Chapter 6: Walk Through the Valley

Post by **Pursuit** » Thu Oct 22, 2020 9:52 am

The party makes it the rest of the way to Sapien Valley the next day without much incident and arrives in the early afternoon.

Dazzle's long range scanners pick up a small cluster of buildings, 7 total, with a number of humanoids moving around among them.

How would you like to approach the homestead? Based on your intel from Psyscape, there can't be but a few families here, and they are reportedly all human supremacists.

Dazzle does not see anything on her scanners indicating the presence of a war band in the area at the moment.

Vincent · Post by **Vincent** » Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:42 pm

Vincent looks up from the ratty journal he's been obsessed with recently. "So what's the plan ladies and gents?"

Dazzle · Post by **Dazzle** » Fri Oct 23, 2020 4:27 am

Wilderness outside Psyscape
Evening
Round 0

Dazzle reported her sensor readings to the others, only too happy they were working. “Well, I’m safe if they’re human supremacists,” she said with a chuckle. “And a Glitter Grrrl!!! to boot. If none of you use magic, and we put Billy under a blanket, most of you could pass,” she noted. “Sis just needs to keep her visor on. And we got enough firepower to level the town if there’s trouble.”

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Sis · Post by **Sis** » Fri Oct 23, 2020 5:48 am

"The visor is a dead give away for a lot of people. Probably best if I just stay in the mountaineer and keep Billy company."

She shakes her head at Dazzle's comment about leveling the town. "That would kind of defeat the purpose of the trip don't you think. Not that I care much for the supremecists, but seems like a waste of a trip if that's what ends up happening."

Hedge · Post by **Hedge** » Sat Oct 24, 2020 6:15 am

The idea of hiding the non-human in the Mountains sets a sadness in Hedge's heart. Nxlya doesn't care if you human or not. All souls taste the same to it.

Hedge shakes his head, "I agree with Sis. We shouldn't worry about levelling the town. With our luck we'll do it by accident anyway."

With that he gives Strider a like kick and begins to ride toward town. He peels back his cloak and activates his cyber armor for all to see. Looking over his shoulder he just shrugs, "A Glitter girl and a cyber knight coming into town should be enough to keep us from getting shot at."

Squidge · Post by **Squidge** » Sat Oct 24, 2020 12:07 pm

"I'll go," chirps Squidge amiably. "I'm human. You know, except for my huge, throbbing brain." She grins. "As long as they don't crack my skull open, it should be fine."

"Give me a ride, Hedge?"

Assuming the knight agrees, she'll hurry after him and climb up onto the horse behind him.

Dazzle · Post by **Dazzle** » Tue Oct 27, 2020 1:38 am

Wilderness outside Psyscape
Evening
Round 0

“We’ll have to get you some sunglasses, Sis,” Dazzle said. “And if they don’t accept our help because of it, then we can let them deal with the trouble on their own. They’ll beg us.”

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Vincent · Post by **Vincent** » Tue Oct 27, 2020 8:13 pm

"I'll come too, if you don't mind? I can conceal my aura in case they have dog boys, or cat boys, or lizard boys, or whatever it is they have. But if you think it's too much of a risk..." he shrugs "No big deal."

White Castle · Post by **White Castle** » Wed Oct 28, 2020 5:39 am

Vincent wrote: ↑Tue Oct 27, 2020 8:13 pm "I'll come too, if you don't mind? I can conceal my aura in case they have dog boys, or cat boys, or lizard boys, or whatever it is they have. But if you think it's too much of a risk..." he shrugs "No big deal."

"Supremicists means they don't favor any kind of mutant."

"What to be cautious of really is the disguised individuals. The ones that are inclined to psychic or arcane power and are likely to tip off the village, to anyone that is as well."

@Pursuit are these buildings of MD quality? What are they made of? Older buildings that have been rennovated? Newer construction? Any signs of cultivation or domesticated animals or livestock?

Post by **Pursuit** » Tue Nov 03, 2020 9:21 am

(Sorry; I somehow missed the notification on your post, @White Castle)

The buildings are decidedly not of MD quality. With only a few families living here, and none of them particularly wealthy, no one bothered to ship in MD building materials.

The houses look to be of decent enough quality and are made up of a hodgepodge of prefab materials and natural building materials that were obviously collected on site.

As the human (and human-looking) members of the party approach, a woman with a slight limp, broad shoulders, and a battered-looking Wilks rifle walks out to meet you. Once you are within earshot, she calls out, "That's far enough! State your business!"

Please make a Notice roll at -2 for the distance between you and the woman.

Anyone staying behind, feel free to RP what your characters are up to while you wait.

Billy · Post by **Billy** » Tue Nov 03, 2020 9:41 am

Billy sits in the Mountaineer and sulks. These small towns are what he was raised in and now these weak humans think they are too good for good help. He almost wishes something bad would happen just so they have to saved by him and Sis.

When the figure steps out and stops the rest of the party he pulls out his binoculars and takes a look. "They have been stopped by a woman who thinks a simple laser rifle would stop them." he informes Sis.

Using binocs I figured the range penalty would not apply.
Notice: 1d8!: [5] = 5
Wild: 1d6!: [5] = 5

Hedge · Post by **Hedge** » Wed Nov 04, 2020 7:04 pm

Notice 2, Fail

Trotting in slowly Hedge can't take his eyes off the woman's laser rife. He knows in his mind it's not much of a threat but his lizard brain is on overdrive. It takes almost all his mental effort to restrain himself from activating his psi-sword and leaping into action. The distraction of controlling his unbidden responses to precevied danger means he is more focused on himself then observing anything useful about the woman.

