXK9e ... Cash-Topic ) A freezing cold downpour of rain is pissing down on you, lightning lashing out of the sickly green clouds, hitting so close that you smell the ozone. As you reach the cabin door you try to twist the handle, but it is locked. You reach into your pocket, not sure whether or not you have the key and then...you wake up.

When you wake up, the rest of the group has started to mill about. Somehow a few pots of coffee are here, sitting on top of the campfire. You take a cup if you’re so inclined, The Psyscapers inform you that A Psi-X Alien in their group, Willard, has figured out a way to adjust the instruments so that they read correctly. He can only power it so long though, so you must be going now back to the...West. THe Psyscapers have already packed up and you leave immediately. After fifteen minutes or so of travel (the instrument panel is light up by a pink mystical energy) you see a large hill and at the top of it is a wall of bright white light. Your group and a few of the Psy Scapers scout ahead. When you reach a point on the hill where you can see, A highly technologically advanced city is revealed, separated by a shimmering translucent gray membrane that is 100 meters tall and 100 meters wide. The city is far more advanced than anything the Coalition can put together (think Phase World tech). You see cars zipping by, with and without passengers. An army of matte black drones zips about, doing what, you have no idea. Curiously wedged right into one of the buildings is what appears to be a Shipping Container stashed under a pile of obsolete electronic and mechanical devices. It just so happens that this point is exactly where Fort Detroit should be per your map reading. As the scouts are checking out the situation Mary walks up next to them, a steaming mug of Hot Cocoa in her hands. A drone zips in front of you, on the other side of the membrane. It appears to be focusing it’s attention on your party.

Directions

You are 25" away from the membrane where the drone is checking you out.

What are you doing? Feel free to do an interlude as well, if you would like. If you do so, please take 1 roll on an HJ table of your choice. This must be tied into your interlude, and the usual restrictions apply. This roll can not be bennied. If you have any questions please feel free to ask either on here, or via Dischord.

[Sig]

HJ roll Body Armor

1d20: [13] = 13 - +1 Armor, reduce minimum strength

Fort Detroit
Afternoon
Round 0

Everyone was exhausted by the time they stopped for the night. Something was making it hard to navigate in the area, and stopping was a better idea than getting further lost.

After his guard shift, Sig peeled off his armor for a moment. He found some tools and started to work on the armor, making a few adjustments, adding some extra composite plating on the weak points, and generally just adjusting the way it hung on his body, making it lighter and easier to move in.

Finally he went to bed, dreaming strangely of an old farmhouse with odd objects littering the lawn. He awoke, thinking little of the dream. It was just a dream. He got some coffee into him, and was pleased to find out they had some solution around the navigational problems of the day before.

But when they reached what was supposed to be Fort Detroit, it wasn’t there. Instead, some futuristic high tech city surrounded by a grey membrane. A black matte drone flew to the edge of the city, observing them.

“What do you think?” Sig asked the others. “Is it a fade town? Then what happened to the fort?” He studied the drone watching them. “Should we go up and knock? Introduce ourselves?”

***

Character Tracker

Sig Character Sheet
Parry:9 (-1 cover); Toughness: Melee: 22 (9)/Ranged: 24 (11)
Bennies: 6/4
Deflector screen: 10/10 PP; deflection and protection
Winter’s Heart: 10/10 PPE; smite and slow

• Sloth (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): frost condenses around the target, slowing the target)
  • Halves the target’s total movement each round (round up). With a raise, movement is also an action. The target automatically attempts to shake off the effects of sloth at the end of each of his next turns by making a Spirit roll.
  • Area of Effect (+2 or +3): MBT or LBT
  • Strong (+1): Spirit roll to shake the effect is at -2.
  • Greater Sloth (+2): The target cannot run, and with a raise is Vulnerable.
• Smite (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): Weapon grows cold and glows an icy blue)
  • Increase damage +2, raise +4
  • Additional Recipients (+1 per target)
  • Greater Smite (+2): Damage +4 MD, Raise +6 MD

Thunderer: 8/8 x 2 reloads (8)
Plasma Ejector: 45/48 x 2 reloads (48)
NG-59 Ion Pistol: 20/20 x 2 reloads (20)

• Grenade: AP 1/1

NG-LG6: 20/20

• Grenades: Plasma 6/6

Armor Piercing Grenades x 2
Fragmentation Grenades x 4
High Explosive Grenades x 3
Plasma Grenades x 2
Rockets Launcher: 4 mini-missiles
IRMS: 4/4
First Aid Kit: 3/3
Rations: 7
Arcane Resistance/Improved: Arcane skills targeting the hero suffer a −4 penalty (even if cast by allies!); magical damage is reduced by 4.
Assassin: +2 to damage foes when Vulnerable or assassin has The Drop.
Block/Improved: +2 Parry, ignore 2 points of Gang Up bonuses.
Brawny: Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Brave: +2 vs. Fear, -2 to rolls on Fear table
Dodge/Improved: -2 to all ranged attacks against him unless surprised, and +2 when evading area effects.
Combat Reflexes: +2 Spirit to recover from being Shaken or Stunned.
First Strike: Once per turn, free Fighting attack against an opponent when they move within reach
Improved Arcane Resistance: +4 Armor vs. magic, +4 to resist magic
Improved Nerves of Steel: Ignore 2 Wound modifiers
Iron Jaw: +2 to Soak and Vigor rolls to avoid Knockout Blows.
Prehensile Tail: Extra non-movement action. Ignore 2 points of MAP
Regeneration: Natural healing roll every day for Wounds and Injuries.
Soldier: Free reroll on Vigor vs. environmental hazards; Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Titan Belt: +2 Size, +4 Toughness, +2 die types Strength

Unclaimed Loot

11 generic laser rifles (Range 24/48/96, Damage 3d6, RoF1, AP 4)

[Kindreth]

Kindreth takes a good, long look at the membrane and the city behind it. "I've seen a lot of stuff, but I haven't seen that before!" he declares as Mary approaches.

