Chapter 6: Heroes of Our Time

Post by **Venatus Vinco** » Wed Dec 09, 2020 3:56 pm

Finding Fanya
After taking time to rest, recover, and regroup the 1st SET finds themselves with a new sense of purpose: stop the Nightingale demon from delivering its stolen goods to the demon lord Chort. The stakes are high and time is short. However, ridding the Megaverse of the Nightingale for good requires preparation. The wandering Mystic Kuznya Fanya Yurievich can craft manacles that bind the Nightingale to this realm, allowing it to be permanently killed. yet finding Fanya - and convincing the Nightingale to go quietly - are two very tall tasks.

Fortunately, both lie in the same direction. North along the shores of Volga river. Lots of small towns, and factions of warlords, dot the area. Finding the mystic smith is a matter of stopping in each location along the way and asking around - hopefully to friendly locals. Hopefully.

The Romani are generous, offering food and supplies for the journey as well as some rudimentary maps of their travelling routes. These routes allow for avoiding some of the more deranged Warlords and most dangerous demon infested areas. Of course, the expectation is the group will return to Marta with the rings for her help to return to North America. So, it's more of an investment than a gift on behalf of the Romani.

Travel

Par · Post by **Par** » Fri Dec 11, 2020 9:01 am

The trip promised to be dangerous and Par was convinced he would be helpful this time. Doing his best to keep his head on his shoulders he Par was a diligent lookout, not only looking with his eyes, but using his arcane senses to likewise aid him in his efforts. Periodically scanning the countryside for risks his eyes may have missed with his arcane senses, and asking the local spirits for knowledge of dangers unheard.

Palach · Post by **Palach** » Fri Dec 11, 2020 10:15 pm

The Journey - Driving Success

Once all are loaded into the Novyet Bear, (a much cozier fit now that the whole crew is loaded in) Palach sets off on the road ahead. Having paid only minimal attention to the maps, assuming he would have navigators actively comparing the map to the path, he glances frequently to his side for guidance from the co-pilot. After a particularly late instruction to turn that nearly caused them to land in a ditch, he offers some "harsh" criticism. "Is maybe better to say 'turn' sooner, da? I am good driver, but is dangerous road. More warning helps."

Makenna Griggs · Post by **Makenna Griggs** » Sat Dec 12, 2020 10:08 am

Navigation

Makenna takes charge of the map and helps guide the vehicle on the right path. When @Palach chides her for not giving directions fast enough, she winces. "Sorry, I got distracted for a second. I'm still getting used to these optic implants." For the rest of the journey, she focuses on making sure he knows well in advance when the next turn is going to be.

steelbrok · Post by **steelbrok** » Sat Dec 12, 2020 4:58 pm

Looks over the maps for a while before they set out, making note of likely choke points and rougher terrain. Looking at the shape of the Volga river he identifies where the ruins of Stalingrad will be. The idea of adding a king's sword to his collection...

He looks unenthusiastically at the crowded cab and climbs up behind it, activating his heating circuits to keep himself cosy warm. Securing himself well in a nest of supplies and boxes of railgun rounds, he settles in to clean his weapons whilst his 360 senses supplement Par's more esoteric viewing.

Par · Post by **Par** » Sat Dec 12, 2020 6:06 pm

Steelbrock's help was enough to get Par on track. The little things he would have missed while meditating or doing other work, improved by the Cyborgs efforts coving those gaps. Having a second person able to perceive in full radius and spectrum was a rare thing but the two of them combined made it work excellently.

Notice total = 8

Palach · Post by **Palach** » Sat Dec 12, 2020 7:19 pm

Palach recoils slightly, raising his hand defensively. He withdraws his ever so slight rebuke of @Makenna Griggs. "I did not mean insult. Is okay! Is just good not to crash with all my new friends, da? Is okay. I will do better." He tries a reassuring, toothy smile, but it doesn't reach his eyes.

steelbrok · Post by **steelbrok** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:36 am

Listens to the bickering subside in the cab and is glad he's outside with the cool kids.