Collecting himself he raises his hands, "Easy ma'am. You can see I'm a Cyber Knight and my companion is obviously a Glitter Boy. We're travelling here cause we heard you might need help with some trouble. If that isn't the case we can ride on, but given you're pointing that pea shooter at us I'm thinking folks are a little edgy around here."

White Castle · Post by **White Castle** » Thu Nov 05, 2020 8:02 pm

Castle rode in alongside @Hedge, equally as cautious as the Cyber Knight, Castle remains silent.

But he does take in the literally ramshackle village . (Notice Success)

Post by **Pursuit** » Sun Nov 08, 2020 8:34 pm

@Hedge Please make a Persuasion roll. You May make the roll at a +1 to account for the presence of both a Cyber-Knight and a Glitter Boy.

Anyone who made their Notice roll can tell the woman is sporting some fresh bruises and on her face and bandages on her arm and on the fingers of one hand.

Hedge · Post by **Hedge** » Sun Nov 08, 2020 8:38 pm

Persuasion 8

Post by **Pursuit** » Sun Nov 08, 2020 8:44 pm

Hedge wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 7:04 pm Collecting himself he raises his hands, "Easy ma'am. You can see I'm a Cyber Knight and my companion is obviously a Glitter Boy. We're travelling here cause we heard you might need help with some trouble. If that isn't the case we can ride on, but given you're pointing that pea shooter at us I'm thinking folks are a little edgy around here."

The woman goes slack jawed. “Well I’ll be... I ain’t never, I mean, I thought youse was another trick, but you’re real, ain’t ya?”

OOC: Her initial reaction was raised from uncooperative to cooperative.

She’s sucks at her teeth a minute. “Yeah, you might say we’ve had some trouble. Ya’ll come on down and we can talk about it.”

Dazzle · Post by **Dazzle** » Mon Nov 09, 2020 5:30 am

Notice 4

Wilderness outside Psyscape
Evening
Round 0

Dazzle eased Princess in as they approached the village. Her sensors tracked the woman approaching them with the laser rifle. She zoomed in a bit and noticed the bruising and injuries on the woman.

“That’s a Glitter Grrrl, thank you,” Dazzle corrected Hedge. “And we’d be happy to help, ma’am.”

Dazzle radioed back to the Mountaineer. “We’ve been invited into the village to talk about the troubles. So far so good. I’ll keep you patched into my comm so you can hear and chime in, if you need to.”

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Post by **Pursuit** » Mon Nov 09, 2020 9:27 am

Dazzle wrote: ↑Mon Nov 09, 2020 5:30 am
Dazzle eased Princess in as they approached the village. Her sensors tracked the woman approaching them with the laser rifle. She zoomed in a bit and noticed the bruising and injuries on the woman.

“That’s a Glitter Grrrl, thank you,” Dazzle corrected Hedge. “And we’d be happy to help, ma’am.”

The woman smiles. "Well, I'll be. Ain't heard of many women piloting Glitter Boys, or Glitter Girls, or what have you. That's right nice."

She waits patiently where she is as the group approaches, and then waves you towards a ramshackle porch in front of one of the dwellings. As you approach, a half-dozen or so adults, all human, come out from their hiding spots and join you. They carry a variety of weaponry, most of it pre-Rifts style SD stuff, but one of them has what appears to be an ion blaster and a couple wear vibro-blades either strapped to the backs or on their hips. They approach warily, but without any overt hostility.

The woman offers you seats in mismatched bits of furniture and says, "My name is Ma Percon. Welcome to our home. How did y'all hear about us?"

Sis · Post by **Sis** » Mon Nov 09, 2020 10:21 am

"If we want to keep this simple, I'd suggest not mentioning the city full of magic users, mutants, and Dimensional beings...."

While they wait for the scene in town to unfold, Sis flips the switches to engage the long range sensor portion of the sensor suite.

With only a hint of sulk in her voice she addresses @Billy . "Tell me if you see anything on those displays. Don't want to be caught by surprise by whatever has been harassing this town"

Billy · Post by **Billy** » Mon Nov 09, 2020 12:20 pm

Billy lowers his binoculars. "Yea, looks like whatever was said they should get the skinny soon enough."

Dazzle wrote:“We’ve been invited into the village to talk about the troubles. So far so good. I’ll keep you patched into my comm so you can hear and chime in, if you need to.”

Billy snorts. "Unless it is really important I would not count on much of our input. That could drive things in a very wrong direction. But that is a good idea about watching the sensors." He looks at the controls with a bit of bewilderment. "I think I press that...."

With a few buttons and knobs Billy gets a nice scan of the area. Looking both surprised and impressed he turns to Sis. "Hey! Look at tha... Oops, sorry. Nothing out there now but I should be able to tell if that changes." With a slight blush, that he is glad Sis cannot see, he turns back to the panel to keep watch.

Hedge · Post by **Hedge** » Mon Nov 09, 2020 12:33 pm

Pursuit wrote: ↑Mon Nov 09, 2020 9:27 am The woman offers you seats in mismatched bits of furniture and says, "My name is Ma Percon. Welcome to our home. How did y'all hear about us?"

"Pleased to met you Ma," Hedge replies easily as he dismounts and takes a seat. "We work with an outfit called the Tomorrow Legion. They're always on the look out for news of people in need. Maybe you could tell us what's happening, you seem pretty spooked if you don't mind me saying. How come you thought we were a trick?"

