A few days later at dawn, healed up, re-equipped and with two new members, the party heads out back into the Sprawl. A small crowd of Comptonians gather to see you off, with the bookies evidently doing a brisk trade.

The Collective Rat are doing better, but many of the tiny burning rodents are still sporting itty bitty poultices on various body parts.  They seem to be grumbling amongst themselves about the brisk business done by the bookies...and the consensus of the Rattus Rattus Congress seems to be along the lines of 'if they have enough energy to bet, they could do something useful like delve'.

That, however, is almost certainly the lingering hangover of recovery talking.

 With the shopping done and the group restocked with supplys, she meets everyone and eyes the new people with a critical eye. Ok, where we going?, cause that will make our minds about what wagon or animal to take along with us.

 She liked her car but couldnt fit in it anymore. Once they choose the wagon(my choice of commerce and possum), she will take a spot in line to look over the terrian as the moved off to explore more of the ruins nearby for treasures to stuff in her ..Pockets?.

07:56, Today: Flora rolled 17 using 1d20+6. Foraging for extra food
This message was last edited by the player at 14:57, Sun 02 Oct 2011.

"Well, for now I think we should avoid the porkers, Bedlam replies to Flora. "That was a nice camp, so I figure we'll check it out again in a month or so."

Once the crew has put some scenery between them and Compton, he unrolls the map and spreads it out on the possum's flank.

"Back off just a bit there, Ordus. Wouldn't want all my hard work to go poof."

"Meanwhile," he continues, tracing a large finger along a portion of the map. "I say we head toward the South River. Eventually we'll want access to a bridge and points beyond. We can make money by scavenging the Sprawl and running goods between Compton and whatever communities lie on the other side. I figure this route will avoid the porkers and dabbers until we're ready to deal with them."

"Questions? Comments?"

OOC: Bedlam Jones rolled 20 using 1d20+3. Mapping (based on PER).

Crusty Tom casts a malevolent eye at the bookies taking wagers on the group's success.  Though he hadn't made a point of mentioning it, Tom had made something of a wager himself.  He had left his cabin with a local who had promised to keep it safe on the condition that if Tom didn't come back she got to keep it.  After that, it had been a matter of haggling about the details and making sure the deal was properly witnessed.

Crusty Tom doesn't know the terrain or the local prospects, so he's happy to go along with the more experienced group's choice of transport and destination.  At Bedlam's urging he simply grunts and says, "Sounds good to me."

As the group moved off into the Sprawl, Crusty Tom kept his eyes peeled for useful salvage.  He didn't have high hopes of finding anything valuable and had been careful to let everyone know, so that nobody had any unrealistic expectations.   Tom didn't have any training or experience that would help and didn't know this part of the Sprawl.  On the other hand, there was a lot to be said for an alert mind and luck... lots of luck.

OOC: Natural 20!  Rolled 25 on d20+5 based on Nature.

 Glancing at the map she worked out where the porkers had been and where the south area was. Fine with me, long as we dont have to deal with the flying machine again.  .... Whats the odds of finding a intact bridge still up..Umm, well unless some of the locals are keeping it maintained.  As for running commerace between towns and outpost's could be worth some cash but i suspect we would have to pay out alot of payoffs to keep the locals from raiding use.

 She looks over her "sweeper" all 7 ft of smooth polished stainless steel with a heavy metal head of steel festoned with jagged metal bits around the head. She knew it was solid and tipped the scales around 40 lbs.

 Lets go exploring.

Shreek isn't going to argue over where to go as he knows very little about the area. Once in every ten minutes, as long as there is enough space, he flies up and takes a good look at the surroundings, instantly reporting anything suspicious.

OOC: Shreek the Electroid rolled 30 using 1d20+10. Lookout (Perception).

"Porkers.  Let it not be Porkers.  We have had the dream with Porky Ork and Bugsbear Bunny and Elmer Flind until we are ready to burn every last scrap of relic vidtape we find," the rats chorus as they follow the others.  "Although that flying monstrosity was quite effective!  Perhaps we ought to sneak in and borrow it sometime!"

In spite of the low-level good-natured bickering, the Collective Rattus is keeping at least some eyes peeled, cooperating with Shreek to make sure that proper route security is being done.

OOC 21:11, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 25 using 1d20+8. Perception.

After around an half hour following the same route as before into the suburbs (according to the map in around an hour you should be veering left to head for the river), Ordus and Shreek both get the feeling that you are being followed at a discreet distance. Maybe two or three individuals, maybe more. At one point Shreek catches sight of one of your pursuers - man sized, but smaller than a porker.

I'm back! Want to wait to see how your handle your tail before resolving the salvage and forage rolls.

"Someone following, eh?" Bedlam listens to Shreek's report during a brief pause to consult the map and drink some water. "Well, we're not too far in yet, so it could be some hangers on from Compton. Though why they'd keep hidden is unclear."

The giant looks around at the crew. "It's still early, so we got some time before we have to worry about them sneaking up on us in camp. Do we let'm tag along - see if they reveal their purpose or turn back on their own - or call'm out?"

"Call 'em out." Tom answers.  Both his voice and his face convey a sharp sense of disapproval.  "They're likely just Compton lads looking to make sure they collect on their bets.  But if they're harmless it's better we send them packing before they get too far from town to get away safe.  And if they're trouble it's better we sort it now rather than spending the next hours looking over our shoulders." Tom hefts the heavy spear that is his weapon of choice, in anticipation of the impending scrap.

 With a long look back towards the city she frowned at the camp followers that were stupid enough to try and see where they went.

 YOU OUT THERE!!, go home. We wont come to your rescue if trouble comes after you and it will come after you.

 Shouldering her maul she turned and gave it little thought, Lets go find a decent place to camp for the night then let our skulkers go have a look at them.

A hundred tiny flaming rats suddenly wiggle one finger in each of their delicate little pink ears.

"Next time, say it louder.  They didn't all hear you back in Compton," seems to be the consensus complaint, although the number eleven is also referenced and quite a few of the Senatorial Rattus merely shake their little burning noggins.  "However, if they're brave and crazy enough to stick around, your other idea has much merit.  Too bad we show up too well in the dark."

There is no response to Flora's challenge, and no sign of your tail at this point. Will you continue?

 She can feel the dislike of someone following them and even worse of waiting until they are engaged in combat with something nasty before launching their own attack.

 She glanced over to the others as they walked along. Anyone make enemy's while in town?. It would seem who ever it is thinks they are better then us out here or they are crazy enough to believe that dream. So, we going to wait for them to show or go hunt them down?.

Bedlam surveys the nearby ruins and consults his map.

"Ok, here's the plan," the giant lays out his idea for the crew. "See that tower and the building just past it. We're going to head that way. When we get to the tower, Shreek will fly up and hide in it. We continue on and hide on the other side of the building. We'll be far enough away that our tail will have to come close to see where we have gone. Shreek will have a chance to get a better look at them so we can... act accordingly. If they spot Shreek, and become hostile, we'll be close enough help when he calls. Questions?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:17, Thu 27 Oct 2011.

- Watching prey before hunting it down is something I am actually good at. - he says.

OFF: Sorry for being that late.

"Good!" Bedlam grins broadly. "Let's be at it then. Everyone stay pointy."

Possum in tow, Bedlam and the crew make their way toward the tower and building beyond.

You follow the plan, with Shreek perched at the top of a gutted tower with an overview of your backtrail. The rest of the party form up a score of metres further on, out of sight behind a rubble-choked ruin...

Five minutes later Shreek gets a good luck at your tail. Three dabbers, mutated raccoons, creep along behind you. All are well equipped and look competent. Too competent - one of them obviously catches sight of something in the tower - a stray spark perhaps. Shreek ducks back but it's too late; when Shreek peeps down again the dabbers are advancing on the base of the tower...

Note that the others can't see this yet, but Shreek in range of Bedlam's telepathic speech, although he can't talk back of course.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:08, Thu 27 Oct 2011.

Crusty Tom shook his head at both Flora's question.  Tom didn't make friends easily but he hadn't been in Compton long enough to make enemies.

He responds the same way after Bedlam Jones outlines his plan.  It seemed a good one and there was no need to complicate it unnecessarily.  Tom was pleased to note that the giant was proving a capable tactician.

In their hiding place in the cover of a ruined buiding, Tom shrugs off his pack, tightens the straps on his leather armour and waits for a signal.

Shreek swoops down to the rest of the party, landing next to the ruin in a swirl of dust. "We're being followed by a trio of dabbers. They spotted me in the tower and came in so I took off. Can't be sure they didn't see me fly here either"
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:58, Fri 04 Nov 2011.

 She frowns at the idea of such idiot's really choosing to come out and see if they might get a chance to take some loot from them.

 Well i dont want them behind me. So lets either lose them or lead them over to the porkers, since they seem so eager to see what is out here.

 She twirled the 6ft sledge hammer in one hand while she talked without effort in the least.

"Wouldn't it be easier just to give them a black eye and see 'em on their way?  We could lose a lot of time trying to lose these dabbers, and I'm none to keen to risk tangling with porkers just yet."

Tom supposes that he shouldn't be surprised that others would want to attach themselves to the success that Flora, Bedlam and Ordus had achieved on their first delve, much as he himself had done, but he couldn't help feeling frustrated at the inauspicious start to their latest expedition.