"Thursday, Bryan, how about some airborne overwatch? Don't go too high, though, and draw attention to us. Make sure you scan ahead on of our flanks as well as the route."

He turns to call into the cab, "Maks, keep a sharp eye out for Stalingrad. There's something we need to pick up there."

Viktor Konnikov · Post by **Viktor Konnikov** » Mon Dec 14, 2020 2:42 pm

Following the lead, Viktor takes to scouting alongside his compatriots. When the time was right he asked "What is it exactly we be hunting out here?"

steelbrok · Post by **steelbrok** » Tue Dec 15, 2020 4:12 am

"Victor, just keep an eye out for things that are hunting US!"

Radecliffe · Post by **Radecliffe** » Fri Dec 18, 2020 6:07 pm

Radecliffe glides through the snow keeping to the treeline and pacing the slow moving vehicle. Scanning the group's projected path he scowls as he notices Fang veer off with his nose to the ground. Damn it Fang, now's not the time to be thinking with your stomach!

Glancing across to Viktor he notes the strange man's diligence. At least someone is keeping their mind on the job at hand!

Post by **Venatus Vinco** » Sat Dec 19, 2020 4:29 pm

Heroes of Our Time

Following the Volga River northward
Horror Factor: 3
Conditions: Light Snow.

The Volga River is a life line in the wide open spaces of post-apocalyptic Russia. With no highways, rails, or air transportation, the river is the primary conduit of movement throughout the entire region. As a result, many towns and villages dot its shores and the Warlords patrol it extensively. With such an impressive landmark to orienteer by Makenna helps the group make fantastic time and keeps Palach from avoiding a few potholes along the way. Up ahead Viktor and Radecliffe manage to steer everyone clear of any potential trouble.

At one point time seems to move strangely. It feels as if it is passing by normally, then suddenly, the group finds it to be much later in the day. Par’s mystic senses can feel the slight tingle of mystic energy. Perhaps they passed through something similar to a Fade Zone in North America.

Regardless, it seems they were not the only ones affected as a sudden flash of blue energy rupts in the middle of the river and a capsized cargo vessel appears out of nowhere! It is listing badly and many of its containers have spilled into the icy river. It is eerily quiet with no signs of a crew.

Bryan · Post by **Bryan** » Sat Dec 19, 2020 4:42 pm

OOC Comments

Bryan takes to the sky, his matte black armor standing out against the light dusting of snow. He circles the ship a few times, then opens up the radio channel. "I don't see anyone on the ship, plus it looks like it's sinking."

Post by **Venatus Vinco** » Sun Dec 20, 2020 5:16 pm

From Discord wrote: So you can do whatever you want...if you want to just grab as much stuff as you can before the ship goes down I'll set up a task for that. You'll be guaranteed some loot

But, if you want to save the ship and all it's cargo (and have it for your journey up river) you can do that but it will be much harder and you might end up with nothing.

Thursday · Post by **Thursday** » Sun Dec 20, 2020 5:45 pm

Thursday looks around at the giant shiny chunk of mobilized metal. Thursday heard about boats before and read pirate stories, always wanting to know what it's like to go into the open seas (ignoring the fact that he can fly) with his own crew. He never thought he'd see a large boat like this before - however, it is also surrounded by many smaller boxes of shinies. It's obvious he wants the boat, but he's unsure how to even fix it or - to begin with, what exactly is wrong with it.

"Not only could it be part of my hoard, but I could also use it to store more of my hoard! It's like killing two stones with one bird."

I don't need it... I don't need it...

I NEED IT!!!!