Dazzle · Post by **Dazzle** » Tue Nov 10, 2020 2:19 am

Wilderness outside Psyscape
Evening
Round 0

“Don’t worry,” Dazzle reassured Billy. “Only I will hear you.” She slipped an earpiece in her ear and then popped the hatch on her Glitter Grrl and disengaged her harness. She took off her helmet and shook out her long, pink hair before jumping down from the power armor in her pink and white combat suit. She took a deep breath and smiled at Ma Percon and the others. “Ah. Fresh air,” she said. “The name’s Dazzle,” she introduced herself, “and I don’t just pilot the fancy rig. I’m also a DJ.” She clapped her hands together and stretched her lithe body a bit, getting used to being out of the armor. “Like Hedge said, Tomorrow Legion, roving do-gooders, all that. Sometimes people call us to deal with trouble, other times we just stumble on it. We heard you had some, so thought we’d poke our noses in a bit.”

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White Castle · Post by **White Castle** » Tue Nov 10, 2020 10:40 am

Castle arrived after the others, as he took an on foot approach. He kept a wary eye on the horizon, tracking the forest fires and on the "populace" of Ramshackle Town (he had honestly forgotten the name of this "place").

Notice 10; success, raise

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@Pursuit

Post by **Pursuit** » Tue Nov 10, 2020 10:44 am

@White Castle Sees scorch marks and hastily repaired bullet holes in some of the buildings. He does not see any kids or adolescents anywhere, which is odd for a homestead.

Post by **Pursuit** » Tue Nov 10, 2020 7:05 pm

Ma leans back in her chair a bit, watching @Dazzle and @Hedge. "Well, trouble we've got, and you all are certainly welcome. See, the thing is, folks have been seeing odd things around here of late. It started mostly at night, but now it's been happening in the daytime, too. Things that just ain't possible," she shudders. "Seems like everyone has seen something. I went to let the dog out last night and he was all turned inside out; no fur, no skin, just muscle and bone and blood leaking all over the floor. He cried and cried and cried, one of the saddest things I've ever heard, and then, just like that, he was fine. No howlin', no cryin', just standing at the door like usual, all his fur back on him and wagging his tail slow. Damndest thing I've ever seen."

Post by **Pursuit** » Tue Nov 10, 2020 7:24 pm

Back in the Mountaineer, @Billy and @Sis feel shivers go down their spines. Make Fear checks, please. Failure puts you on edge and leads to you temporarily suffer the effects of the Yellow Hindrance for twenty-four hours.

White Castle · Post by **White Castle** » Tue Nov 10, 2020 11:05 pm

Pursuit wrote: ↑Tue Nov 10, 2020 10:44 am White Castle Sees scorch marks and hastily repaired bullet holes in some of the buildings. He does not see any kids or adolescents anywhere, which is odd for a homestead.

@Pursuit

Castle says nothing but does stop suddenly. Using his field comp, he makes an attempt to cross reference and identify the homestead's location.

Maybe the past has some information on what is currently happening in the present.

This is one of those times he wished he could detect psychic or arcane power.

He also wonders if there might be a nexus nearby or a ley line.

Billy · Post by **Billy** » Wed Nov 11, 2020 7:58 am

Billy spends his time switching between using his binoculars to check on the "advance party" and checking the sensors. A sudden chill passes through him, and from appearances Sis as well, but it passes quickly. Not sure exactly what is happening he thinks it might be a good idea to let the rest of the crew know 'something' has changed.

"Guys, a presence just passed. Left a cold feeling in its wake. Just a heads up."

Dazzle · Post by **Dazzle** » Thu Nov 12, 2020 5:28 am

Village outside Psyscape
Evening
Round 0

Dazzle stared at Ma as she told the story of the dog. “Inside...out? That’s...that’s terrible! And disgusting. I’m glad the doggie’s okay. Have there been any strange...energy surges or discharges nearby?” she asked. “Any ley lines around here?”

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Vincent · Post by **Vincent** » Thu Nov 12, 2020 7:16 pm

Vincent stays with the Mountaineer, concerned that his prescence might upset the towns people. He leans against the vehicle catching some fresh air when blossom on the nape of his neck.

Successfull Fear Check, Detect Arcana 11

He mutters a curse in some language with very few vowels, and suddenly the mystical world reveals itself to him.

Hedge · Post by **Hedge** » Fri Nov 13, 2020 3:40 am

Hearing Billy's warning Hedge opens his mind eye's to watch for trouble. Activating his sword would cause too much alarm at this point, so instead he keeps an eye out - ready to react.

"Well ma'am, that is definitely strange. Maybe if we can talk to some other people about their experiences we can find a pattern. Maybe a special time of day when things happen or something like that."

Psionics 5, success. Detect Arcana

Sis · Post by **Sis** » Sat Nov 14, 2020 6:21 am

Fear Check 14

"Ask if anyone has been hurt, or if it has all just been creepy stuff like the dog. Anyone stand to benefit from everyone being scared out of their wits? Could just be someone with some abilities looking to profit from scared villagers."

Sis had just finished cleaning her revolver when she feels her aura disrupted by something Arcane.

Billy wrote: ↑Wed Nov 11, 2020 7:58 am "Guys, a presence just passed. Left a cold feeling in its wake. Just a heads up."

"Yep, I felt to it too. Definitely something supernatural." Sis adds, as she to the the colorful aura's given off by the supernatural.