"Well they're not from Compton then," Bedlam considers Shreek's recon. "And given the mayor's antipathy, they probably make a habit of stalking Compton parties."

Bedlam pauses for a moment.

"Flux. Was hoping to avoid them. Guess we'd better see if we can make some introductions. Watch your gear. Ordus, keep a few eyes on our back. Shreek, how 'bout the top of that wall?"

The giant puts his lamppost back on his shoulder and prepares to lead the crew back around the corner of the building to confront the dabbers.

"And let's see if we can't keep it friendly," he grins at Flora. "They already got black eyes."

"Of course," the Parliamentary Rattus declare.  "Although maybe...a pity there's no good way to make them think we haven't noticed them.  Nothing like bushwhacking a bushwhacker."

Shreek flaps up atop the wall while Bedlams leads the party back onto the remains of the road, to confront the three dabbers coming the other way. They freeze, looking surprised and guilty.

"Hello, we were looking for the... I mean can you tell me the way to... uh... this is awkward" says the leader.

"Indeed?" Bedlam grins, not entirely pleasantly at the dabbers. Even at this distance the size difference between the giants and the dabbers is notable.

"You've been tailing us since we left Compton. Folks there say you'll wait until we've found some salvage and then slit our throats while we sleep to steal it. They're willing to pay us handsomely for your tails."

Bedlam pauses briefly before continuing. "I'm sure having no tail would also be very... awkward."

The giant relaxes his stance, placing the head of his lamppost-maul on the ground and leaning against the handle.

"Now, personally, I don't care much for that solution. Got enough hassles with those porkers," he nods his head in the general direction of the porker enclave. "Don't need a bunch of tailless dabbers running around blaming me for their humiliation. I just want to go about my business - salvage and trade - without having to worry about rude awakenings or bloody tail stumps."

Straightening up again, and hefting his maul back onto his shoulder with a little flourish, Bedlam concludes: "So you dabbers wanna do some negotiating or should we just commence with the thumpings?"

The dabbers exchange nervous glances during Bedlam's tirade, then the leader steps forward. "Look, it this is all just one big understanding" says the leader with an insincere smile. "We'll just head off back that way and leave you in peace big guy. Are we cool?"

Crusty Tom lurks silently, slightly to one side of and behind Bedlam Jones.  He is still more than a little suspicious, despite the dabbers protestations, and keeps a tight grip on his spear.

Tom watches and listens closely, trying to get some impression of the dabbers' intentions.  He doesn't know much of dabbers but broadly speaking, Tom is a fair judge of character.  It was a skill that came naturally to him and it had served him well while he had been travelling alone.

"Well," Bedlam replies slowly. "I'm not opposed to a peaceful parting. But it doesn't do much to clear up this... misunderstanding. Or future misunderstandings for that matter."

"I like to look a little further down the road," the giant continues. "I can't speak for Compton, but as for myself and this crew, we'd rather see if we can't come to some kind of long-term, peaceful understanding. Something which could prove useful for all parties involved. You know, something involving safe passage in exchange for a few shiny things here and there. Everyone keeps their tails and no one wakes up dead."

"Of course, if your words don't carry any weight with the other dabbers in your community, well then, maybe we should just move along."

Bedlam's thoughts come into the minds of the crew: ~Ordus, Shreek, any new arrivals? Anyone have any comments or points I should cover?~

The dabbers exchange a complex look, then the leader turns back to Bedlam.

"Look, I can't speak for the collective, but I'm one of the big tails so I can make this happen. I'm sure we can come to some arrangement. We'll be waiting here when you get back and we can cut a deal, OK?"

 She stepped out from her position against the wall and eyed the Dabbers with lack of grace(if a plant can give a hard stare), We will give it a try and see if his words match his promise's, If not then i have his scent now and can find him anywhere now.

 Sitting her maul on the ground she coolly stood her ground and waited for something to happen.

"Excellent!" Bedlam beams expansively. "We'll catch you on the flipflop."

The giant gives the dabbers a parting nod and signals the crew to move out.

~The deal is not sealed, but we are much closer. Keep a sharp eye, people, for anything shiny to use in future trades.~

As Bedlam heads down the road he makes a careful note of the location, and a few blocks further stops to mark it on his map.

"Now, where were we? Oh, yeah. Salvage. Back to it folks - there's a profit to be made yet."

You continue onwards towards the East River, initially following the same route as before but taking a left well before the site of your battle with the porkers. As you pass the remains of a collapsed appartment building Flora's plant-like instincts serve her well, and she sniffs out a cistern of water half buried in rubble. There is enough to refill all your containers for today. An hour or so later Crusty Tom, acting on a whim squeezes into a half collapsed cellar to find one wall covered in an amazing mural, showing sunrise over the suburbs painted in bright, vibrant colours. This would fetch a high price back in Compton, but excavating the wall would be a large undertaking.

There are a few hours of daylight left, and you are around two thirds of the way to the East River according to your map. Do you camp here, or press on?

Crusty Tom shakes his head once the party is clear of the dabbers, "Back to it, but be careful.  Something's not right about those dabbers.  They were keeping something back, I'm sure of it."
---------
"Well, will you look at that.  That's the prettiest thing I've seen in...a long time, anyways.  Come see!"

Tom is quite excited by the find, but recognises the difficulty of safely removing the wall and transporting it back to Compton.

"Maybe you should just mark it on the map, Bedlam, and we can come back for it later?  I'd suggest camping here but if there's trouble overnight - and I'm expecting trouble - a fight here wouldn't give you big folk room to move and the mural might get damaged."

 Choosing not to enter the smaller room she leaned over to stare around the room in silent wonder. It is nice but hardly within our skill to cut it out and bring it back with us.  If we are looking to give something to the dark eyes then lets just give um this place and let them figure out how to get it out.

 She was fairly sure that it was worth something but the amount of effort needed to get it wasnt worth the reward to her mind.

Shreek peers sideways through the small opening at the mural, a feat natural to a being with eyes on the side of his head. He shakes his feathered head and returns to gazing at the ruins around them, searching for danger. "I agree with Flora, the time it would take to remove the wall could be better spent elsewhere. 

Shreek then scans the surrounding area and tries to determine if this would be a good place to make camp. ~If he can't see the surrounding area well he stands he will fly up to a nearby perch and get a good look. Would this be a perception or nature check?~
This message was last edited by the player at 18:03, Mon 14 Nov 2011.

The place looks as good as any other in this blasted zone. Shreek is about to take to the air when he realises that he will stand out like a sore thumb on the empty skyline, a clear target for anyone on the ground. Still want to give it a shot?

BTW OOC in Orange please.

Weighting the risks involved Shreek decides to stay on the ground. He shrugs his wings, "This seems as good a place as any to stay the night, the small entrance should make it hard for enemies to get through."

Bedlam, too, puzzles for a few minutes on how to convert the mural into a more liquid asset. "Consider it marked," he says, updating the map. "Perhaps we can find... an interested party, before we try to extract it."

"As for the dabbers... this doesn't strike me as their preferred currency. They are all about small, bright, shiny things."

The giant looks around and consults with the more knowledgeable members of the crew. "This seems as good a place as any for camp. We can use the remaining daylight to set up a perimeter and widen that gap so Flora and I can get in and out with the rest of you for sleeping."

Once camp is established and watches set Bedlam will take a closer look at the mural and encourage the others to do so as well. Except for Ordus. Ordus needs to stay several feet away from anything which might be damaged by fire. Is it an actual painting, or is it some other wonder of ancient technology? How is it attached to the wall? What is the wall made of? What equipment would be needed for excavation and transport? "Obviously, some of these questions will have to wait until we are back in Compton before they can be answered."

"Ordus, you'd make a great campfire except you'd eat anything we tried to use you to cook," Bedlam grins at the rat collective.

The mural seems to be the old-fashioned kind made with real paint. You would need some cutting equipment to remove out the 2 metre square section of concrete wall. Also, there is no way that you are getting Ordus' fireproof possum down in that cellar.

Since it seems that Bedlam doesn't share his concerns about camping near the mural.  Crusty Tom shrugs off his pack and starts looking around for anything suitably flammable and anything that might help make the campsite more defendable.

Perception = 18.  Looking for firewood or, failing that, anything else that will burn steadily as well as anything convenient for a barricade or camouflage.

 She has to accept the idea of being by the room but finding a place outside to touch the ground with her feet is important for her state of mind and peace. With her back to a wall she drops her pack and looks over the area in silent thoughts of defense.

 I will stay out here to keep watch and beside's its too small for my taste. Letting the last of the sun touch her face she enjoys feeding for a time.

"You make that sound like a bad thing," the Rattimunculous inform Bedlam.  "Ah, well.  Enjoy the cellar.  We will stay out here with Stupid and keep something resembling a lookout.  If we scatter far enough, we might not even show up too badly."

Anything that can be burnt was used up years ago, so you resign yourself to a cold night, although the many flaming rats of Ordus can take the place of hot water bottles. You find a suitable corral with stupid close to the cellar and set up you camp for the night. In the early hours of the morning, on the last watch, which happens to be Shreek, something passes close to your camp.

Shreek, make a Stealth and a Perception roll. As I understand it, Flora and Ordus are sleeping outside and Crusty and Bedlam are in the cellar, right?

Got an 18 for perception and a 3 for stealth.