Palach · Post by **Palach** » Sun Dec 20, 2020 10:39 pm

Palach regards the sudden appearance of a sinking ship with no visible concern, though he does voice interest. "The Bear is good ride. It will get us there. A boat will get us there faster. Maybe we try to fix? Is room for us, Bear, and more on the boat." He slows the vehicle when @Thursday expresses even more interest. "Is not bad thing to have, da?"

steelbrok · Post by **steelbrok** » Wed Dec 23, 2020 10:49 am

Steelbrok takes a walk along the river bank, looking the ship over. These flipping Rifts drop people and things into unexpected places!

He gives it a good check over, looking for obvious damage and to get an idea of what might be needed to get her moving again.

Par · Post by **Par** » Wed Dec 23, 2020 11:06 pm

Par is amazed by the size of the ship they see as they approach. "Wow, look at that thing." Fascinated by the opportunities he looks to the others. "Anyone know anything about how to fix something like this? My armor lets me move in the water like a SAMUS in the air and I can do whatever work you need me to."

Listening for whatever direction they have before sealing up the armor and heading out. Par is as excited as can be as he begins exploring the vessel and looking for damage he can figure out how to help with.

Repair, fail = 2

Par's excitement prevents him from contributing as much as possible, but his enjoyment as he flows under and around the ship still feels worth it.

steelbrok · Post by **steelbrok** » Thu Dec 24, 2020 8:30 am

Watches the strange wood man bobbing about in the freezing water and wonders how much effort Par is using to get his (presumably) naturally buoyant body under the water

steelbrok · Post by **steelbrok** » Sat Dec 26, 2020 3:11 pm

Tales a long slow look at the snowy countryside thinks about the season, thinking about Christmas holidays past. He squats down to check out the snow - it looks about right.

steelbrok · Post by **steelbrok** » Sat Dec 26, 2020 3:42 pm

Watches with satisfaction as the snowball splats nicely off Damien

Post by **Venatus Vinco** » Mon Dec 28, 2020 10:38 am

Ghost Ship
Bryan's flyby reveals the ship is sinking but the team may have the opportunity to salvage her if they act fast. After some discussion about the risk versus reward the heroes decide getting up the Volga River in a ship is a much easier prospect than overland travel, and the full cargo may be of some value in their endeavours. Using their various abilities from jet packs to buoyant bodies the heroes traverse to the deck of the sinking ship. The first priority seems to be to stop her from taking on water.

Locating the hole below the waterline is no problem. Patching it quickly is another issue complete.

A Three Round Dramatic Task...

Round 1: Patch the Leak. 1 success per player using Repair, Boating, or Athletics. Remember Clubs are a complication and rolled at -2, failure on a Club fails the entire task. Failing the round means the boat continues to sink, making subsequent rounds harder.

Turn Order

Makenna - Red Joker!
Steelbrok QD
Bryan JD
Radecliffe 10C
Palach 7D
Viktor 6H
Par 5D
thursday 3D

Makenna Griggs · Post by **Makenna Griggs** » Mon Dec 28, 2020 10:49 am

Repair

Makenna takes a quick look around the ship for any usable supplies that could help patch the hole. It's a bit difficult to work with, given that she occasionally has to stick her hand in ice cold water to attach a scrap piece in place, but with the help of her teammates, she thinks she manages to do well enough.

steelbrok · Post by **steelbrok** » Mon Dec 28, 2020 2:05 pm

Plunges heedless of danger into the cold water, drags a steel door from a cargo container and presses it against the leak.

The pressure of the water pushes back but the cyborg grits his teeth and presses the plate into place. It shifts, the water pressing it back until Steelbrok pounds it into place with his metal fists.

Bryan · Post by **Bryan** » Mon Dec 28, 2020 4:48 pm

OOC Comments

Bryan lands carefully on the slick deck of the ship. He thanks the Northern Star that he was born in the great nation of Canada, and therefore has a lot of experience keeping his footing on icy surfaces. A wrench falls from someone's shivering hand and Bryan snags it nimbly, returning it to the person that knows how to use it as he keeps a watch for anyone else that might not be as experienced with the arctic climate. Hosers.