Hedge · Post by **Hedge** » Sat Nov 14, 2020 6:49 pm

Sis wrote: ↑Sat Nov 14, 2020 6:21 am "Ask if anyone has been hurt, or if it has all just been creepy stuff like the dog. Anyone stand to benefit from everyone being scared out of their wits? Could just be someone with some abilities looking to profit from scared villagers."

Hearing Sis in his ear Hedge furrows his brow as if something just occurred to him, "Ma'am, aside from strange things, has anyone been hurt? If people are in physical danger we may need to move a little quicker."

Dazzle · Post by **Dazzle** » Tue Nov 17, 2020 4:40 am

Village outside Psyscape
Evening
Round 0

“And any strangers come along besides us? Maybe asking for things?” Dazzle asked, based off of what Sis suggested. She glanced around when Billy mentioned a presence of some kind. She didn’t have arcane senses like the others. She edged slightly closer to Princess, just in case.

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White Castle · Post by **White Castle** » Tue Nov 17, 2020 9:47 am

Sis wrote: ↑Sat Nov 14, 2020 6:21 am
Fear Check 14
Bonus: +8 from Nega Psychic, +2 from Brave
Spirit 1d10+10: [4]+10 = 14
Wild 1d6!+10: [1]+10 = 11
"Ask if anyone has been hurt, or if it has all just been creepy stuff like the dog. Anyone stand to benefit from everyone being scared out of their wits? Could just be someone with some abilities looking to profit from scared villagers."

Sis had just finished cleaning her revolver when she feels her aura disrupted by something Arcane.

Billy wrote: ↑Wed Nov 11, 2020 7:58 am "Guys, a presence just passed. Left a cold feeling in its wake. Just a heads up."
"Yep, I felt to it too. Definitely something supernatural." Sis adds, as she
Detect arcrana - 5
1d8!1d6!
to the the colorful aura's given off by the supernatural.

"Does not surprise me."

Gathering latitude and longitude and other coordinates, Castle the 32nd's exact location in time, space, and history. Academics for historical and past events. Research for pinpointing the teams location.

"There has been some fighting here. The buildings all have patched holes from firearms exchange."

"The homesteaders here are all adults. No one younger than 21 years of age, earth years."

Squidge · Post by **Squidge** » Sun Nov 22, 2020 12:57 am

Squidge had been keeping her mouth shut and her presence unobtrusive, happy to let the cyberlnight and glittergirl do the talking this time. She knew very well how people with her powers could unsettle ordinary folks...and even though she wasn't wearing a name tag or anything, in her experience even ordinary conversations could have little traps and minefields in them. These people were so wary, it seemed best to let the 'heroes' have the spotlight.

And in the meantime it meant she could focus her efforts on something else entirely. From her spot lounging against the wall by the door, Squidge concentrated and 'listened' with subtle senses for disturbances in the local aura. Land wasn't so different from people sometimes, and supernatural creatures and events left marks on the aura of it. If something really was haunting these people, hopefully she'd be able to catch wind of it...

Rolls: Detect Arcana (exalted) 15

Post by **Pursuit** » Sun Nov 22, 2020 11:45 am

To those at the Mountaineer who rolled detect arcana: @Sis can practically smell the stink of brimstone, and @Vincent clearly sees the telltale signs of infernal magic in the air. Neither Sis nor Vincent can tell from where the magic came or where it went; it seems recent (within the last day) and the whole area shows signs of it.

To those in town: @Hedge can see the after-images of some kind of magic almost everywhere he looks, but nothing seems to be actively casting right now. @Squidge, thanks to her innate familiarity with it, can see the telltale "residue" left behind by illusion magic everywhere she looks, though she sees no active illusions at the moment. Like Vincent and Sis, she also catches telltale traces of infernal magic, and the word "deevil" flashes in her mind.

Interestingly, both Hedge and Squidge notice minor psychic emanations coming off of Ma.

Post by **Pursuit** » Sun Nov 22, 2020 11:49 am

White Castle wrote: ↑Tue Nov 17, 2020 9:47 am
"There has been some fighting here. The buildings all have patched holes from firearms exchange."

"The homesteaders here are all adults. No one younger than 21 years of age, earth years."

Ma narrows her eyes at @White Castle. "Yeah, we've had some troubles. Din't I just say that? Would you have your children out with supernatural things about?"

Squidge · Post by **Squidge** » Sun Nov 22, 2020 11:57 am

Squidge clicks her armor's communicator on and says quietly, "There's been illusion magic here. Like, all over the place. And I'm getting an impression, like 'devil' but more 'ee,' so...deevil?" She shakes her head. "I'm not really an expert on magic interdimensional creatures, but there's definitely something terrorizing people with illusions around here. Maybe more than one."

White Castle · Post by **White Castle** » Sun Nov 22, 2020 12:58 pm

Castle cuts off team comms and goes to his suit's PA.

"This sort of reminds me of a Psi-Stalker I crossed paths with a few years back."

Castle goes quiet as he tries to remember the city.

"No matter. Anyway, this psi-stalker would use illusions to scare 'trespassers '. He was in league some psychic entities that fed off of fear. The psi-stalker had learned to do the same."

Making sure that he is facing Ma, "So why are you terrorizing these people?"

Post by **Pursuit** » Sun Nov 22, 2020 4:20 pm

White Castle wrote: ↑Sun Nov 22, 2020 12:58 pm
Making sure that he is facing Ma, "So why are you terrorizing these people?"

It takes Ma a moment to comprehend Castle’s meaning, and when she does, her face darkens like a thunderhead.