As Shreek watches the ruined road for any signs of trouble, he hears a faint buzzing noise from the south, which quickly becomes louder as a swarm of puppy sized, glowing mosquitoes flies into his line of sight!

Combat map posted. Everyone Roll Init, although only Shreek can act this round. The moon is quite bright , plus the swarm is glowing a sick green and easy to see, so no penalties for night fighting.

The swarm makes a beeline for Shreek, buzzing with anticipation and radiation. Hoving into view behind it comes a huge, coiled up maggot, slithering along the remains of the road. It glows an angry red and is covered with cancerous nodules, which on closer insepction are embryonic mosquitoes budding from its slimy hide.

Round 1: Init Order: Mosquitoes, Maggot-thing, Shreek.

The bad guys have acted so you're up Shreek.

If Shreek calls out a warning the other PCs can make a DC15 Per roll to wake up. You only get one action as in a surprise round, but you can stand up from prone for free.

Shreek squawks out, "Wake up, we're being attacked!" before he emits a loud shriek in an attempt to drive off the mosquitoes in front of himself.

I rolled a 20 against their will defense.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:30, Sat 26 Nov 2011.

 She grumbles a touch before letting sleep touch her again.

0:13, Today: Flora rolled 12 using 1d20+2. perception/vs 15

Bedlam may have slept through Shreek's call to arms, but he definitely heard the hawkoid's screaming attack. Rolling out of his blanket, he grabs his lamppost and climbs to his feet, almost bumping his head on the low ceiling.

"C'mon, Tom. Sounds like we got company," the giant leads the way to the cellar exit, ducking his head and turning sideways to squeeze through the (relatively) small opening.

OOC:
Bedlam Jones rolled 16 using 1d20+3. Init.
Bedlam Jones rolled 18 using 1d20+3. Perception.
Move from the cellar to the entrance (2-3 paces)
Through the entrance at P-7 (3 paces)
To O-8 (1 pace)
I only indicate the paces because
- Bedlam starts off the map.
- Bedlam has move 7.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:50, Mon 28 Nov 2011.

OK, good point Bedlam. Everyone is woken by the sonic attack, including you Flora. No roll necessary. Also, Bedlam remember you can act also this round.

 Blinking her eyes she works to focus on what that horrible sound was before her brain kicks into gear and she has to make a guess that its the new kid making the racket at something out there.

 Gaining her feet she twirls her maul and waits to get a chance at what every it is out there. She does wonder if more porkers are in this area also.

09:13, Today: Shreek the Electroid rolled 11 using 1d6+6. Psychic damage against swarm.  Slide swarm to M8/M9/N8/N9. Shreek then moves to L8 and draws his two-handed heavy weapon.

The swarm is driven away from the entrance to the basement. Shreek charges forward, his flail whirling above his head.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:37, Mon 28 Nov 2011.

Crusty Tom scrambles to his feet but it looks as though he's still half asleep.  It might look peculiar to Bedlam Jones but it doesn't trouble Tom as his conscious mind catches up with his hyper-alert body.

(It isn't unusual for Tom's body to react before he is consciously aware of the triggering event.  Over the years, Tom has come to embrace the phenomenon.  It gives the lie to those who, seeing his stony flesh, expect him to be slow)

Seeing no immediate threat in the cellar, Tom pauses long enough to pick up his heavy spear and gives the faster giant time to move past him and out the exit.


14:02, Today: Crusty Tom rolled 21 using 1d20+5. Perception.
13:51, Today: Crusty Tom rolled 17 using 1d20+12. Initiative.
Moving to the exit at P-7 and out to Q8.  Tom is speed 5.

This message was last edited by the player at 01:07, Thu 01 Dec 2011.

Tom, the cellar in fact isn't mapped. The O on the map represents the exit. Assume you can appear on the O using 3 moves, so you have some left. Where would you like to move to from there?

Shreek's sonic blast swats the swarm back a few metres like a huge hand, leaving a few twitching on the ground.

Bedlam climbs out of the cellar and moves to engage the swarm. As he moves into their radioactive green glow a wave of sickness passes over him.

5HP damage Bedlam. Anyone within the swarms aura(1) will take 5HP radiation damage.

The mosquitoes' buzzing doubles in volume and, ignoring Bedlam, they swarm back towards Shreek, stinging the hawkoid in a dozen places, while his skin continues to crisp from the radiation.

13HP Damage Shreek.

Back down the road, the maggot-thing rears up and spits a huge gob of radioactive goo towards Crusty Tom. It sails over his head and hits the back of the swarm with a splat, downing a few more of the radioactive pests.

Will assume anyone who hasn't posted is still too groggy after waking up in the middle of a dream. Happens to me a lot :)

Combat map updated Round 2: Remaining Init Order: Shreek, Crusty Tom, Bedlam, Flora and Ordus.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:07, Sun 18 Dec 2011.

 Towering up high enough to look over the fight nearby she has to frown with the quick attack and the lack of sleep her roots need. Moving rapidly from her campsite she races forward toward the maggot which the short party member has engaged already.

 As she closed she swung the maul at the insect hoping to crush it like a "Bug" so they could turn their attention back to the other insects. Mostly flying insects did not bother her just the crawling ones.

07:38, Today: Flora rolled 8 using 2d8+3. possible damage.
07:37, Today: Flora rolled 15 using 1d20+7. atk maggot

"This'll be like swatting mosquitoes," Bedlam grins as the crew wakens and joins the fracas. "Giant, glowing, mutant mosquitoes."

As the swarm reels back from Shreek's attack, the giant swings his lamppost maul in a huge swipe through their mass.

OOC:
Bedlam is as O-8.
Bedlam Jones rolled 23 using 1d20+8. Brickbat. vs. Mosquito Swarms.
Brickbat attack vs. AC of swarms in N8, N9.
Don't think swarms can be knocked prone, but if that hits it does:
Bedlam Jones rolled 11 using 2d8+4. Damage.

Tom steps forward to engage the maggot thing.  It appears to be spawning more mosquitoes and Tom hopes to kill it before it can add to the swarm.  He uses his hypercognitive awareness to direct his opening strike before his dual mind kicks in to swing Tom's heavy spear in a wicked follow-through.  Neither blow is as accurate as Tom would like, though.


Tom moves to T-8
Uncanny Strike = 14 vs AC/Refl?, Damage ???
Basic attack (hvy, 2-handed) (Duality) = 14 vs AC, Damage 14

Sorry, not entirely sure what Uncanny Strike does.  I really hope the maggot-thing has low defences, I seem to have a thing for 14's

Shreek gathers the electrical energy within himself and releases it in a burst concentrated towards the swarm.

OOC: Electric Boogaloo
Shreek the Electroid rolled 15 using 1d10+7. Electric Boogaloo. The target takes a -2 penalty to all defenses until the end of your next turn.

Bedlam and Flora both close on the swarm, and their skin blisters with radiation burns as they do so.

5HP radiation damage each.

Shreek and Flora's attacks fail, but Bedlam's maul splats a dozen or so of the beasties.

Crusty Tom's blow bounces of the maggot's rubbery hide.

Ordus' component rats scurry back from wherever they were sleeping, and the collective reforms.

Next Round.

The maggot rears up and lunges as Crusty Tom, it's mouth full of sharp little teeth. They can't pierce Tom's stony hide, but the radiation burns none the less.

5HP radiation Damage Tom.

The swarm lashes out at Bedlam, Flora and Shreek. Only Bedlam swats away their advances, the other two are bitten several times, while Shreek continues to suffer radiation burns.

12HP Flora, 13HP Shreek.

Combat map updated Round 3: Remaining Init Order: Shreek, Crusty Tom, Bedlam, Flora and Ordus.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:25, Sun 18 Dec 2011.

 With all the buzzing around her face she swings hard to scatter them away from here with her powerful attacking maul. Though maybe the burns were having some effect on her attacks.

 09:54, Today: Flora rolled 13 using 1d20+7. brickbat atk vs bugs

"Ow. Little buggers got more than just needles that sting," Bedlam comments as he continues sweeping his lamppost through the swarms.
OOC: Round 3(?)
Brickbat attack vs. AC of swarms in M8, M9.
17:39, Today: Bedlam Jones rolled 20 using 1d20+8. Brickbat. vs. Mosquito Swarms.
17:39, Today: Bedlam Jones rolled 14 using 2d8+4. Damage.

Tom feels the radiation burn but there's little he can do for it at the moment.  Best to finish the fight quickly and move away.

Tom stomps his foot down, hard.  There is a dull booming sound and the ground closest to him shakes, but there is little other apparent effect.  At the same time, part of Tom's mind is concentrating on another spear-strike and this time there is a satisfying wet thud as the tip of his spear meets the maggot-thing's flesh.

Seismic Stomp and Duality basic vs Maggot-thing.  I'm assuming 22 vs AC hits.
09:17, Today: Crusty Tom rolled 13 using 2d8+4. Basic damage.
09:16, Today: Crusty Tom rolled 22 using 1d20+6. Duality Basic.
09:16, Today: Crusty Tom rolled 16 using 1d20+7. Uncanny Strike.
(Should actually be Seismic Stomp, 13 vs Fort, since Uncanny Strike is an encounter power)

Shreek steps back from the swarm and opens his mouth to spews out a cloud of little needles into the swarm, shredding several beasties. Bedlam's brickback puts down a couple more - the swarm is definitely thinning out. Oruds scurries round to the other side, taking some radiation damage but setting a few mosquitoes on fire.