1d20: [17] = 17

Kindreth unslings his pump rifle. "Let's go have a quick look, shall we?"

As he walks determinedly towards the futuristic city and the approaching drone, his mind wanders back to the first city. His grandparents' city, somewhere else. Somewhen else, more accurately, and a place he'd never visited.

He is a third generation Earther; his grandparents had come through a rift from a world of a different time. Magic ruled in place of technology, powering vehicles, weapons, homes, and everything in between. Magic flowed like water through riverbeds and blew like air through fields and along busy city streets.

But then the first rift came. It swallowed most of the city, and sucked the magic out of the rest. Mana chariots fell from the skies, the city went dark, and enemies his grandparents had long considered vanquished began to reappear at the fringes of the wood. The city had its own, private apocalypse, and those who remained scavenged to survive.

Other rifts came, following the first. After a handful of decades, his grandparents figured, "why not?" Whatever was on the other side couldn't be worse than what they were fleeing. And so, the Aezeiros family came to North America and the Magic Zone, a family transplanted across the stars.

Kindreth tightens his grip on the stock of his rifle unconsciously, taking comfort in the well-used weapon. He'd had it for years, and at this point it felt like a second limb, no more or less essential than a leg or an arm. He prepares to have to use it, but decides on diplomacy first, waving towards the drone in a cheerful manner and flashing it a wide grin. "Hello, there! Do you speak American, by chance?"

[Stoic]

@Kindreth and the others notice that sound does not appear to penetrate the membrane, though the drone does tilt slightly, a series of lights flashing around what looks to be a glass sensor.

[Carlos]

The dream is very strange to Khar-loez. It clearly is not his own dream, cabins with yards about them and the artifacts at the cardinal points, all are not at all like any Simvan dwelling place. He has never in his life had reason to be carrying a key to a place anything like this. This place FEELS like home, but it should NOT, therefore it is a psychic projection of some kind, the feeling of it being home is clearly an empathic suggestion, and a very strong one.

He wonders if the items are symbolic of something, but if so he knows not what.

When we arrive at what should be Fort Detroit, it is not there. Replaced with a seat of high technology hose nearness makes him queasy all over again.

He frowns and asks, "This be place dream toy mean?"

The pristine robot toy in the dream, it could represent this strangely advance robot city.

[Serival Drumm]

M&M 8

Magic & Mysticism 1d20: [8] = 8 : Magic users benefit from a variety of spells. Your hero gains either the New Powers
Edge or any one power normally unavailable (except resurrection)

Bonus Power: Object Reading

Serival wakes from the dream and immediately makes some notes, particularly the four objects. Most strange.... He ponders the notes for the rest of the trip.

But when they come up to where the fort should be, he suffers a moment of vertigo. Memories come flooding back....

*********

"The trick to seeing an object's past," said Tiberius, "Is not to look along time, for the past is not someplace you can see at all." The wizened fae scholar laughed at the young D'norr's obvious frustration. "Rather, boy, you must learn to bring the object's past to yourself in the future, and then look at it through the eyes of now."

Serival resisted the urge to tell the fae he was speaking nonsense. He'd been in the Lands Beyond long enough to know what happened to an unruly Changeling, and had no desire for that sort of abuse again. Instead, he tried to make sense of the old coot's ramblings. "So you're saying that my perception of time cannot be changed, but that time itself is fungible?"

Tiberius laughed, approvingly. "Yes, precisely, whelp! And I'll prove it to you. I'll send this very lesson far into the future, where it will come up when you most need it. After all, wouldn't want you figuring out a way to use the power now, when you might try to use it to escape our gentle confines...."

The D'norr youth's eyes went wide and he reached out to plead for the old mage to stop, but it was too late; a snap of the fingers, and the lesson was gone... to now.

*********

He shakes his head at Sig. "I don't think it's a fadetown. I think it IS the Fort--or at least, what the Fort might become. See the shipping container? Remember, that's what most of our Fort was made of. I suspect that this is one possible future of the fort. Temporal anomaly of some sort. We should absolutely proceed with caution." Then he blinks, and flips open his notes, nodding as Khar-Loez comes to the same conclusion as he. "The robot... a high-tech toy, and we traveled to the West to get here. Might be related--which would suggest there are other bubbles of different possibilities out there, though what those other objects represent is anyone's guess.... Still, this is all just theorizing, now. If I can get inside that bubble, I can possibly confirm my theory." Don't expect me to be grateful, Tiberius. I paid dearly for those lessons.... Serival swore he could hear the old fae's laughter, just for a moment.

[Doc Olliday]

WIP for parting words from translating talking in sleep.

Education

Education HJ 1d20: [3] = 3 - already have.
Education HJ 1d20: [11] = 11 - already have
Education HJ 1d20: [14] = 14 - new HJ

Doc's innate understanding of computers makes him one of the most valuable people in the world, whether most folks understand that or not. He gains Hacking at a d6, as well as a +1 when dealing with electronic security using Thievery.

When Doc turns to "see" the scene that has stopped the 24th, he is a bit perplexed. Then nods. "A fade town, likely. I believe our Psyscape allies have brought us to pre-Rifts Detroit, nearly 350 years prior to our current timeline."

Doc puts his hand on the membrane without pushing through, if he can. Focusing on the drone, he

Hacking 1d6!!: [1] = 1 Wild 1d6!!: [3] = 3
Benny to Reroll
Hacking 1d6!!: [7!!] = 7 Wild 1d6!!: [1] = 1

with the hovering piece of tech.