”How. Dare. You! I invited you in because you said you was here to help! Why would I terrorize people? How would I? I don’t know no magic!!”

With each word, she gets louder, and by the last word she’s on her feet and yelling at full volume.

The rest of the folks around her look visibly agitated.

OOC: Her level of cooperation has dropped from Cooperative to Uncooperative.

Squidge · Post by **Squidge** » Sun Nov 22, 2020 4:52 pm

"Whoa, whoa," Squidge said, pushing off the wall to go over to Castle. "It's not her. There's something else haunting this area."

She pushed up the faceplate of her armor so Ma could see her properly. "I'm sorry. There's a lot of magic energy around here, like smoke after a fire. Castle's just confused. He didn't mean anything by it." Squidge shot Castle a look quickly, then bequeathed Ma her warmest, most apologetic smile.

"Is there someplace safe you can hole up for a little bit? Storm cellar or the like? This thing may get riled up once it knows we're tracking it, and you'd be safer somewhere out of the line of fire."

Post by **Pursuit** » Sun Nov 22, 2020 5:27 pm

@Squidge Make a persuasion roll, please.

Squidge · Post by **Squidge** » Sun Nov 22, 2020 5:32 pm

Rolls: Empathy 8, Persuasion 7

Post by **Pursuit** » Sun Nov 22, 2020 5:41 pm

Ma sits down, glaring at Castle all the while. ”Yeah, we got safe places. Course we do. You just keep that one,” she nods at Castle, ”outta my sight. No one talks like that here unless they’re prepared for trouble, and we got more’n enough of that as it is.”

OOC: She’s back to neutral.

White Castle · Post by **White Castle** » Mon Nov 23, 2020 6:40 am

"You were the one reading minds. Who was intruding where? We are here to help and you were withholding information and eavesdropping."

Persuasion 14 _

Castle continues to survey the area, certain that the location is more important than the people in it.

"Ma, how long you and yours been homesteading here?"

Goswin Aigner · Post by **Goswin Aigner** » Mon Nov 23, 2020 9:24 am

Goswin waits patiently in the mountaineer while Sis and Billy keep watch and listen in on the introductions. The back and forth with this 'ma' bore him fast. He hops up to step towards the exit and says, "I don't think I'm needed here. I'm going to go look for a different set of locals. Call me if you need me, ok?"

Goswin steps down onto the earth and pauses a moment to orient himself with the flow of natural energies around him. He recalls what he knows about the area, not much, and fixes the best map data that was available for this region in his mind. Then he walks back into the wilderness .

Post by **Pursuit** » Wed Nov 25, 2020 10:21 am

White Castle wrote: ↑Mon Nov 23, 2020 6:40 am "You were the one reading minds. Who was intruding where? We are here to help and you were withholding information and eavesdropping."

Persuasion 14 _
Persuasion 1d6!!: [14!!] = 14 Wild 1d6!!: [2] = 2
Castle continues to survey the area, certain that the location is more important than the people in it.

"Ma, how long you and yours been homesteading here?"

"You must be outside your damned mind if you think I'm talkin' to you! Din't I just say that? Din't I?! And how would I be reading anybody's head, huh? I ain't no freak!"

Ma is visibly upset at Castle and, though she may be cooperative with others in the group, she is now hostile towards him.

Post by **Pursuit** » Wed Nov 25, 2020 10:25 am

Goswin Aigner wrote: ↑Mon Nov 23, 2020 9:24 am Goswin waits patiently in the mountaineer while Sis and Billy keep watch and listen in on the introductions. The back and forth with this 'ma' bore him fast. He hops up to step towards the exit and says, "I don't think I'm needed here. I'm going to go look for a different set of locals. Call me if you need me, ok?"

Goswin steps down onto the earth and pauses a moment to orient himself with the flow of natural energies around him. He recalls what he knows about the area, not much, and fixes the best map data that was available for this region in his mind. Then he walks back into the wilderness
Survival 15 (Woodsman + Elan), -1 Benny
Survival 1d6!+2: [5]+2 = 7 Wild 1d6!+2: [4]+2 = 6
Survival Elan 1d6!+4: [6!, 5]+4 = 15 Wild Elan 1d6!+4: [1]+4 = 5
.

It takes Goswin perhaps 30 minutes or so before he feels the telltale signs that an elemental is nearby, and another fifteen to pinpoint and seek the elemental out.

He finds an earth elemental, seemingly asleep under a tree, a content look on its "face."

What does Goswin want to do next?

White Castle · Post by **White Castle** » Wed Nov 25, 2020 6:16 pm

Castle knows there is more going on here, but Ma isn't going to be helpful, at least to him.

He climbs back onto his hovercycle and begins making a survey of the area. In a slow and deliberate manner, Castle makes a counter-clockwise spiral out and away from the village. He continues the sensor sweeps as well as probing the darkness for the normal and abnormal.

Hedge · Post by **Hedge** » Sat Nov 28, 2020 6:40 am

Hedge shakes his head as Castle takes off, that was damn odd. Seeing Ma upset he tries to redirect things, "Don't mind him ma'am. Looks like the strangeness here may be getting to him too. Best we figure it out quick and set everyone right. Can we get a run down of who has had these experiences maybe we can figure out how they started."

Goswin Aigner · Post by **Goswin Aigner** » Sun Nov 29, 2020 1:32 pm

The elemental might not respond kindly to being interrupted unexpectedly, even by Goswin. Instead, the young man stops a respectful distance away. He crouches down to place a hand on the ground and to send gentle pulses through the earth to the elemental. It's the sort of greeting that would get an elemental's attention and let him know its a friendly visit.