Bedlam and Flora continue to burn with the radiation.

5HP damage each

Crusty Tom stabs the maggot with a satisfying splat of goo.

BTW there is no encounter power concept in GW, you can use you special attacks as many times as you like.

Next round.

The mosquitoes swarm around Bedlam, Shreek and Flora, but this time their stings do not get through. The maggot takes another bit out of Crusty, causing more radiating damage.

5HP damage Crusty.

Combat map updated Round 4: Remaining Init Order: Shreek, Crusty Tom, Bedlam, Flora and Ordus.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:28, Sun 18 Dec 2011.

Shreek ruffled his feathers, building an electric charge within his body, but the mosquito's bites threw off his aim and the blast of electricity shot out harmlessly.

Shreek the Electroid rolled 8 using 1d20+6. Shockin' da swarm. Miss.
Spends healing surge to regain 13 HP, and shifts back one square to J9.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:53, Tue 13 Dec 2011.

Crusty Tom presses the attack against the maggot-thing, but his technique lets him down and he struggles to pin the creature down, despite its bulk.

22:07, Today: Crusty Tom rolled 15 using 1d20+6. Duality Basic.
22:07, Today: Crusty Tom rolled 10 using 1d20+7. Uncanny Strike.

The crush of rats which had until recently lay dormant, finally collects itself and forms its traditional rat/humanoid shape. It's flaming eyes take stock of the 'other' swarm and sends a burst of fire out at the 'skeeter swarm before drawing his rebar.


00:31, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 25 using 1d20+5. Initiative.
00:32, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 8 using 1d20+4. Fiery flare.
Great first run for this, dice roller gives me a nat. 20 Init roll and then a 4 for the attack.  Hullo everyone, I have been given temp/fill-in control of Ordus. Pleased to be joining you.

Tired of getting burned by the glow on the bugs she pictures herself as a big time baseball player swinging for a homerun and the bugs were the ball.
 With a ummph from the swing she powered into the swarm.

05:54, Today: Flora rolled 15 using 2d8+3. damage.
05:54, Today: Flora rolled 20 using 1d20+7. brickbat atk vs bugs

Bedlam and Flora both mash some more mosquitoes, while Ordus' fire crisps the remainder. Over half the pests are now splattered over the ground. Ordus takes damage from the remainders' radioactive aura.

5HP Damage Ordus.

The mosquitoes swarm around Ordus, but the nimble rats dodge the stings. Crusty Tom is bitten again by the maggot, taking more radiation damage.

5HP damage Tom. Next round.

Combat map updated Round 5: Remaining Init Order: Shreek, Crusty Tom, Bedlam, Flora and Ordus.

Tom finds that his battle with the maggot-thing is rapidly developing its own routine.  The creature's bite has yet to break Tom's crusty hide, but the radiation it emits is rapidly wearing down Tom's endurance.  For his own part, Tom is becoming increasingly frustrated at his inability to land a telling blow.

Shreek flies backwards, further away from the swarm, then spins, lands, and pulls out a massive shotgun.

"Let's clip those wings, fellas!"

Move to H9, minor to pull out shotgun. Now 5 sq.  away so shotgun spread allows attacks vs. 2 targets!
1st attack: Shreek rolled 17 using 1d20+5. Mega shotgun vs. bug swarm AC.
2nd attack: Shreek rolled 22 using 1d20+5. Mega Shotgun spread.
One of those probably hit, so here's damage: Shreek rolled 18 using 2d10+5. Shotgun damage to swarm.
That was at both swarms, in L8 and M8. So if both hit, 18 damage to both. Correct?

As the smoke cleared, Shreek lifted the barrel up to his mouth and tried to blow away the smoke coming out, only to realize that he had a beak, not lips, and instead waved at it with his wing instead. This was decidedly less cool, so he quickly put the gun away, hoping no one had noticed.

"Ahem."

Bedlam flinches as several of the pellets from Shreek's shotgun zing past his ears. The effect on the mosquito swarm, however, is undeniable.

"Time to squash a bigger bug," the giant grins. Leaving swarm cleanup to Ordus and Flora he moves to join Tom in engaging the huge maggot. The momentum of his stride adds to Bedlam's strength as his lamppost connects with a crushing blow.

OOC: Round 5
No opponents adjacent so...
Take a recovery (13 HP) for Minor action.
Move to T9 (uses all 6 movement on account of the rubble)
Attack Maggot.
Bedlam Jones rolled 28 using 1d20+8. 2Hnd Wpn Attack vs Maggot.
Smack-a-roo. What's a critical? Do I roll again to confirm or some such?
Max damage would be 20. Otherwise:
Bedlam Jones rolled 16 using 2d8+4. Damage.

 With a roar of silenced pain she swings once more at the flying bugs attempting to squash them once and for all.

10:11, Today: Flora rolled 9 using 2d8+3. possible damage.
10:10, Today: Flora rolled 12 using 1d20+7. brickbat atk vs bugs

"Burn." The swarm squeaks, lashing out with fire once more.

16:18, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 10 using 1d20+4. Fiery Flare.

Shreek's shotgun blast takes down a swathe of mosquitoes, leaving the swarm at one forth of its former strength. Meanwhile Bedlam moves south and lays down a weighty blow on the maggot, which lets out a gut-churning roar of pain.

Ordus and Flora are burnt by the radiation aura, but Ordus' flame continues to frazzle the bloodsuckers.

5HP Damage Flora and Ordus.

Next round.

The maggot bites again at Crusty, this time just about managing to pierce his skin along with a smearing of radioactive goo.

6HP damage Crusty.

In response to the cry of the maggot, the remainder of the swarm surges back to engage Bedlam, biting the surprised giant several times.

10HP damage Bedlam, 1HPleft.

Combat map updated Round 6: Remaining Init Order: Shreek, Crusty Tom, Bedlam, Flora and Ordus.

"Ah, balls. Tom!"

Shreek pulls out a home-made flail consisting of a cement-filled coffee can with nails sticking out, connected to a length of chain, connected to a large wrench, and begins to run at the swarm.

"Aaaaaaaaahhhh!"

Move to M8, and from there Charge at the swarm to R8. +1 to hit because of Charge.
Shreek the Electroid rolled 13 using 1d20+6. Charge at swarm. Crap.
Hitting seems unlikely, but if I somehow DO:
Shreek the Electroid rolled 8 using 2d8+2. Flail damage.

"Ooooh! I'm gettin' tired of you bugs!" Bedlam winds up for a big swing. "Watch your head, Tom."

The giant sweeps his lamppost through the swarm, over Crusty Tom's head and into the maggot.

OOC: Round 6
Brickbat vs Swarm (S08) and Maggot (U08)
Bedlam Jones rolled 17 using 1d20+8. Brickbat vs Swarm and Maggot.
Not sure if that will hit vs AC. If it does, the maggot is knocked prone.
Bedlam Jones rolled 15 using 2d8+4. Damage.

Tom grimaces in pain as the maggot's bite pierces his skin.  The cut is small enough but the accompanying radioactivity continues to take its toll.

Tom gathers his energy for another push even as Bedlam shouts a warning.  Tom ducks under the swung lamppost but it takes him a moment to recover his balance and his openning attack is awful.  His split-consciousness reacts with a follow-up attack that is much better directed.


Delaying Initiative till after Bedlam for dramatic effect (also possibly for the prone to hit bonus, not that that will have an effect given my rolls)
Minor action recovery (13HP)
Uncanny Strike and Duality basic attack vs Maggot (U08)
10:43, Today: Crusty Tom rolled 10 using 2d8+4. Damage.
10:42, Today: Crusty Tom rolled 22 using 1d20+6. Duality Basic.
10:42, Today: Crusty Tom rolled 9 using 1d20+7. Uncanny Strike.

I think that's the right way to do a recovery action.  I'm more used to the standade 4th ed Second Wind.

 Somehow the idea that these lower life forms were continuing their attack against her friends made her mad and she showed that anger by smashing into the flying swarm of bugs with her maul.

 Brickbat atk vs flying bugs.
03:32, Today: Flora rolled 17 using 2d8+5. damage.
03:32, Today: Flora rolled 24 using 1d20+7. brickbat atk vs bugs

Ordus skitters after the swarm but decides to stay out of combat range as he is tired of the radiation. He takes aim of the swarm and a streak of fire blasts forth from the nose of one of his rats.

Move to square O - 08
14:27, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 15 using 1d20+4. Fiery flare.
14:28, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 18 using 2d8+5. damage?

Crusty and Bedlam's blows crush the maggots head to a messy goo, and it falls lifeless to the ground. On it's demise the swarm seems to lose cohesion, and the remaining mosquitoes are quickly dispatched.

130XP each.

The rest of the night passes without incident and you prepare to continue your journey to the river.

Same scouting/foraging/mapmaking etc. assignments as before?

Tom is happy that the vermin have been despatched and even happier that the rest of the night passes without incident.

Since he has yet to closely examine Bedlam's precious map, Tom isn't entirely sure what the new day will bring but he's hoping that his luck will hold.  The mural was a nice find and a promising start to this new venture, for all that it wasn't easily portable.

OOC: Same duties suits me, though I have less confidence in the dice roller than Tom :)

Bedlam wipes the bug-goo from his lamppost with a satisfied look on his face.