"The interesting thing about the pre-Rifts Earth is their networks."

Turning back to the drone, "Show me around town, little fella."

[Xiang]

Experience and Wisdom 1d20: [10] = 10 Choice of bg edge: Alertness

Coming from a place perpetually stuck in dimensional flux makes the situation a little less unnerving to the werecat warrior but he was by no means comforted. Hard lessons as a youth had taught him to keep his wits about him no matter how familiar things seemed something unholy or alien could always lurk unseen.

---

Their hunting group was returning from a successful run against a pack of feral vampires that had been growing more bold near the tribes lands. It had been a good hunt, many of the ferals had been led into the path of a hungry demon. The demon and remaining vampires were then torn apart by the cat folk.

While making camp at dawn they found a strange tree with many welcoming looking nooks and perches, ideal for the parties needs. The area was of course examined for any mystic or psionic threats and having found none the elders deemed the site safe. Approaching it seemed to confirm the assessment, the tree beconed like their own homes in the canopy and the warriors of the Yunnyeeb tribe began to scale to alleged safety, the vanguard were already finding nesting places and about to doze off without even setting guards when a cry rang out from an elder, followed by a wave of energy bolstering the minds of the tribe.

Shaking his head clear of a daze he had not even noticed Xiang saw his comfortable nook in a juncture of limbs was in fact filled with bones. He reflexively sprang back just as the nest like spot convulsed inwards. Afterwards it was guessed the plant had some kind of pheremonal effect on the brain by the scientists Xiang described it to.

---

Xiang also approaches the strange barrier, remaining in his cat form. Psionically enhancing his senses sensitivity to the supernatural world, he give the membrane a look.

Psionics 1d8!!: [7] = 7
Wild 1d6!!: [1] = 1

Notice 1d8!!+4: [5]+4 = 9
Wild 1d6!!+4: [2]+4 = 6

[Stoic]

Unfortunately, Doc is unable to communicate with the drone. It seems that the membrane is preventing such things.

Mary takes a sip from her mug of cocoa and looks at the drone with a tired expression. ”The overlap, is what it's called. I think. A few years ago i started having dreams about it. At first they were sort of fuzzy, which for me is strange as I have a pretty good memory for my dreams. But then they got more and more clear. In these dreams I feel a presence. I can never quite see it, it often appears in the corner of my eye and then right when I turn to look, it’s gone. I feel that this presence is the key to all of this. I don’t know how exactly, but I believe it’s fusing different worlds or even dimensions together, the word that it uses for this isn’t quite overlap, but the idea is the same. I don’t know why it’s doing this, but I feel that the process is rather fragile. I bet if we can somehow disrupt it, we can stop it before it begins to merge worlds together. Heh, I thought a score of Psyscapes best warriors would be enough, but now that I’m actually here...Well, let’s just say I’m happy we ran into you.”

The drone continues to examine the party, tilting itself in a way that’s too human for your comfort.

Instructions

If you haven’t had a chance to do your interlude yet, you may still do so. What happens next is up to you. Do you talk to Mary? Is anyone brave enough to venture into the other world (the first one to do so gets a benny)? Do you want to head off in another direction? Strong arm Mary for some of that cocoa she’s been keeping to herself? As always if you have any questions feel free to PM me on here or Dischord

[Serival Drumm]

Serival turns to Sig after getting Mary's explanation. "Sir, it would seem we have three options--we charge in all at once to the bubble to examine it, we go back and see if we can find our own reality and attempt to deal with this... overlap from there, or we send someone in alone to see if we can find out any useful intelligence, then return to the group. While that choice is yours--and I don't envy you there--if you choose the last option, I'd like to note that infiltration and recon is my field of expertise; I'd be more than happy to go in on your command."

[Sig]

Fort Detroit
Afternoon
Round 0

Sig listened to Mary and Serival and scratched his tail. “Let’s not be jumpin’ into other worlds too quickly,” he told Serival. “We’ll keep that as Plan B.” Better to risk one member of the team on recon than have everyone charge in and disappear.

He looked over at Mary. “You mentioned disrupting it. Any idea how?” he asked. He didn’t know much about magic, whether it be arcane or psionic. His expertise was in blowing things up with more conventional means, so any insights into this phenomenon were appreciated.

***

Character Tracker

Sig Character Sheet
Parry:9 (-1 cover); Toughness: Melee: 22 (9)/Ranged: 24 (11)
Bennies: 6/4
Deflector screen: 10/10 PP; deflection and protection
Winter’s Heart: 10/10 PPE; smite and slow

• Sloth (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): frost condenses around the target, slowing the target)
  • Halves the target’s total movement each round (round up). With a raise, movement is also an action. The target automatically attempts to shake off the effects of sloth at the end of each of his next turns by making a Spirit roll.
  • Area of Effect (+2 or +3): MBT or LBT
  • Strong (+1): Spirit roll to shake the effect is at -2.
  • Greater Sloth (+2): The target cannot run, and with a raise is Vulnerable.
• Smite (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): Weapon grows cold and glows an icy blue)
  • Increase damage +2, raise +4
  • Additional Recipients (+1 per target)
  • Greater Smite (+2): Damage +4 MD, Raise +6 MD

Thunderer: 8/8 x 2 reloads (8)
Plasma Ejector: 45/48 x 2 reloads (48)
NG-59 Ion Pistol: 20/20 x 2 reloads (20)