The elemental rouses itself and approaches Goswin who greets it, "Good afternoon, brother. I'm sorry I had to interrupt your rest, but I need your help if you can give it."

Goswin uses his influence over the elements to make small models of the potential threats and their numbers. It's a demonstration easier for an elemental to understand than words alone. When that's done he lets the models collapse inert back to the ground.

Satisfied that the elemental understand as best as it can, , "Can you keep watch for us, brother? If anyone that matches this description, or a large number of individuals, approaches the settlement, inform my allies or myself as quickly as possible. If you have any brothers or cousins that are willing to help, all that I ask is for advance warning. We could use help if it comes to blows, but I won't ask you to endanger yourself in our fight."

Dazzle · Post by **Dazzle** » Mon Nov 30, 2020 1:49 am

Village near Psyscape
Evening
Round 0

“Smooth…” Dazzle said, shaking her head at White Castle. Probably best if he went off on his own, cooled his head.

“Apologies, Ma,” she said. “We have a few magical experts,” she nodded to Hedge and Squidge, “and we’ll let them sniff around town a bit, see what they can’t find. We have a team working the perimeter, too,”she said, not wanting anyone to get jumpy about the Mountaineer. “Is everyone in town accounted for?” she asked. “Anyone missing, or...otherwise out of town?”

Dazzle looked to Hedge and Squidge. “I’ll post up here in the center of town, near the townsfolk to keep them safe. I don’t think I’ll be any help tracking down magic, but I’ll stay close enough to come running as backup if you find something, and play liaison if Ma and her folk have any more information, or if you guys have questions. I’ll run some sensor scans of town, too.”

***

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Post by **Pursuit** » Wed Dec 02, 2020 9:21 pm

The elemental beams with happiness at how @Goswin Aigner treats them and is genuinely pleased to have Goswin in their valley.

Goswin gets the feeling that, yes, there are plenty of other earth elementals in the area, and they will keep an eye out for him, so to speak.

With a persuasion roll that high, the elemental will also offer to aid you however else it can, short of entering combat.

Post by **Pursuit** » Wed Dec 02, 2020 9:26 pm

Dazzle wrote: ↑Mon Nov 30, 2020 1:49 am
“Apologies, Ma,” she said. “We have a few magical experts,” she nodded to Hedge and Squidge, “and we’ll let them sniff around town a bit, see what they can’t find. We have a team working the perimeter, too,”she said, not wanting anyone to get jumpy about the Mountaineer. “Is everyone in town accounted for?” she asked. “Anyone missing, or...otherwise out of town?”

Dazzle looked to Hedge and Squidge. “I’ll post up here in the center of town, near the townsfolk to keep them safe. I don’t think I’ll be any help tracking down magic, but I’ll stay close enough to come running as backup if you find something, and play liaison if Ma and her folk have any more information, or if you guys have questions. I’ll run some sensor scans of town, too.”

Ma appears visibly relieved that Dazzle, and Dazzle's legendary suit of armor, will be staying close by.

"Everyone's accounted for, except for ol Bert, who died last week in his sleep. We buried him under a tree over on the far side of the city, which is where we figure the best place for a cemetery could be out here."

Dazzle · Post by **Dazzle** » Tue Dec 08, 2020 1:33 am

Village near Psyscape
Evening
Round 0

Dazzle considered Ma’s word. “And he stayed dead?” she asked. “I’ve seen some weird caca -- pardon my French,” she said. “Not meaning to offend or anything. Just trying to spitball here. Maybe you should check out the cemetery,” she suggested to the others.

***

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Post by **Pursuit** » Thu Dec 10, 2020 2:26 pm

Dazzle wrote: ↑Tue Dec 08, 2020 1:33 am Village near Psyscape
Evening
Round 0

Dazzle considered Ma’s word. “And he stayed dead?” she asked. “I’ve seen some weird caca -- pardon my French,” she said. “Not meaning to offend or anything. Just trying to spitball here. Maybe you should check out the cemetery,” she suggested to the others.

***

Current Loadout

Party Loot
TW Longsword
Black market light body armor x2
Vibro-knife x2
Laser pistol x2

Character Tracker
Dazzle Character Sheet
Pace: 14; Run d8 (60 mph); Swim 6/6; Run d6; Parry: 6 (GG 7); Toughness: 40 (25 MDC)/11 (5)
Bennies: 2/3
Conviction: Y
Credits: d6 (19,000)
Boom Gun: 100/100; 2 reloads (100 each)
Ghost Blades: 1/24 hours
Pistol: 24/24; 2 reloads (24 each)
Rifle: 20/20
Encumbrance: 53/40 (33/40 without pack)
First aid kit: 3/3
Laser Resistant (Armor): Half damage and AP from lasers
Quick: Redraw initiative 5 and under.
Fame: Make double pay with Performance
Hindrances: Impulsive, Driven, Loyal

She rolls her tongue around in her mouth. "Well, far as I know, he's still in the ground. You are welcome to go and check, if you'd like." And with that, she points you over to the tree.

Post by **Pursuit** » Thu Dec 10, 2020 2:27 pm

Hedge wrote: ↑Sat Nov 28, 2020 6:40 am Hedge shakes his head as Castle takes off, that was damn odd. Seeing Ma upset he tries to redirect things, "Don't mind him ma'am. Looks like the strangeness here may be getting to him too. Best we figure it out quick and set everyone right. Can we get a run down of who has had these experiences maybe we can figure out how they started."