Palach · Post by **Palach** » Mon Dec 28, 2020 11:17 pm

Palach moves efficiently through the husk of the ship, gathering whatever supplies he can. He makes a fortunate discovery of a barely-functional acetylene torch. Working quickly, he jams a few scraps of metal up against a hole in the shell and fires up the torch, . "Is okay for now. We make better fix later."

Thursday · Post by **Thursday** » Tue Dec 29, 2020 11:16 am

Thursday goes looking all over for scraps and sturdy materials to use for plugging holes - diving under water and flying about until he finds some decent material he can try to bend and shape as needed - taking notes from Steelbrok. He manages to find some sturdy metal chunks that were probably once a part of the ship before it's unfortunate incident.

Athletics

Thursday grabs them and uses his dragon strength to force the metal together like merging different pieces of play-dough. He makes it seem almost too easy - but then you remember that he is a dragon.

steelbrok · Post by **steelbrok** » Wed Dec 30, 2020 1:04 pm

Steelbrok keeps a wary eye on Thursday to make sure he doesn't pick up any parts that might be vital later!

Par · Post by **Par** » Thu Dec 31, 2020 4:10 pm

Par gets to work, his armor able to tolerate much of the subsurface work, he volunteers. "I do not know a lot about repairs, but I can follow instructions and hopefully get things sorted out for you guys. Give me some of the subsurface work, and I can get down there on it."

Repair 7

Radecliffe · Post by **Radecliffe** » Thu Dec 31, 2020 5:05 pm

Radecliffe stands apart from the others as they race around attempting to salvage this vessel they call a ship. He is at something of a loss as he's never seen or even heard of such a thing. He's spent little time around other humans and none at all anywhere such a thing might be used.

He considers the situation cautiously even wide eyed at the ongoing activity and makes a decision to let the others know he does not want to complicate matters by accidently undoing any of their hard work. He stands ready to pitch in if something more in line with his skills is needed.

Post by **Venatus Vinco** » Mon Jan 04, 2021 8:11 am

Hope Floats

8 success tokens!

Working quickly in the icy cold waters of the Volga the group manages to fashion a patch. Some hold it into place with strength or assist by passing tools or other supplies while Palach and Steelbrok hammer and wield the patch into place. It isn't pretty, but nothing in this barren land has been pretty so far...well maybe a few of those Romani were good looking.

With the ship no longer taking on water there still remains the problem of righting the ballast by pumping out the water below decks.

Round 2: Right the Ship. 1 success per player using Repair, Electronics, Boating, Arcane Skill or Athletics. Remember Clubs are a complication and rolled at -2, failure on a Club fails the entire task. Failing the round means the boat continues to sink, making subsequent rounds harder.

Viktor KC
Bryan QS
Steelbrok QD
Radecliffe JH
Makenna JD
Palach 10S
Thursday 5H
Par 3S

Viktor Konnikov · Post by **Viktor Konnikov** » Mon Jan 04, 2021 9:42 am

Athletics

Viktor not knowing much about boats or repairing them sees what Thursday is doing and tries to help ripping off a metal panel that looked entirely useless. "Problem! Panel here may have prevented the cabin from filling with water! Why no one tell me dis?" In a quick surge of adrenaline he kicks in and reseals the panel before too much water is able to fill into the boat. "Perhaps it is best Viktor stop touching boat parts. Da? Next time might not be so lucky to have my quick wit."

steelbrok · Post by **steelbrok** » Mon Jan 04, 2021 2:05 pm

Glances round as he hears the screech of metal and stares open mouthed as Viktor pulls off a plate to make a new hole in the wall. Isn't it enough we need to babysit the flaming dragon! Or maybe he's a saboteur...Resolves to keep a closer eye on him.Seeing the Russian press the plate back into place (and despite the circumstances being impressed at a fleshy person being able to do that), Steel yells: "Don't touch anything else unless you're told to!"