• Grenade: AP 1/1

NG-LG6: 20/20

• Grenades: Plasma 6/6

Armor Piercing Grenades x 2
Fragmentation Grenades x 4
High Explosive Grenades x 3
Plasma Grenades x 2
Rockets Launcher: 4 mini-missiles
IRMS: 4/4
First Aid Kit: 3/3
Rations: 7
Arcane Resistance/Improved: Arcane skills targeting the hero suffer a −4 penalty (even if cast by allies!); magical damage is reduced by 4.
Assassin: +2 to damage foes when Vulnerable or assassin has The Drop.
Block/Improved: +2 Parry, ignore 2 points of Gang Up bonuses.
Brawny: Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Brave: +2 vs. Fear, -2 to rolls on Fear table
Dodge/Improved: -2 to all ranged attacks against him unless surprised, and +2 when evading area effects.
Combat Reflexes: +2 Spirit to recover from being Shaken or Stunned.
First Strike: Once per turn, free Fighting attack against an opponent when they move within reach
Improved Arcane Resistance: +4 Armor vs. magic, +4 to resist magic
Improved Nerves of Steel: Ignore 2 Wound modifiers
Iron Jaw: +2 to Soak and Vigor rolls to avoid Knockout Blows.
Prehensile Tail: Extra non-movement action. Ignore 2 points of MAP
Regeneration: Natural healing roll every day for Wounds and Injuries.
Soldier: Free reroll on Vigor vs. environmental hazards; Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Titan Belt: +2 Size, +4 Toughness, +2 die types Strength

Unclaimed Loot

11 generic laser rifles (Range 24/48/96, Damage 3d6, RoF1, AP 4)

[Carlos]

In the current circumstances, it may be hard to tell what is real. Khar-loez remembers one of his lessons, which has returned to him as he spends more time developing his psychic abilities...

The teacher is old and grizzled, at least to his students who are not yet pubescent. He is explaining, "Many others consider us weak, they think that our mind magic only works on animals. They forget that they, themselves, are animals...well most of them anyway. They think themselves above animals because they talk and build fancy machines, but they are still animals in their body, animals in their hind brains, animals in their senses. As you can guide an animal through danger with your mind, so too can you guide others. You can calm their fears and show them when what they sense is a true threat, or simply seems so to their minds. The greatest of chiefs of our people are masters of this, able to defend the entire tribe from false paths laid out by our enemies."

Perhaps he can use this lesson to help the rest avoid outside influences on their minds.

[Stoic]

Mary shakes her head, taking another sip of cocoa. "While I do commune with the great spirit, unfortunately I am not familiar with this kind of stuff, rifts, and all of that. I know this will sound crazy to you, but I know that we will find a way. What that way is exactly, well that's as much a mystery to me as it is to you." She walks closer to the membrane, stopping about 2 meters away from it, curiously examining what it reveals. She touches her hand to it and then walks through. The 4 Psyscapers that accompanied you run after her.

[Sig]

Fort Detroit
Afternoon
Round 0

Sig was turning to the other mystical members of his team for their input when Mary -- followed by the rest of the Psyscape refugees walked right through the barricade into the city.

“Oh, bloody hell!” he muttered.”Guess we need to follow. Stick close together. Don’t wander off.” With that, the big grackle stepped through the barrier.

***

Character Tracker

Sig Character Sheet
Parry:9 (-1 cover); Toughness: Melee: 22 (9)/Ranged: 24 (11)
Bennies: 6/4
Deflector screen: 10/10 PP; deflection and protection
Winter’s Heart: 10/10 PPE; smite and slow

• Sloth (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): frost condenses around the target, slowing the target)
  • Halves the target’s total movement each round (round up). With a raise, movement is also an action. The target automatically attempts to shake off the effects of sloth at the end of each of his next turns by making a Spirit roll.
  • Area of Effect (+2 or +3): MBT or LBT
  • Strong (+1): Spirit roll to shake the effect is at -2.
  • Greater Sloth (+2): The target cannot run, and with a raise is Vulnerable.
• Smite (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): Weapon grows cold and glows an icy blue)
  • Increase damage +2, raise +4
  • Additional Recipients (+1 per target)
  • Greater Smite (+2): Damage +4 MD, Raise +6 MD

Thunderer: 8/8 x 2 reloads (8)
Plasma Ejector: 45/48 x 2 reloads (48)
NG-59 Ion Pistol: 20/20 x 2 reloads (20)

• Grenade: AP 1/1

NG-LG6: 20/20

• Grenades: Plasma 6/6

Armor Piercing Grenades x 2
Fragmentation Grenades x 4
High Explosive Grenades x 3
Plasma Grenades x 2
Rockets Launcher: 4 mini-missiles
IRMS: 4/4
First Aid Kit: 3/3
Rations: 7
Arcane Resistance/Improved: Arcane skills targeting the hero suffer a −4 penalty (even if cast by allies!); magical damage is reduced by 4.
Assassin: +2 to damage foes when Vulnerable or assassin has The Drop.
Block/Improved: +2 Parry, ignore 2 points of Gang Up bonuses.
Brawny: Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Brave: +2 vs. Fear, -2 to rolls on Fear table
Dodge/Improved: -2 to all ranged attacks against him unless surprised, and +2 when evading area effects.
Combat Reflexes: +2 Spirit to recover from being Shaken or Stunned.
First Strike: Once per turn, free Fighting attack against an opponent when they move within reach
Improved Arcane Resistance: +4 Armor vs. magic, +4 to resist magic
Improved Nerves of Steel: Ignore 2 Wound modifiers
Iron Jaw: +2 to Soak and Vigor rolls to avoid Knockout Blows.
Prehensile Tail: Extra non-movement action. Ignore 2 points of MAP
Regeneration: Natural healing roll every day for Wounds and Injuries.
Soldier: Free reroll on Vigor vs. environmental hazards; Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Titan Belt: +2 Size, +4 Toughness, +2 die types Strength

Unclaimed Loot

11 generic laser rifles (Range 24/48/96, Damage 3d6, RoF1, AP 4)

[Xiang]

Turning from the barrier Xiang smiles a Cheshire grin to his team mates. "I think I should play the role of mere pet for now, keep a card up our sleeve as Danny would say."