"Well, beggin' your pardon, Sir Knight, it's all of us. Everyone her ein town has seen something at least weird, if not outright horrifying. Some folks say this valley is cursed, but we've lived here a few years now and never run into something like this."

Hedge · Post by **Hedge** » Sat Dec 12, 2020 5:59 am

Everyone?

Hedge raises an eyebrow at the information.

"Okay then." He gestures back to the Mountaineer, "We have some friends with us who aren't humans but have special abilities in this area, I can vouch for them, but don't want any trouble."

With the why can't we all get along out of the way Hedge radios the rest of the group.

"Well gang, looks like we got a mystery on our hands."

Post by **Pursuit** » Sat Dec 12, 2020 8:42 pm

The 32nd's efforts and investigations have taken up much of the day. Once the people of Sapien Valley are accustomed to their presence, children come out from cellars and other safeholds. Ma is visibly shaken at the suggestion that she let magic users into her town, and rather than saying anything else just huffs and waves the team off, leaving her porch (and leaving the interpretation of her actions up in the air).

Night is going to fall soon. What would you like to do? Where are you bedding down? Are you setting watches and, if so, who has which watch?

Vincent · Post by **Vincent** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:58 pm

OOC Comments

Never one to shy away from a mystery, Vincent slinks about the small town under the pretense of going for a walk. He uses his knowledge of the occult to see if anything seems out of place, and if so, if it fits a supernatural context.

White Castle · Post by **White Castle** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 10:02 pm

Castle follows @Vincent's lead while cycling around.

@Hedge "Hedge. What are we planning?"

Castle maybe far enough out that he can check on the buried man under a tree. Still waiting for instructions.

Dazzle · Post by **Dazzle** » Mon Dec 14, 2020 2:51 am

Networking 8

Notice 7

Village near Psyscape
Evening
Round 0

Dazzle moved her Glitter Grrl!!! to the center of town and parked it, as she’d promised. She suggested to Hedge they do the same with the Mountaineer. She could sleep in her armor, if needed, and the others could sleep in the Mountaineer.

“Unless you want me to ask around, see if anyone will lend us a barn or whatever.” She didn’t want to risk spooking the village with the team’s non-humans and magic users.

“I can take first watch, if you like,” Dazzle offered.

***

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Billy · Post by **Billy** » Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:06 pm

Seeing that the group is invited into the town proper, in spite of Castle's 'help', Billy slowly drives the Mountaineer towards the center of town. He keeps it really slow, a normal person could walk faster, and watches for anyone stepping in front of the vehicle. Last thing I need is to hit someone in a humanist town. Been awhile since my last lynching and I was not on the receiving end of that one.

Reaching the center of town Billy sees the Glitter Grrl!!! already stationed and decides to park, several yards, behind it. "That thing is dangerous as hell to anything in front of it so we can protect its rear from here. Also, we are far enough away that if that gun gets fired we should be safe from the concussion" he says to no one in particular. Looking out through the window he lets out a low grunt. "I think I am just going to say in the truck unless something happens and I need to get out. Not that I don't trust these people but... I am not sure I trust these people."

With that Billy lays some of the seats flat and starts to arrange a bed of sorts.

Goswin Aigner · Post by **Goswin Aigner** » Thu Dec 17, 2020 8:31 am

Goswin thanks the elemental for its help. He points out that if it wants to help in the fight, that he could borrow its energy if it is nearby. He bids the elemental farewell then heads back to town to find his friends.

The mountaineer is right where they left it, so Goswin climbs in and pushes what he is pretty sure is the comms button and says, "I found some locals to help us out. They should give us advance warning if the bad guys show up. Be on the look out for any kind of elemental disturbances...or just elementals in general. I can see and understand them, but I'm not sure about anyone else."

Hedge · Post by **Hedge** » Fri Dec 18, 2020 3:18 pm

Dazzle wrote: ↑Mon Dec 14, 2020 2:51 am
“Unless you want me to ask around, see if anyone will lend us a barn or whatever.” She didn’t want to risk spooking the village with the team’s non-humans and magic users.

“I can take first watch, if you like,” Dazzle offered.

"Yeah first watch from one of us is a good idea. I think sticking to the Mountaineer is wise. It's easy to lock down. Between skittery villagers and whatever is going on we should stick close."

As darkness approaches Hedge tethers Strider and looks for some feed. After his horse is cared for the Cyberknight decides to check out what passes for night life, mostly to see if anyone has a different tale to tell than the narrative Ma gave them.

White Castle · Post by **White Castle** » Mon Dec 21, 2020 11:30 am

If the information and location on the dead villager is passed along then, Castle follows up on whether the man is actually dead.

Taking some time as the sun has set, he finds an open area and has the hovercycle lift into the air so that he can survey the surroundings. Possibly track down ley lines or other anomalies.

Post by **Pursuit** » Sat Jan 02, 2021 11:12 am

Vincent and White Castle come across a few sets of odd-looking, goatlike hoofprints around the edges of town, and not much else.

Castle is able to find the location of the grave Ma Percon mentioned. It certainly looks like a gravesite to Castle; is he planning to do anything else?

With the Mountaineer and Glitter Grrl set up in the center of town, both Hedge and Dazzle hit the town's night life, such as it is.

You don't find much of anything going on. A few families are sitting outside their homes chatting, and their stories align with the important details of what you've already heard.

Passing the Night
Each of you who is taking a watch, assume you will be on watch for about two hours.