"Nice work, crew. Everybody still in one piece? Well, except for you, Ordus. Good. I'm going back to bed then," the giant waves to the crew as he ducks back down into the basement entrance.

In the morning Bedlam is grinning as usual. "I like the way things are looking. Might even reach the South River today. Since yesterday went so well, let's keep the same duties for now."

OOC: I'm good with same assignments.

Shreek roosts for the rest of the night, and is ready to move on in the morning.

I haven't been on this character long enough to have an opinion about how things are working, so I'm fine with whatever it is you've all been doing!

Ordus lets their shape relax a bit as the Horde sleeps and heals itself.  In the morning the Ordus find themselves refreshed and eager to take on the new challenges. "Yes Bedlam, the same duties should do nicely."

You continue towards the South River, following the sketchy directions on the map as best you can. Just after midday Flora smells water on the wind, and leads you to an old bathtub lying in the middle of a fire-blacked ruin, with a couple of inches of brackish but clean water. There is enough for you all to drink your fill, and Stupid the giant possum polishes off the rest.

Sometime in the early afternoon, Shreek feels a familiar tingling, that soon develops into a crippling pain - he is experiencing alpha flux, and for a few hours until his new mutation emerges will be severely hampered in combat or anything else.


You make good time, and after a solid day of travel you catch your first glance of the river in the distance as you crest a shallow rise. The sun is close to setting, but you estimate it will only take an hour or two more to reach the river. For the last half our or so of travel the character of the city has been changing. Many of the building are now intact, at least in part and several show signs of occupation at some point. Unfortunately, the road is now overlooked by a score of windows, and your lines of sight are severely curtailed.

Crusty Tom spots a flash of light from an upstairs window, and braves the structurally unsound ruin to recover an old disco ball, dusty but in perfect condition!

Just before nightfall, Ordus, whose component rats have been scouting for trouble, notices some writing stenciled in black paint onto a half collapsed wall.  "The Soup Kitchen - Next Left". It looks like someone has taken a chisel to the wall to erase the message at some point in the past, but the stencil has been reapplied. There is an alley to the left a dozen metres ahead...

"Ugh," burps the hawkoid. "What do YOU GUYS think?" His eyes widen at the involuntary increase in volume. "Sorry."

OOC: I'd say number 44, Sonic Screech. :D

Bedlam shrugs. "Not the best neighborhood for a restaurant, but probably worth checking out."

"Cautiously. Problem with alleys is the tight quarters limit your options."

"Shreek, are you done fluxing enough to fly?" Bedlam scans upwards at the empty windows of the tall buildings. "I'd like to know if anyone has set up a lookout across from the alley."

"THINK so, boss." He grimaced again, spread his wings, and gave a few experimental flaps before taking off and landing atop one of the buildings.

Shreek the Electroid rolled 16 using 1d20+10. Perception.

15:06, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 15 using 1d20+8. Perception.
15:06, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 10 using 1d20+9. stealth.
Sheesh, die roller is a cruel mistress

Ordus' congress of rats shaped themselves into a crouch in an attempt to be as incospicuous as a thousand rats on fire can be and sniffed the air tentatively awaiting word back from Shreek.

 Spinning her maul in her hand as she watches all the slight paranoia about being ambushed from her friends as they looked around the neighbor hood for trouble.

 Now why would someone put out a sign like that unless they wanted people to come and dine.?,  well unless they want you to be the main course for dinner. Looks go have a look. she offers with a grim smile.

I have a rule for literacy. You need to  have Int 15+ or Science as one of your bonus skills. Does anyone meet this criteria? Otherwise may have to retcon my posts!

Shreek flies up and perches on a nearby roof to examine the lay of the land. The alley leads to a small, deserted plaza. Ruined buildings enclose it on every side, but one structure in good shape stands out, a square blockhouse with bricked up windows. There a doorway leading inside giving on to the plaza, and Soup Kitchen is stenciled on the wall above in large red letters.

"Looks clear," the hawkoid shouted down. "If there's anybody hiding, they're doing a pretty good job of it."

Shreek walked along the rooftops, still looking around for any sign of danger.

10:44, Today: Shreek the Electroid rolled 28 using 1d20+10. More Perception!
OOC: All I have is a 12. Looks like I'm illiterate.]

Tom, having belatedly realised that no-one else in the party can read, pauses at the corner and reads the sign aloud for the others.

Tom finds the idea of a soup kitchen (or any friendly settlement) this far into the Sprawl highly suspicious, but it seems that others have already had the same idea.  If they are willing to take the chance, then so is Tom.  The only sign he gives of his concern is a raised (stony) eyebrow.

"Alright.  If you want to check it out..."

Tom shrugs his pack into a more comfortable position and checks the straps on his armour.  His spear is already out, it being too long to sheathe or sling easily, so that's all the preparation Tom needs.

Int 10, definitely illiterate literate.  Edited for miraculous intervention.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:36, Thu 19 Jan 2012.

Ordus' rats chittered, "Food? We like food." The hive mind did not produce enough brain power to work out the words that "civilizations" use, but they tried to memorize the shapes on the sign so that they would know in the future where they could get food in a pinch.

Bedlam looks up and gives Shreek a nod before addressing the rest of the crew.

"Ok. Well let's go see what's on the menu. Ordus, don't bring Stupid into the alley until the rest of us have gotten through to the plaza. Everybody stay sharp."

Lamppost in hand, Bedlam leads the crew into the alley.

OOC: If nothing happens in the alley...

When they get to the plaza Bedlam sends out his thoughts before moving to the left.

You negotiate the alley and spill out onto the plaza, alert for any ambush. The place is deserted. As you approach the doorway to the Soup Kitchen, you can hear tinny sounding big band music from inside. The bead curtain a metre or so into the open doorway blocks your view of the room beyond, other than the observation that it is brightly lit...

Ordus' many voices squeak in interest. "Lively place for a middle of nowhere location."

"Everybody loves GOOD MUSic. Dammit."

Shreek soared down and rejoined his comrades.

"So? We going in?"

 Peeking thru the beaded curtain she frowned at the tight quaters but heard the music and wanted a better look at who was making the sounds.

 Watch my sides not my back, lets go have a look see.

 Sliding her maul forward to part the curtains she follows it inside to see how much room there was for movement and if any porkers might be around.

Beyond the curtain is a large, well-lit cantina, scattered with mismatched aluminium chairs and tables. Despite the music comes from a old loudspeaker mounted high in one corner, the place is deserted. Midway along the opposite wall is a large serving hatch blocked off with steel mesh, save for a small space at the bottom that presumably allows food to be passed over. A push bell is mounted on the wall next to the hatch, with some words stenciled above it.

Bedlam peers around Flora's shoulder before stepping into the room. "Looks like business is a little slow."

The giant's thoughts enter the crew's heads. ~Ordus, you have rear guard. Tie Stupid up and come join us. Shreek, stay near the curtain until Ordus gets here. Tom, you still have the middle.~

"Well, sis," he grins, moving forward along the left side of the room. "Ya wanna ring the bell and see what's cookin'?"

Tom moves out into the centre of the plaza as directed and, when the group's entrance goes unchallenged, he approaches the bead curtain alongside Flora, keeping his guard up and his eyes open.

Inside the cantina, Tom hangs back a little.  He's not really sure what counts as the middle in a place like this but he wants to be able to see what's going on.  Strangely, the basic furniture and the security offered by the service hatch reassure Tom.  It looks like this might serve as a legitimiate business.

"It says 'Ring for Service'" Tom calls, his voice pitched to be audible over the music but not too loud.

 Striding along with big steps she has kept her focus at the various darker places in which someone might be hiding until she hears Crusty's words. Glancing at the chain and bell combo for a second before reaching out to pull the chain down softly to see what would happen.

Ordus ties Stupid up quickly and gives him a loving pat. And then scurries inside, his throng of noses sniffing the air.

After a dozen seconds a light goes on in the room behind the grate, illuminating a large, dusty kitchen. A large pot bobbles on electric stove. The cook shuffles into view, a tall, bald skeletally thin human in a faded while apron.

He gives you an uninterested glare. "Got some soup if you're hungry" he says, his voice surprisingly deep and powerful for such a withered old thing.

Tom raises one craggy eyebrow in surprise; this place was the genuine article after all.  The gaunt old man's appearance isn't much of a recommendation for the soup, though.

Tom looks about at the others, then shrugs. "Anyone hungry?"

 She leaned forward to have a better look inside and even if she wanted to see how clean the place was. While she didnt need a spic and span place it at least had to look like it had tried.

 that would depend on what is in the pot and if we can eat it.

Bedlam checks to make sure all of the crew is accounted for, shrugs back at Tom's question and grins when Flora opens the negotiations. Harmless enough to let her lead - usually made the other guy happy when Bedlam stepped in.

The kitchen looks a bit dusty, but it's a paragon of hygiene compared to some places you've eating. "Stew's stew" says the man gruffly. "But don't tell me a picky eater. I thought they'd all starved themselves out of the gene pool" he quips.

 She glances over to where the voice came from and the man by a firepit who had spoken, With a shrug of green shoulders. While i dont think we are too picky, i draw the line at eating alot of vile stuff. So..what cha got in the pot and how much is it?.