Xiang, in his role of curious pet, crosses over last. After a little feigned distress at "his people" going into the membrane (like a housecat whose owner is in the shower), he then takes a couple swipes at it and leaps through. Running to catch up, he twines around some legs then hops up in front of Khar-loezs saddle as he often does. From his perch he continues to survey their surroundings for any supernatural threats or curiosities.

[Carlos]

Khar-loez notes: "Pets are Simvan Specialty."

Indeed, control of exotic animals is precisely what the Simvan are best known for (that and eating other intelligent creatures, which is a misunderstood practice). Pretending to be with Khar-loez would probably serve Xiang best. The Werecat agrees and hops up on the saddle with the Simvan as Khar-loez calms his steed to persuade it to pass through the barrier. Practicing the techniques that he just recalled as it happens...

[Doc Olliday]

Doc follows the psyscapers through and at the last possible second

Agility 1d6!!: [2] = 2 Wild 1d6!!: [20!!] = 20

. Treating it like a wild bird he turn the rotors out and away from everyone and proceeds to worka full diagnostic on the device. What can he say, It's Tech.

[Serival Drumm]

Serival immediately goes through the membrane when Sig makes the declaration, Glass moving in front of him, both very quiet as they step up to the alternate... whateverthisis. As he reaches the membrane, he pauses momentarily to draw forth and activate his paralysis rod, and, after a moment's consideration, turns on his psi-shield helm, as well. Better safe than sorry....

OOC Comments

Bennies: 3/3
PPE: 26/30
Glass PPE: 40/40
Current Conditions: +4 Armor/Resistance to psionic powers (beneficial and malevolent alike)

[Stoic]

As the group passes through the membrane they are surprised at how smooth the transition between the two worlds is. There is no vertigo, no sudden sensation that reality is being torn asunder at the same time it is being rebuilt, nothing like that at all. It feels...normal. As soon as you enter the Technological world you feel a nice warm day, 72 degrees. No wind of note and looking up you see that there is light but you do not see a source of the light. Doc nimbly plucks the drone out of the sky, then suddenly yanks his hand away as he receives a surprise electrical jolt from the surface of it's body. It's a good thing he removes his appendage as the drone drops to the ground, instantly melting into a bubbling gray goo. Looking about you realize that you don't see a single living creature aaside from yourselves, just drone's and empty cars zipping around, making acrobatic maneuvers as traffic proceeds as a brisk pace. The Shipping Container that you believe is one of the points of ingress to Fort Detroit is 150 meters away.

[Serival Drumm]

Seeing the interaction of Doc and the drone, and the messy outcome, Serival frowns, and approaches, without quite getting close enough to risk coming into contact with the puddle. As he studies it, his eyes begin to glow an eldritch violet hue, specifically trying to compare it to the black goo they encountered at the devastated fenced-in village. As long as I'm doing this, may as well keep a watch out for any living souls, as well....

Take a Peek

Current PPE: 26/30
Detect Arcana (PPE 2, +2 Exalted, +1 Presence Sense, Range +2: 7 Total)
Spellcasting 1d12!!+1: [4]+1 = 5
Wild Spellcasting 1d6!!+1: [3]+1 = 4
Success

Presence Sense up to 24", for the next 10 rounds

[Danny]

Danny of course at nodded to Sig when his metaphorical brother at said to proceed in. Having been assigned dark and dangerous missions during the war he was not unfamiliar with going into the literal unknown. But he was a bit delayed as some of the soldiers and Mary is particular were making googlie eyes at his slick scaley physique.

Even though he was last to come through come he did. He was carying all his pertitant gear, and weapons of war. He croched as low as he could next to @Serival Drumm eyeing the target. He whispered, “Send your guy Serival. I’ll watch your back.”

[Doc Olliday]

Doc stoops down, checking his gloved hand to determine how much current was being pumped through the little drone.

He checks the smell of the melting ooze and pulls out some sample vials and tweezers and attempts to collect a sample, assuming @Serival Drumm gives him the ok.

The automated surroundings are a bit off putting. Where are the inhabitants?

[Carlos]

Khar-loez is perhaps the only one who finds this place severely unpleasant and disturbing just to be in, it cuts him off greatly from nature, as any large and high-technology city would. He can not tell what is wrong or unnatural here, because everything is.

He reminds himself, If your magic senses are confused, rely on your mundane senses and your wits. Magic may give you another sense and another set of tools, but it is not your only one.

[Sig]

Fort Detroit
Afternoon
Round 0

Sig scanned the area around them. He signalled to Danny to sweep the perimeter and watched as the drone melted into goo when Doc touched it. He eyed the traffic of empty cars flying around.

“It just occurred to me that if this is pre-rifts Detroit, we might just be out of place,” the big grackle commented. He glanced around his team. Two grackles, a d’norr, a simvan. Xiang in cat form could likely pass, and Doc.

“We should find a place to get out of sight until Doc and Xiang can explore a bit more without whipping up a mob over aliens or whatever.” He nodded over to the shipping container. “Working at night will be better.”