Anyone who takes a watch, please make a Notice roll and include any potentially relevant modifiers (bonuses for Alertness, Danger Sense, etc.) If you will be using electronics to scan for visual or audio signs of trouble (toggling between thermal, night vision, long-range audio scanners, etc.) please include an Electronics roll. If you will be using powers to augment your watch (via darkvision, detect Arcana, or otherwise), please include an arcane skill roll and deduct 3d4 power points. If your character has a potentially applicable framework or racial feature, like a Psi-Stalker's always-on ability to detect Arcana with a Notice roll, please make sure to include that in your narrative.

Post by **Stoic** » Sun Jan 03, 2021 12:47 pm

OOC Comments

Post by **Pursuit** » Sun Jan 03, 2021 2:31 pm

GM Update: If you are a psychic, you may use the mechanic for a meditation to extend the length of your detect arcana instead of the mechanics I described above. Once you pick one, you may not do the other, however.

Hedge · Post by **Hedge** » Mon Jan 04, 2021 7:52 am

After finding little in the town Hedge settles in for the evening in the cargo area of the Mountaineer asking whoever is assigned watch before him to wake him a half hour before watch begins. When he wakes he gathers himself together and begins to meditate. A lot has happened in the last little while, his mind is at serious unease and this situation has him concerned he will go over the edge completely. Relaxing his breathing he remember his training, from his youth spent in Psycape to his Cyber Knight training he has harnessed psychic power his whole life. He draws forth the mental acuity necessary to see what others cannot, to open his mind's eye widely, and have the necessary awareness to see this night through.

Meditation to extend Dectect Arcana from 5 rounds to 5 hours

After about thirty minutes Hedge eyes open. He inhales quickly as the supernatural world is revealed all around him. He sees with his normal sight, but also sees all the lingering mystical energies around him. Squidge glows like a beacon even in her sleep. Sis is evident by the intense nothingness surrounding her. Gaining his orientation he heads into the night and takes his watch.

"You are relieved."

Dazzle · Post by **Dazzle** » Tue Jan 05, 2021 12:47 am

Notice 4; Electronics 5

Village near Psyscape
Night
Round 0

Dazzle yawned and sat up and stretched in the Mountaineer as her alarm went off. She brushed her hands through her pink hair to brush out any tangles, then took a moment to run to the privy before she relieved Hedge.

“Anything happening?” she asked. She climbed into her power armor and settled in, closing the canopy. She turned on some light music, down low, and then adjusted and tuned her sensors, but also kept her eyes open, occasionally going walkabout around town as quietly as she could.

***

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Billy · Post by **Billy** » Tue Jan 05, 2021 4:31 pm

When everyone starts heading back to 'camp' Billy decides that it may be safe to get out of the mountaineer. He takes first watch as he needs to spend a little time out side or lose his mind. He climbs up to the top of the vehicle and uses the height to get a better view. He spends a little time thinking abut his own prejudice and how it has affected his reaction to this situation. Realizing watching from one point is not going to really 'save the town' he climbs down and does a serious patrol.

After his watch time has passed he returns to camp and wakes the next person.

Sis · Post by **Sis** » Tue Jan 05, 2021 5:56 pm

Sis wakes for the third watch. She intentionally volunteered for the one least likely to have any townfolk awake during.

Pistol in hand Sis salutes Dazzle as she saunters into the street, immediately heading out on patrol. None of their intel so far indicates anything dangerous, just weird, so Sis figures getting around to not miss anything is more important than staying safe by bunkering down.

So Sis wanders the town at a brisk pace, occasionally activating her aura sense (detect arcana). She probably wanders a little closer than she should, occasionally - and only faintly trying to be discrete about it - looking through windows to see if anything seems unusual.

As she nears the end of her watch (if nothing happens) she starts to get bored. As she walks the last circuit, she throws some null energy (dispel) at just about anything she sees that has a strong arcane residue that seems to permeate the town.

Natural Healing roll 10

Notice 11

Detect Arcana and Dispels 4

White Castle · Post by **White Castle** » Fri Jan 08, 2021 1:48 pm

Pursuit wrote: ↑Sat Jan 02, 2021 11:12 am Vincent and White Castle come across a few sets of odd-looking, goatlike hoofprints around the edges of town, and not much else.

Castle is able to find the location of the grave Ma Percon mentioned. It certainly looks like a gravesite to Castle; is he planning to do anything else?

With the Mountaineer and Glitter Grrl set up in the center of town, both Hedge and Dazzle hit the town's night life, such as it is.

You don't find much of anything going on. A few families are sitting outside their homes chatting, and their stories align with the important details of what you've already heard.

Passing the Night
Each of you who is taking a watch, assume you will be on watch for about two hours.

Anyone who takes a watch, please make a Notice roll and include any potentially relevant modifiers (bonuses for Alertness, Danger Sense, etc.) If you will be using electronics to scan for visual or audio signs of trouble (toggling between thermal, night vision, long-range audio scanners, etc.) please include an Electronics roll. If you will be using powers to augment your watch (via darkvision, detect Arcana, or otherwise), please include an arcane skill roll and deduct 3d4 power points. If your character has a potentially applicable framework or racial feature, like a Psi-Stalker's always-on ability to detect Arcana with a Notice roll, please make sure to include that in your narrative.

Still on his hovercycle, Castle angles the light from the hovercycle so he can survey the ground. When he has gathered what details he can from his current vantage point, he drops the hovercycle to the ground a afew feet from the grave and walks cautiously to it to investigate.

Notice 7

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