"Bush meat, mostly" answers the man indifferently. "And as a new customer yer first bowl is gratis"

Ordus' herd of rats shuffle towards the counter and reach out two paws to graps a bowl of stew.

"Hah! We have a taker," Bedlam chuckles as the flaming rat congress petitions for a bowl of stew. "Better not give him a wooden bowl."

 She shrugs and trusted in her ability to shrug off most poisons if there was such within the meal.

 She looks at the man, Ok, i will have a bowl then. If it is as good as it smells then we can spread the word around in compton.

"I don't know if that's racist, or if I'm just too hungry to care," said Shreek as he came in and plopped down at the counter. He sniffed at the proffered bowl. "Smells good."

22:21, Today: Shreek the Electroid rolled 17 using 1d20+10. Perception or Nature Check on Stew. Poisoned or anything?

The stew looks and tastes fine. Pretty good actually. Soon you have all eaten your fill. "Come back any time" says the man. "But next time we trade"

Tom doesn't eat with the others.  Instead, he keeps a watchful eye on proceedings from the back of the room.  If the skinny cook had doped the stew, it was better that at least one person not eat.

To pass the time, Tom did a quick inventory and wondered what the cook might want in trade.  Either the mirror-ball or the mural would do wonders to brighten up the dining room but Tom guessed the cook would want to keep valuables in the security of the kitchen and that wouldn't work.

Nobody suffers any ill-effects from the soup. If it's poisoned, it's a slow-acting variety.

Bedlam raises an amused eyebrow at Shreek. "Probably just too hungry."

"Ordus. Fire. Wood... burns," the giant explains slowly while accepting a serving of the stew.

Several minutes later he sighs with satisfaction, dropping his spoon into an empty bowl. He then proceeds to extricate himself from the table which was obviously not designed for someone of his size. "Excellent work, chef! How long have you been running this joint?"

Tom walks swiftly across the room to Bedlam Jones, bends down and whispers in his ear.

"Fair few years" answers the old man indifferently. "Now, if you could all bring your dishes back I'd be most appreciative"

Ordus gathers up his utensils and bowl and brings them to the area indicated, happily sated on the soup.

 She carried the bowl back to the window and looked within the kitchen at the man, I would have to agree, the stew was good and tasty, tell me how does one make a living out here?, is there enough traffic passing by to keep the doors open?.

Listening to Crusty Tom's whisper Bedlam nods once and stands slowly from his table.

The giant's thoughts enter the minds of the crew. ~Tom does not like something. One at a time to return the dishes then move away from the window before the next. I will be the last. Everybody stay sharp.~

Bedlam takes a slow look around the room as the others return their bowls. He especially studies the ceiling near the serving window and the beaded doorway.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:58, Fri 17 Feb 2012.

Ordus scurries casually away from the window and looks outside to check on Stupid. mentally he prepares himself to leap into action on Bedlam's mark.

"Be seein' you!" the old man calls after you as you exit the building. Outside, the square is now in shadow, with less than half an hour of daylight left. Stupid is where you left him and everything looks normal.

Shreek hands over his bowl and steps away from the window. As the others exit into the square he moves off to the side away fromthe others. If they were walkin ginto a trap he wanted room to get airborn.

Casually he adjusted the strap on his massive shotgun so that he could swing it down under his arm and have it ready to fire but still have to strap across his body so as not to loose it when he took off.


20:58, Today: Shreek the Electroid rolled 12 using 1d20+10. perception
This message was last edited by the player at 21:00, Sat 25 Feb 2012.

Tom waits for the others to return their bowls and leave the soup kitchen.  He trails the others out the door, watching for any other signs of trouble.  Once outside, he tries to explain his concern.

"Just at the end, as you finished eating, the cook gave this smirk.  He looked altogether too pleased with himself.  It might be nothing but I've travelled too long on my own to ignore signs like that."

"If any of you start feeling crook, say so.  No messing about, even if you just feel a little off-colour."

Bedlam nods. "Caution is definitely in order out here, Tom."

"Of course, he might have been smirking to think about what kind of meat he was feeding us," the giant grins, moving across to the alley which leads out of the square. "Ah well, it was tasty."

"Now, let's find someplace to set up camp for the night," Bedlam's gaze wanders up to the ancient crumbling buildings. "Think any of those upper floors have enough strength to take our weight?"

Shreek took to the air and glided after the giant "I can go check them out for you if you'd like?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:15, Mon 27 Feb 2012.

Just to clarify, you are going to hole up somewhere near the Soup Kitchen, right? Shreek, flying can be useful, but there are a lot of eyes watching the sky, be careful.

Ordus unhitches stupid and instantly regrets no bringing some food out for the mount. "I was so... silly, Stupid. I am sorry." the rats say mournfully stroking the animal.

Shreek landed next to the group realizing his flying above them might turn heads and they wanted little attention as possible as it was.

" That was a little stupid of my" he said blushing under his feathers thankful no one could see it " perhaps we should just look round and see if there is an abandoned one that fits our needs and go check it out on foot."

"No worries, Shreek. Just be careful - the tall buildings which hide you from distant eyes may be hiding closer observers."

OOC:

The Shadow:

...you are going to hole up somewhere near the Soup Kitchen, right?

Yep. Maybe a block away?

"That might be it." Tom agrees cautiously, though he has his doubts.

Tom is more enthusiastic about the idea of making camp.  If the others have been drugged or poisoned they need to find some place defensible before the symptoms become too severe.  And if Tom is neing needlessly paranoid, well, a safe place to sleep is never a bad thing.

Tom is torn between offering to scout and wanting to keep an eye on the rest of the group.

"We should stick together.  None of us know the area.  Let's start looking over there, okay?"  Tom gestures towards a corner of the square that looks vaguely promising.  He can't help thinking, though, that any place large enough to shelter Flora, Bedlam and Stupid may be difficult to hide or hold.

You scout around and find a suitable hideout just as the sun sets, a gutted apartment above some kind of store, it's contents long looted. The rooms are open to the sky, but the only access is via the windows looking onto the street, or a pile of rubble out back. You make camp and get some rest, taking watches as usual.

Some time in the night, Crusty Tom wakes with a start to see Bedlam creeping down the rubble pile away from the camp! No-one else is awake, it must be the giant's watch...



BTW I am assuming you take the watch in the order you are listed in the Party Stats thread.

Tom quickly scrambles free of his bedroll but remains crouching.  He calls to Bedlam in a forced whisper, trying to make himself heard without waking everyone "Bedlam?  What's happening?"

Tom wonders whether the giant's behaviour is linked to the doped stew (as Tom still assumes it to have been).  But everyone else is still asleep.  Maybe Bedlam has spotted something?

"Just taking care of business, go back to sleep and let me crap in peace" says Bedlam, loudly, although none of the others wakes up.

Bedlam is at the bottom of the rubble slope now, just about to slip away into darkness...

Which was perfectly reasonable.  Even in the Sprawl, where any lapse in vigilance was dangerous, there was something awkward about taking care of "business" while being watched.  And yet, Tom still feels uncomfortable.  The whole situation has him on edge.

Tom shifts slightly closer, trying to keep Bedlam in sight, while he dredges his tired mind for a clue.  Some scrap of information to confirm his suspicions or set his mind at rest.

Insight = 23

Tom feel uncomfortable enough to trail Bedlam, who once on the ground sets off back across the road in the direction of the Soup Kitchen. To follow him Tom will have to leave the others with no-one on watch...

Tom pauses his pursuit of Bedlam.  He hurries over to Shreek and attempts to wake him.  The hawkoid seemed to have excellent vision, which might help, though Tom wasn't at all sure how well Shreek could see at night.

"Shreek!  Wake up.  Bedlam's wandering off."

Shreek's eyes flick open and he stretches his wings as he gets to his feet.

" .......what you mean? wondered off......" by now he was wide awake. "Ok you want to do? go after him or stay here and wake the others?" He said as he reached for his gear.

"One of us should go after him.  He says he's just taking a dump but I don't like him heading off alone.  How well can you see in this light?  Anyway, whoever stays can keep watch or wake the others.  You going or am I?  We don't have much time."

Tom rushes through his explanation as best he can.  They need to decide quickly before Bedlam's gets too far away.

"I'll go, get the others up and ready for anything" with that Shreek grabbed his gun and ran out as he cleared the building he took to the nights sky in the direction Tom had indicated their friend had gone
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:28, Sun 18 Mar 2012.

Crusty Tom shakes everybody awake while Shreek flies of in pursuit of Bedlam,

Shreek, give me a Perception and an Athletics roll please.

Shreek flies round for a bit to get his bearings and to locate his friend


10:10, Today: Shreek the Electroid rolled 18 using 1d20+10. perception roll

In a minute or two Crusty Tom has everyone awake. There is no sign of Shreek or Bedlam, but you can hear a loud conversation on the road below from your camp on the upper floor.

"De're up in dat building there"
"How do you know dat knucklebrain?"
"Never you mind, moron. Just shut up and let me drive"

Tom goes still for a moment, listening carefully as he hears the sound of voices from the street below.

"Never thought I'd be glad for Bedlam's bowel movements." he mutters.  In a slightly louder voice he adds, "Get ready everyone, we've got company."

OOC: If Tom has time he will collect his spear and move to hide next to a (or the) "door"

Shreek pulled the big man's face round in both his hands "Bedlam you back with me fella....Come on fella come back to me...." he said shaking the big guy slightly.