***

Character Tracker

Sig Character Sheet
Parry:9 (-1 cover); Toughness: Melee: 22 (9)/Ranged: 24 (11)
Bennies: 6/4
Deflector screen: 10/10 PP; deflection and protection
Winter’s Heart: 10/10 PPE; smite and slow

• Sloth (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): frost condenses around the target, slowing the target)
  • Halves the target’s total movement each round (round up). With a raise, movement is also an action. The target automatically attempts to shake off the effects of sloth at the end of each of his next turns by making a Spirit roll.
  • Area of Effect (+2 or +3): MBT or LBT
  • Strong (+1): Spirit roll to shake the effect is at -2.
  • Greater Sloth (+2): The target cannot run, and with a raise is Vulnerable.
• Smite (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): Weapon grows cold and glows an icy blue)
  • Increase damage +2, raise +4
  • Additional Recipients (+1 per target)
  • Greater Smite (+2): Damage +4 MD, Raise +6 MD

Thunderer: 8/8 x 2 reloads (8)
Plasma Ejector: 45/48 x 2 reloads (48)
NG-59 Ion Pistol: 20/20 x 2 reloads (20)

• Grenade: AP 1/1

NG-LG6: 20/20

• Grenades: Plasma 6/6

Armor Piercing Grenades x 2
Fragmentation Grenades x 4
High Explosive Grenades x 3
Plasma Grenades x 2
Rockets Launcher: 4 mini-missiles
IRMS: 4/4
First Aid Kit: 3/3
Rations: 7
Arcane Resistance/Improved: Arcane skills targeting the hero suffer a −4 penalty (even if cast by allies!); magical damage is reduced by 4.
Assassin: +2 to damage foes when Vulnerable or assassin has The Drop.
Block/Improved: +2 Parry, ignore 2 points of Gang Up bonuses.
Brawny: Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Brave: +2 vs. Fear, -2 to rolls on Fear table
Dodge/Improved: -2 to all ranged attacks against him unless surprised, and +2 when evading area effects.
Combat Reflexes: +2 Spirit to recover from being Shaken or Stunned.
First Strike: Once per turn, free Fighting attack against an opponent when they move within reach
Improved Arcane Resistance: +4 Armor vs. magic, +4 to resist magic
Improved Nerves of Steel: Ignore 2 Wound modifiers
Iron Jaw: +2 to Soak and Vigor rolls to avoid Knockout Blows.
Prehensile Tail: Extra non-movement action. Ignore 2 points of MAP
Regeneration: Natural healing roll every day for Wounds and Injuries.
Soldier: Free reroll on Vigor vs. environmental hazards; Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Titan Belt: +2 Size, +4 Toughness, +2 die types Strength

Unclaimed Loot

11 generic laser rifles (Range 24/48/96, Damage 3d6, RoF1, AP 4)

[Xiang]

Modifiers: Racial +2, Perceptive +2. Net +4
Notice 1d8!!+4: [6]+4 = 10
Wild 1d6!!+4: [5]+4 = 9

Normal cities were bad enough but this.. mockery was somehow worse. At least there was some life to your normal settlement, as stifling as it could be all packed together and filled with loud machines. Xiangs tail and ears made his mood well known to anyone who knows felinoid body language; his ears lay low, not quite flat but close and his tails thumped the saddle behind him in agitation.

[Carlos]

OOC Comments

I believe that, due to the nature of his abilities, Khar-loez will not have his Danger Sense or Alertness edges while within the city. If I am mistaken, add a +2 to his Notice rolls.
Notice: 1d8!!: [7] = 7 Wild Notice: 1d6!!: [2] = 2
He will attempt to keep Xiang calm (His reputation should not effect this roll):
Persuade: 1d4!!: [2] = 2 . Wild Persuade 1d6!!: [1] = 1

Khar-loez notes Xiang's discomfort, which he shares, and attempts to calm the Werecat...not particularly effectively as he rarely practices the art of persuasion.

[Serival Drumm]

Serival shakes his head at Sig. "Honestly, I think anything that breathes is out of place, here. There's nothing alive within 50 yards--not even animals. I don't even think there's any plants. Pretty sure that rules out pre-Rifts anything; the Golden Age of humanity might have been impressive technologically, but there were still humans."

[Sig]

Fort Detroit
Afternoon
Round 0

Sig nodded to Serival. “No life? That’s just extra creepy,” he muttered. “Okay, we’ll stick together then. Scouts, keep in radio contact and don’t get too far away. Let’s still check out those shipping containers. We’ll need somewhere to hole up if we’re still here when night falls.”

***

Character Tracker

Sig Character Sheet
Parry:9 (-1 cover); Toughness: Melee: 22 (9)/Ranged: 24 (11)
Bennies: 6/4
Deflector screen: 10/10 PP; deflection and protection
Winter’s Heart: 10/10 PPE; smite and slow

• Sloth (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): frost condenses around the target, slowing the target)
  • Halves the target’s total movement each round (round up). With a raise, movement is also an action. The target automatically attempts to shake off the effects of sloth at the end of each of his next turns by making a Spirit roll.
  • Area of Effect (+2 or +3): MBT or LBT
  • Strong (+1): Spirit roll to shake the effect is at -2.
  • Greater Sloth (+2): The target cannot run, and with a raise is Vulnerable.
• Smite (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): Weapon grows cold and glows an icy blue)
  • Increase damage +2, raise +4
  • Additional Recipients (+1 per target)
  • Greater Smite (+2): Damage +4 MD, Raise +6 MD

Thunderer: 8/8 x 2 reloads (8)
Plasma Ejector: 45/48 x 2 reloads (48)
NG-59 Ion Pistol: 20/20 x 2 reloads (20)