Palach · Post by **Palach** » Tue Jan 05, 2021 4:40 pm

Palach remarks with pride at their patch. "Is good work with bits and parts, da?" He then takes note of the terrible listing of the barely water-worthy craft. "Maybe we level it out next?" He finds the bridge of the vessel, hoping to make some sense of their new acquisition. "I can maybe learn..." He trails off as he reads the panels and controls around the room. What looks to the others like Palach simply staring into space is, internally, a rapid-update system sorting out the controls of the hulk. A few minutes pass as he stands motionless, only his eyes flitting back and forth from buttons and dials and switches. Finally, he moves swiftly to the correct panel to find and . "Is lucky guess." He notes the ship beginning to try to level itself out, though it clearly needs more help. "Maybe we fix valves in ballast tanks next."

steelbrok · Post by **steelbrok** » Wed Jan 06, 2021 2:55 am

Steelbrok steps back from the hull and looks around. The pumps need the automatic levelling system in operation for best effect. He quickly finds a port and . Smiles as he easily slides through the code and gets the system up and running. Once a slicer, always a slicer...

Thursday · Post by **Thursday** » Sun Jan 10, 2021 8:14 am

Thursday sees everyone doing a bunch of weird fancy stuff. The robot is... charging(?) himself, Palach is flipping switches (seems like a fun job to Thursday) and Thursday has a lack of understanding of what he could do to help, then realizes that he has a relatively large maw - at least, larger than all the tiny humanoids he's with. He starts grabbing mouthfuls of water and throws it out of the ship. An interesting idea and quite funny to look at, but you realize this is probably a better idea than letting him play with the electronics. It isn't the most efficient, but it works.

Rolls

steelbrok · Post by **steelbrok** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 3:06 pm

Thursday wrote: ↑Sun Jan 10, 2021 8:14 am He starts grabbing mouthfuls of water and throws it out of the ship.

Just ... stares ...

Radecliffe · Post by **Radecliffe** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 10:24 pm

Striding to the edge of the riverbank he kneels down and plunges his hands into the icy water heedless of the cold. Summoning all of his energy he concentrates on the water in the ship. "Hear me Mother Gaia! Spirits of the river heed me! Leave this creation of Man and return to the freedom of the river!"

He maintains his position, shifting his focus from one part of the ship to the next to coordinate efforts with his companions. Focusing all of his mental energies he does his best to keep the water at bay as each patch is applied and sealed then forcing as much water as he can from the ship once a patch is complete. Eventually, drained from the exertion Radcliffe slumps back and warms his blue tinged hands as he watches the ship repairs complete.

Post by **Venatus Vinco** » Tue Jan 12, 2021 3:51 pm

All Wet

Getting water from the ship process to be a challenge. Eventually the heroes get various holes patched and water bailed to slow the sinking but the damage is a little more than their original estimates.

It's going to take a herculean effort to salvage this barge.

Dealer's Choice
I can spot you 2 successes for this round to represent those who do not post, but impose a -2 penalty for the last round to get 8 tokens

Or you can take 6 success for this round (14 total) and try to get the 10 you need in the last round with no penalty.

Bryan · Post by **Bryan** » Tue Jan 12, 2021 7:31 pm

Athletics 7

Not being much of a handyman, Bryan still finds ways to make himself useful. Someone asks for a wrench and he takes it and neatly tosses it a good 20 ft to them, the rocking ship be damned.

Palach · Post by **Palach** » Wed Jan 13, 2021 8:14 pm

Palach is satisfied with the functioning of the controls from the bridge, but there are still obstructions in the engine room. Expressionless and simply "to-the-job" he makes his way to the belly of the ship, at times wading through some of the water that @Thursday has not yet spat overboard. With his acetylene torch out of fuel and on the fritz, he has nothing to use to cut the blockage from the bilge pump valve...or does he? With a silent "ssssssshk", his vambraces slide from their housing. Cutting swift and firm, but with incredible precision, he holding the valve open. "This should help."

steelbrok · Post by **steelbrok** » Fri Jan 15, 2021 3:56 am

Having got the pumps working, Steelbrok heads for the bridge. If he can bring the navigation system online then they can align the ship properly with the current and ease the pressure on the hull. He himself. He plugs himself into the bridge systems and the navigation system. As the bow and stern thrusters come online he lets the ship right itself and leaves the systems to do their job.
Then gets a mop and bucket to start cleaning up after Thursday....