Then he turned and picked up his gun "Come on big guy I think we seriously need to get out of here and back to the others fast"

 Looking up at the one who woke her from a dream she blinks twice at him, I already pulled my guard shift, why you waking me?. She hoped it was for some decent reason rather then he wanted someone to talk to.

Somewhere in the night...

Tom tries (and largely fails) to mask his impatience.  He doesn't have the time to explain things, there's an unknown number of potential enemies moving about close by.

"Bedlam wandered off, Shreek's gone to find him and we're likely to be attacked before they get back."  Tom tries to speak quietly but puts a distinct emphasis on "attack" in an attempt to get his point across.

The voices on the street below drift closer as you hastily rub the sleep from your eyes (in Ordus' case multiple times) and grab your weapons.

"Dat window dere?"
"Yep"
"Shall I lob a 'nade up?"
"Do it!"

Everyone roll Init. Will post the combat map shortly.

 Not sure what the dwarf was talking about as he turned red in the face and pointed to the outside she was raking her loose hair back into some kind of shape when she heard voices outside talking about a "Nade". One think about being a plant based life form now it had the same speed most of the time and sleep didnt seem to bother her reactions.

 Jumping up she steps quickly to the window and blocks it from any thrown objects being tossed in, still she hoped she had picked the right window that the voices were coming from.

 Glancing to Tom, she whispers, Would you please grab my mallet please, seems we have guest's.

09:44, Today: Flora rolled 21 using 1d20+1. initiative

Somewhere in the night:
OOC:
Bedlam Jones rolled 16 using 1d20+3. Initiative.
Bedlam Jones rolled 28 using 1d20+10. Athletics.

Seeing Bedlam come to his senses " We need to get back .... this " he gestured with his hand " can wait"

With that he took to the air flying as fast as he could back to their camp site.

13:25, Today: Shreek the Electroid rolled 15 using 1d20+3. athletics roll.
13:25, Today: Shreek the Electroid rolled 19 using 1d20+1. initiative roll.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:26, Thu 29 Mar 2012.

"That's what I...oh, never mind."  Tom scoops up Flora's mallet.  The temptation to simply throw it at her is strong, but Tom's common sense overrides the urge.  He moves to pass it to her as quickly as possible, without exposing himself at any of the windows.

OOC: Initiative = 20

Out of the window you see a huge, two-headed giant on the street, heavily armed and armoured. Before anyone can act a grenade sails through the window and lands in the middle of the floor, spilling out a greenish gas that quickly fills the room. You all feel yourselves choking on the foul mixture, slipping quickly into unconsciousness...

18HP damage Tom, 16HP damage Flora, 17HP damage Ordus.

To summarise, you are in the first floor (US 2nd floor) overlooking the street. The room is now full of gas. Remember the room is missing one entire wall, and a pile of rubble gives access to the ground. To reach the ground via the rubble you have to traverse three rubble squares, or you can risk jumping. Each round you are still on the floor the gas will attack you at +10 vs Fort.

Round 1. Combat map updated. Init Order: The Orlon, Flora, Crusty, (Shreek), (Bedlam), Ordus. Orlon has acted.

NB Bedlam and Shreek are not on the map yet.

Coughing, Tom manages enough breath to shout "Everybody out."  Tom himself opts for the more direct option and jumps out a window.  A more risky approach than Tom usually prefers but the thought of picking his way back down the rubble pile didn't look too appealing either.

Now confronted directly by the two-headed giant, Tom stabs forward with his spear and follows through with a jerky swing in the split-motion style that has characterised his fighting since his last Alpha Flux.

OOC: Acrobatics = 11 to reduce fall damage, Uncanny Strike hits AC 20 for 14 damage, Duality basic misses

 Missing the small object as it manages to fall thru the window frame and explode with a gas cloud she coughs and rolls out the window and hangs a second before falling the 2 feet to the ground.

 Ticked off at being attacked she glares at the ettin standing there and moves to the attack. Swing her maul she tries to knee cap the split minded creature.

07:04, Today: Flora rolled 9 using 1d20+7. atk

Ordus stands up and skitters down the rubble readying it's bow to shoot at the cursed creature.

I have a speed of six, I will take two "Run" move actions to end up in square L-10 and I will pull the bow out.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:54, Fri 06 Apr 2012.

Crusty Tom falls awkwardly, then gets in a good hit on the giant, but the blow barely registers. Flora's wild swing misses entirely.

4HP Damage from fall Crusty.

"'Dats him! The stony bugger"
"Yes! I smash him"
"No, I smash him"

The giants swings twice with its spiked club but the two heads are so desperate to be the one that smashes Tom that they both miss!

Round 2. Combat map updated. Init Order: The Orlon, Flora, Crusty, Shreek, (Bedlam), Ordus. Orlon has acted.

Shreek, you may enter on any square on row H or column 1.

Ordus skitters forward, eager to back up his compatriots. He let out a blast of fire at the towering monstrosity. But it appears the rats are still rousing themselves from their slumber as the attack goes wide right.

Moving to J08 and then failing miserably at rolling D20.
11:59, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 6 using 1d20+4. Fire attack.

Tom is hurting.  The gas had greatly weakened him and he'd twisted something landing after his jump out the window.  Still, he takes some encouragement from the Orlon's inability to land a blow, even if it seems caused by an excess of zeal.  Tom gathers his energy and attacks again.  One strike lands but it is a weak blow.

OOC: No movement.  Use second wind. Uncanny Strike hits for 7 damage.  Duality basic hits AC14, which I assume misses. I'm happy to edit if that's wrong.

Shreek flow in over the wall and faced the giant from some meters away.

Raising his hands a blue glow started and electrical sparks jumped between his fingers.

Bringing his hands together he clasped then and pointed towrds the large target.

Seconds later a lone electrical arc shot out from his clenched fist towards the giant.


OOC: move to H04 : 10:00, Today: Shreek the Electroid rolled 26 using 1d20+6. electrical attack
This message was last edited by the player at 09:01, Sat 21 Apr 2012.

NPCing Flora. Sorry for letting the game get bogged down folks, will keep it moving from now on.

Flora gets in a good whack with her mallet, and Shreek and Crusty also wound the two-headed giant, but it just seems to shrug of the damage and keep on fighting. It swings twice at Crust Tom, and the second blow lands square on the stony man's head. Crusty sinks to the ground without a sound.

"I smash him!" shouts the second head triumphantly, as the other head glowers.

OK Tom you are on -1HP. Start making you death saves next round please.

Round 3. Combat map updated. Init Order: The Orlon, Flora, Crusty, Shreek, Bedlam, Ordus. Orlon has acted.

Bedlam, you may enter on G3 or G6.

 The vicious attack by the ettin mad her upset that this conflict of life was endangering her friends. With a vicious swing of her maul at its kneecap wanting to keep it from fleeing as she smashed its heads into a nice pulp.

Roll to hit: 24, Damage of maul: 12

"TOM!" the burning rats squeaked.  As one they charged forward leaping at the two headed monstrosity, trying to furiously bite and scratch the creature but unfortunately their excitement did not bring the focus to truly hamper the Orlon.

ARGH!!!!!!! Freaking natural 1s and 2s. Glad I did not roll to jump out the window.
12:23, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 6 using 1d20+5. Swarm! atk.
Also to perform the attack I would move me to I-05

If the Giant ends the turn here he will take 5 Damage I believe, Shreek you may wish to move away from me or you will take the hit too. Sorry about that, had to go here so as not to injure Tom..
This message was last edited by the player at 19:05, Thu 26 Apr 2012.

Lamppost in hand Bedlam comes around the wall in time to see Crusty Tom crumple. Looking at the assailant he cannot help but think: This guy is big!

Charging at the Orlon Bedlam can feel the heat of the rat congress at his back. ~Coming through, Shreek. Knock him down, Flora. Let the rats toast him as he rolls in the mud.~

As Bedlam comes around the Orlon's back the giant begins to sink into the ground as the area becomes a muddy quagmire. With a wicked undercutting slice of the lamppost Bedlam takes the Orlon's feet out from under him, dropping the two-headed monster into the mud.

OOC:
Move from G06 to J03.
Alpha Mutation: My Name is Mud. If the Orlon ends its turn adjacent to me, it is Restrained (save ends).

Aftereffect: The Orlon is slowed (save ends).
Only the Orlon (enemies) are effected.

Bedlam Jones rolled 25 using 1d20+8. Brickbat vs Orlon.
Bedlam Jones rolled 12 using 2d8+4. Damage.
And the target is Prone.

Might be able to get some flanking bonuses in here somewhere...

Seeing Crusty go down Shreek swooped in and attempted to grab the prone body and fly him to safety.

The giant is pounded into the mud by Flora and Bedlam. It's now looking the worse for wear, bleeding heavily from several wounds.

Shreek swoops in to grab Crusty and fly off, but the stone man is way too heavy to lift. Shreek collapses prone after dragging Crusty out of immediate harms way. The experience doesn't help Tom's condition, but probably saves his life.

Missed first death save Tom.

Bogged down in mud, the giant roars in anger and struggles to his feet.

"We must finish him!" they yell in unison, before dropping their clubs and pulling out a pair of huge pistols...

Bedlam, Ordus and Flora you all get an attack of opportunity, basic attack only.