• Grenade: AP 1/1

NG-LG6: 20/20

• Grenades: Plasma 6/6

Armor Piercing Grenades x 2
Fragmentation Grenades x 4
High Explosive Grenades x 3
Plasma Grenades x 2
Rockets Launcher: 4 mini-missiles
IRMS: 4/4
First Aid Kit: 3/3
Rations: 7
Arcane Resistance/Improved: Arcane skills targeting the hero suffer a −4 penalty (even if cast by allies!); magical damage is reduced by 4.
Assassin: +2 to damage foes when Vulnerable or assassin has The Drop.
Block/Improved: +2 Parry, ignore 2 points of Gang Up bonuses.
Brawny: Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Brave: +2 vs. Fear, -2 to rolls on Fear table
Dodge/Improved: -2 to all ranged attacks against him unless surprised, and +2 when evading area effects.
Combat Reflexes: +2 Spirit to recover from being Shaken or Stunned.
First Strike: Once per turn, free Fighting attack against an opponent when they move within reach
Improved Arcane Resistance: +4 Armor vs. magic, +4 to resist magic
Improved Nerves of Steel: Ignore 2 Wound modifiers
Iron Jaw: +2 to Soak and Vigor rolls to avoid Knockout Blows.
Prehensile Tail: Extra non-movement action. Ignore 2 points of MAP
Regeneration: Natural healing roll every day for Wounds and Injuries.
Soldier: Free reroll on Vigor vs. environmental hazards; Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Titan Belt: +2 Size, +4 Toughness, +2 die types Strength

Unclaimed Loot

11 generic laser rifles (Range 24/48/96, Damage 3d6, RoF1, AP 4)

[Xiang]

Seeing no drones or cameras around Xiang breaks character for a second and speaks. "I think this form will elicit less of a reaction than a humanoid one Sig, so I can't use a radio. I can link my mind with yours, or anyone else here, to keep in touch. I don't sense any psionic forces here so it should go unnoticed by whatever is behind these machines. Radio transmissions however seem right up their river." Hopping down from his perch the werecat waits for permission to mindlink before he slips off.

[Stoic]

The group enters the city, heading toward the Shipping containers. Much to your surprise the cars and other autonomous vehicles deliberately move out of your way and slow down to allow you to pass. As soon as you are out of their way, they go back to whatever it was they were up to. Chekov takes the lead. As you enter the Shipping container anyone with mystical senses feels uneasy, as if something very bad is about to happen. Chekov winds you through the completely vacant containers, and he begins to sniff at the air. He let's loose a mournful howl, and the big dog boy begins weeping hysterically.

Instructions

Anyone who wants to roll Detect arcana, roll it. On a success you realize that the container is riddled with Haunting Entities. On a raise you will recognize some of them as Legionnaires that you briefly met before you departed to find the missing boy.

What are you doing?

[Carlos]

Khar-loez observes the reaction of the Dog Boy, and knows the canine's senses, both physical and psychic, are keener than his own. He is not sure what would happen if he tried to detect what the creature is reacting to, as he would have to use his ecological magic. In a place like this, his magic is weak and unreliable.

Instead, he asks Chekov, "What wrong?"

[Xiang]

Psionics 1d8!!: [3] = 3
Wild 1d6!!: [11!!] = 11

Feeling that something is very not right, Xiang enhances his senses and immediately emits a low, involuntary growl. "Madre Dios, they're dead! Their spirts linger and do no look pleased we are here."

He transforms into his hybrid form, his TW shield snapping open. "If they attack us I will ask Kinich Ahau to bless the weapons of those with no magics, but if everyone who was here is now an angry ghost..."

[Serival Drumm]

Serival frowns, and gets close enough to speak softly to Sig. "This place is filled with Haunting Entities--what many would call 'ghosts'."

[Carlos]

Khar-loez frowns as he digests the information, "Ghosts no person."

What he means is that Haunting Entities are not the people whose memories they copy. They merely think they are. They are, sometimes, able to be convinced to be helpful if the person they emulate would have been friendly to the person doing the persuasion.

[Sig]

Fort Detroit
Afternoon
Round 0

Sig looked down at Xiang and nodded. “You may mentally link with me then,” he told the werecat. “Though I am not sure there is anyone out there to spook,” he admitted.

They entered the shipping containers. They were empty. And then Chekov, the dog boy, began to howl mournfully.

“What’s wrong?” Sig asked, his hands clenching on his plasma ejector.

"Madre de Dios, they're dead! Their spirits linger and do not look pleased we are here," Xiang said. He transformed into a hybrid form and raised his shield. "If they attack us I will ask Kinich Ahau to bless the weapons of those with no magics, but if everyone who was here is now an angry ghost..."

“Who?” Sig asked. “Ghosts? The Legionnaires who were here?”

Serival confirmed it.

“Okay. If their hostile, we should get out,” Sig said. “There is nothing in here. If we can communicate with them, could they tell us what happened?” He started backing toward the doors of the shipping containers, unable to see these entities.

***

Character Tracker

Sig Character Sheet
Parry:9 (-1 cover); Toughness: Melee: 22 (9)/Ranged: 24 (11)
Bennies: 6/4
Deflector screen: 10/10 PP; deflection and protection
Winter’s Heart: 10/10 PPE; smite and slow

• Sloth (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): frost condenses around the target, slowing the target)
  • Halves the target’s total movement each round (round up). With a raise, movement is also an action. The target automatically attempts to shake off the effects of sloth at the end of each of his next turns by making a Spirit roll.
  • Area of Effect (+2 or +3): MBT or LBT
  • Strong (+1): Spirit roll to shake the effect is at -2.
  • Greater Sloth (+2): The target cannot run, and with a raise is Vulnerable.
• Smite (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): Weapon grows cold and glows an icy blue)
  • Increase damage +2, raise +4
  • Additional Recipients (+1 per target)
  • Greater Smite (+2): Damage +4 MD, Raise +6 MD

Thunderer: 8/8 x 2 reloads (8)
Plasma Ejector: 45/48 x 2 reloads (48)
NG-59 Ion Pistol: 20/20 x 2 reloads (20)