Thursday · Post by **Thursday** » Fri Jan 15, 2021 9:25 am

Rolling for Card

Thursday realizes that his excellent idea may not be as excellent as he thought. Thinking a moment to himself of what could be more useful, he manages to find an empty crate that can carry more water than his maw. He grabs it and starts using it instead. Then he realizes he could use both the crate and his maw at the same time - an absolute genius Thursday is!! With enhanced efficiency, you're sure nothing can bail water out faster than this Dragon destined for the seas.

Skill Check

Par · Post by **Par** » Fri Jan 15, 2021 6:45 pm

Par snaps out of it. Feeling like the previous work was not his best he had failed to do much productive during the last couple hours of work and was feeling terrible about it. "Sorry guys, I will pick up the pace." He says as he starts works. Amazed at the size of the ship, Par thinks he could have fun for days just exploring the vessel and getting to know it during the travels to come.

steelbrok · Post by **steelbrok** » Sat Jan 16, 2021 7:16 am

To Steelbrok's delight he finds a rakish sailor's cap and perches it aback his head for the real cyborg pirate look.
"Why is this ship so important to us, lady and gentlemen?"

He gives them a few moments to answer.....

"Because now we ARRRRE pirates!"

Par · Post by **Par** » Sat Jan 16, 2021 9:03 am

Missing the humor of the statement, Par interjects. "Wait, what? No pirates are the bad guys. We are Legionaries and heroes like my father."

Then realizing that @steelbrok was not actually proposing they go out murdering and raiding people. "Um, I am sorry I mean. Yeah, pirates would be cool." Conjuring an illusionary outfit, and facade for himself dressed in pirate garb he says and looking like a classic image of a prehistoric pirate. "Argh, lets sail for profits and high water."

Post by **Venatus Vinco** » Sun Jan 17, 2021 11:01 am

A Pirate's Life For Me

After some fast work the crew is able to right the sinking ship and patch it up enough to keep it afloat. It doesn't take long to determine the ship is in otherwise good condition. Although there is no sign of the crew, no even bodies. A search of the ship reveals that the some of the cargo is water damaged, but has various parts and pieces that would be good for trade and salvage (40,000 credits in salvage materials. You can just keep this as goods or "spend it" on Gear you'd like to have and call it salvaged). Fortunately, the main shipment appears to be in tact - two containers full of high tech agricultural equipment (approx 70,000 in trade value, more in the right circumstances).

Perhaps more valuable than what's on board are the navigational charts and manifest. The charts contains a map of every town and village along the Volga with notations about which warlords are in power/influential. Other scrawl in the manifest shows services available at each place, including known places of repair. A likely spot for a Mystic blacksmith to be found. Finally, the manifest shows the destination of the agricultural goods, Kazan, which also has a repair spot and sits at a branch point of the river. It seems like as good a port of call as any others.

The notation for the local warlord is Warlord Burgasov.

Reminder you have a map: viewtopic.php?p=68842#p68842

update your signatures! · Post by **Ndreare** » Sun Jan 17, 2021 12:40 pm

Starting to feel a little uneasy at the prisoner nature of the abandoned so Post reached within himself and draw on his arcane awareness, opening himself to the cosmos around him.
Then moving around the shop searches for perhaps the spirits of the missing crew. But searching around the ship he find nothing. Feeling at ease he returns to the others. "So do we need to find quarters or bed together?

Palach · Post by **Palach** » Sun Jan 17, 2021 1:40 pm

Palach looks over the charts and maps before settling into the controls. "I can make it go now. Maybe we do better repairs in port? Where do we go?"

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