• Grenade: AP 1/1

NG-LG6: 20/20

• Grenades: Plasma 6/6

Armor Piercing Grenades x 2
Fragmentation Grenades x 4
High Explosive Grenades x 3
Plasma Grenades x 2
Rockets Launcher: 4 mini-missiles
IRMS: 4/4
First Aid Kit: 3/3
Rations: 7
Arcane Resistance/Improved: Arcane skills targeting the hero suffer a −4 penalty (even if cast by allies!); magical damage is reduced by 4.
Assassin: +2 to damage foes when Vulnerable or assassin has The Drop.
Block/Improved: +2 Parry, ignore 2 points of Gang Up bonuses.
Brawny: Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Brave: +2 vs. Fear, -2 to rolls on Fear table
Dodge/Improved: -2 to all ranged attacks against him unless surprised, and +2 when evading area effects.
Combat Reflexes: +2 Spirit to recover from being Shaken or Stunned.
First Strike: Once per turn, free Fighting attack against an opponent when they move within reach
Improved Arcane Resistance: +4 Armor vs. magic, +4 to resist magic
Improved Nerves of Steel: Ignore 2 Wound modifiers
Iron Jaw: +2 to Soak and Vigor rolls to avoid Knockout Blows.
Prehensile Tail: Extra non-movement action. Ignore 2 points of MAP
Regeneration: Natural healing roll every day for Wounds and Injuries.
Soldier: Free reroll on Vigor vs. environmental hazards; Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Titan Belt: +2 Size, +4 Toughness, +2 die types Strength

Unclaimed Loot

11 generic laser rifles (Range 24/48/96, Damage 3d6, RoF1, AP 4)

[Doc Olliday]

Having entered the container with everyone else, Doc waited for his senses to start tingling. When it was thought to be lifeless inside, Doc began searching for something to tinker with, electronics, computers, security, virtual reality.

Electronics

Electronics 1d8!!: [4] = 4 Wild 1d6!!: [4] = 4

[Sig]

Electronics support Doc 2; no help. Sorry!

Electronics 1d6!!: [2] = 2
Wild 1d6!!: [2] = 2

Fort Detroit
Afternoon
Round 0

Sig followed Doc Olliday as he moved through the containers, trying out some of the electronics to see if they would work or give them more information. Unfortunately, a lot of the equipment he tried didn’t seem to have power.

***

Character Tracker

Sig Character Sheet
Parry:9 (-1 cover); Toughness: Melee: 22 (9)/Ranged: 24 (11)
Bennies: 6/4
Deflector screen: 10/10 PP; deflection and protection
Winter’s Heart: 10/10 PPE; smite and slow

• Sloth (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): frost condenses around the target, slowing the target)
  • Halves the target’s total movement each round (round up). With a raise, movement is also an action. The target automatically attempts to shake off the effects of sloth at the end of each of his next turns by making a Spirit roll.
  • Area of Effect (+2 or +3): MBT or LBT
  • Strong (+1): Spirit roll to shake the effect is at -2.
  • Greater Sloth (+2): The target cannot run, and with a raise is Vulnerable.
• Smite (2 PPE, Range Smarts d6, 5r): Weapon grows cold and glows an icy blue)
  • Increase damage +2, raise +4
  • Additional Recipients (+1 per target)
  • Greater Smite (+2): Damage +4 MD, Raise +6 MD

Thunderer: 8/8 x 2 reloads (8)
Plasma Ejector: 45/48 x 2 reloads (48)
NG-59 Ion Pistol: 20/20 x 2 reloads (20)

• Grenade: AP 1/1

NG-LG6: 20/20

• Grenades: Plasma 6/6

Armor Piercing Grenades x 2
Fragmentation Grenades x 4
High Explosive Grenades x 3
Plasma Grenades x 2
Rockets Launcher: 4 mini-missiles
IRMS: 4/4
First Aid Kit: 3/3
Rations: 7
Arcane Resistance/Improved: Arcane skills targeting the hero suffer a −4 penalty (even if cast by allies!); magical damage is reduced by 4.
Assassin: +2 to damage foes when Vulnerable or assassin has The Drop.
Block/Improved: +2 Parry, ignore 2 points of Gang Up bonuses.
Brawny: Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Brave: +2 vs. Fear, -2 to rolls on Fear table
Dodge/Improved: -2 to all ranged attacks against him unless surprised, and +2 when evading area effects.
Combat Reflexes: +2 Spirit to recover from being Shaken or Stunned.
First Strike: Once per turn, free Fighting attack against an opponent when they move within reach
Improved Arcane Resistance: +4 Armor vs. magic, +4 to resist magic
Improved Nerves of Steel: Ignore 2 Wound modifiers
Iron Jaw: +2 to Soak and Vigor rolls to avoid Knockout Blows.
Prehensile Tail: Extra non-movement action. Ignore 2 points of MAP
Regeneration: Natural healing roll every day for Wounds and Injuries.
Soldier: Free reroll on Vigor vs. environmental hazards; Strength +1 die type for encumbrance
Titan Belt: +2 Size, +4 Toughness, +2 die types Strength

Unclaimed Loot

11 generic laser rifles (Range 24/48/96, Damage 3d6, RoF1, AP 4)

[Doc Olliday]

Doc patted the big grackle on his elbow (reaching his shoulder was out of the question).

"All good my friend. Let us see what this metal box contains in secrets."

[Carlos]

Khar-loez is incredibly discomforted by this place. Whether his magic would even work here, he doubts. It is kind of a self-fulfilling prophesy, because hew does not believe it will work, it will not.

He does think that the entities might have some knowledge of what happened, if it can be obtained.