"Not so fast, big guy," Bedlam quips, taking another swing as the Orlon struggles to regain its feet and change weapons.

OOC:
Bedlam Jones rolled 17 using 1d20+8. Basic AoO vs Orlon.
Bedlam Jones rolled 18 using 2d8+5. Damage.

 Impressed that this giant not only had explosive weapons but also has pistols as well. With a silent snarl she grunts with the effort of swinging the maul at the monsters head as it pulled out the pistols.

06:55, Today: Flora rolled 18 using 1d20+7. possible crit.
06:53, Today: Flora rolled 27,9 using d20+7,2d8+5. Aoo maul,possible damage
Ok doesnt say if a crit is 2x or 3x damage, so either 18 or 27 damage with crit

After the giants' massive blows the Orlon is nearly dead! Can Ordus finish it off before the pistols fire...?

Ordus, you got until Sunday then will roll for you.

Shreek rolls back to his feet and pulled his mega shotgun from its holster.

Crouched over the prone body of his friend Shreek aimed at the large target before him and pulled the trigger.


OOC:20:17, Today: Shreek the Electroid rolled 22 using 1d20+5. shotgun attack
20:20, Today: Shreek the Electroid rolled 17 using 2d10+5. shotgun damage
This message was last edited by the player at 19:21, Sun 29 Apr 2012.

The giant is blooded and can barely stand, but puts two shots into the prone Crusty all the same...

6HP Damage Crusty, and you failed another Death Save!

Next Round:

Shreek blows both the giant's heads to a pulp with a well-aimed blast from his shotgun.

OK, everyone except Shreek can try and stabilise Tom before he makes his third death save. Or you could check the Party Stats and Invetory thread...

Ordus chitters in excitement as it suddenly remebers something in it's fire proof knapsack. it scurries over to Tom while pulling out it's autodoc, trying to get the contraption to work to heal their compatriot.

So I had my bow out and I don't think I can use my fiery attack as a basic attack so I do not believe I get the bonus of an attack of opportunity.
In regards to the autodoc, does Tom need to be conscious to make it heal him?

Also after I hand it to him I would move away so as not to burn him.

Movement looks like Move to K-05 then move back to I-05 if I can.

The autodoc scans the patient and spits out a blue pill. With difficulty you get Crusty to swallow it, but the effect is almost immediate, and in a minute or two he is up and about again.

Remember I am using a wound system. You can check you wound levels in the Party Stats thread.

Tom grunts and struggles to sit up.  Eventually he winds up resting back on his elbows.  He hawks and spits out a mouthful of blood (proving, if nothing else, that you can get blood from a stone) "Ugh.  That didn't go well."

Tom glances across to the fallen giant, body broken by the crushing blows of the friendly giants, Bedlam and Flora, and face(s) all but obliterated by shotgun pellets. "But I figure he looks worse.  Thanks."

"Any idea why it wanted me dead so badly?"

While Tom is interested in any answer the others may be able to give, he seems momentarily distracted by another thought.  He reaches behind his belt buckle and pulls out a metallic disc.  "Don't know if I told you all about this.  It's a Patch.  Uses nano-something.  Anyway, it's great for healing injuries, probably as good or better than the auto-doc there.  I usually keep it tucked in my belt.  You know, in case any of you need to use it."

Bedlam chuckles at Tom's tech. "Fat lotta good it did ya. Course, now we know so we'll slap it on ya next time."

The giant's mood darkens as he squints the Orlon.

"Was he after you specifically, Tom?" he wonders aloud as he hands the pistols to Flora and checks the quality of the bloodied armor. "And what was I doing away from camp? There is something going on..."

"Anybody recall anything about Orlon's? I don't recall them being particularly adept at psychic shenanigans..."

Shreek moved over towards the others shotgun in the ready position in case of another attack.

He looked over towards the giant and had to smile to himself at the damage he'd done.

"I don't know who was after who but Bedlam was heading towards the food shop while in his trance so perhaps thats as good a place to start as anywhere. Whatever we do I think we've outlived our welcome here. This campsite is no longer safe."

 Glaring at the dead giant for a few seconds then slowly looking around for signs of others in the area.

 If she doesnt see anything that triggers her sense of danger she will move closer to look over the Orlon and its weapons. It seemed strange that such a dim witted beast would have such weapons on its person.

 Picking up one of the pistols she examines it for any marking where it came from or who might have given it to the giant.

 She will finish searching the Orlon for more surprise's it has on it.

The guns are crudely made and would kick like a mule, even for Flora and Bedlam. The dead giant has a pouch containing a handful of gems, and a sack filled with haunches of meat that looks human.

"Could Bedlam's walk been attributed to something in the food?" the Rats query out loud.  The mass of Ordus quivers and shudders at the thought.

 The sight of human parts in the giants sack make her frown but with her plant body it fortunately doesn't make her sick. Sticking one of the pistols in her belt and handing the other over to Bedlam. She will hand the Gems over to Crusty for now.

 Maybe we can get the pistols sized down for us back in town.  As for these human parts here i think maybe we need to go talk to the cook at the free kitchen....Someone cut off the head of that thing so we have evidence of what is out here.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:52, Fri 11 May 2012.

Bedlam takes a closer look at the pistol. "Need more light, but don't think that'll help this thing look any better."

He hefts it up and down, then switches hands. "Is nice to have a full size grip, though. Those tiny triggers on the ancient tech make my fingers sore."

"Right," he says, tucking the pistol through a leather strap on his armor. "Tom, how are you doing? Do we want to break camp before making a call on the kitchen?"

To Bedlam's question, Tom answers "Was just something ol' two-heads was saying during the fight.  It seemed mighty keen to finish me off."

He adds later "I did warn you about the cook.  I'm just glad it was only Bedlam wandering off, no offence Bedlam.  If you'd all started sleep-walking I'd have been hard pressed to stop you.  I'm guessing what's in that sack is the end result of those too mind-addled to help themselves.  And you probably don't want to think too closely about the stew you ate."

"So yes, I'd like to pay another visit to the kitchen.  And I wouldn't bother taking a head as evidence, I don't plan on wasting my breath talking.  Just give me a moment longer and I'll be right.  You can break camp while you wait, if you like, but it's not that far to go."

Tom checks himself over and reassures himself that the autodoc has been doing it's job properly.  His injuries seem to be healing quickly, which is promising.

Just need a short rest or whatever the Gamma World equivalent is

While camp is broken Shreek toake to the air with his gun still in hand.

He cirles low and alights on one of the higher buildings to keep a lookout for any other possible attack or signs that their little gun fight had drawn attention to them

"Agreed," Bedlam says. "C'mon, sis, let's pack up. Ordus, get Stupid ready to move. Shreek, keep a sharp eye. Tom, take your time - gotta couple minutes before we're ready to move."

The giant sends some clarifying thoughts to the crew. ~Once packed, we will leave our gear here while we visit the kitchen.~

The form of Ordus nods and follows the directions given, though the pack of rats seems wholly undisturbed by the meal they ate earlier.

You stow your gear and pack-possum, then head off back to the Food Kitchen, keeping in the shadows. The square is empty, the front door still ajar, spilling a jaundiced yellow light onto the flagstones outside. Just then all of you, save Crusty Tom, hear a tinny voice inside their heads.

Come on in fellas!

"Someone knows we are here." Ordus says. "No element of surprise I suppose."

Bedlam holds out his arm, signaling a halt to their advance on the kitchen door. The giant sends his own thoughts out to the crew.

~Did the rest of you hear that?~

When everyone except Tom replies in the affirmative Bedlam issues a psychic warning: ~He might be able to exercise control over those of us who ate the food. Try not to attack each other.~

Bedlam scans the courtyard as he continues his psychic discussion with the crew: ~Suggestions for what order we should go in? If he can sense those who ate the food maybe he cannot sense Tom. What if we circle around back and Tom goes in through the front door?~

Tom looks confused, "What are you talking about?  Hear what?"

Realisation eventually dawns, "Oh, he's messing with your heads?  Lovely."

Tom opens his mouth to respond to Bedlam's proposal then realises that it might give the plan away.  He shuts his mouth quickly and when he speaks again, says only, "Yeah, I could do that."  He's not thrilled about the idea of fighting on his own, though, and he's yet to figure out what he can do if the cook hides in the back room.

Ordus nods hearing the instructions in his head.

he ties up stupid and begins skittering around the back door.

As you start to circle round, the voice in your heads starts speaking again, ex Tom.

Sorry folks, the back door is off limits. Come in the same way as before if you please.

OOC: A little bit of retro...

~Sorry, Tom. Should have said something earlier.~ Bedlam's thoughts reach everyone. ~You do not have to speak to reply to my telepathy. Just project your thoughts and we will all hear them as if you were speaking. Well, everyone who is fairly close to me, that is.~

~Ok. We want to coordinate our entrances. And Tom will be out of telepathic range so here's what we do. We all count to 500 together. That should give us enough time to get in place.~

~If for some reason it is not enough time, Shreek will... shreek. Everyone within 3 miles can hear that, and Tom will know not to go in. If that happens, Tom, just listen for a ruckus in the kitchen and come join us by whatever route you think best.~

~And if they come out for you before we get to 500,~ he continues addressing Tom with his thoughts. ~Give a yell and come running after us. Don't want you any more isolated than necessary for the surprise.~

~Questions? Ok. Here we go. One. Two. Three...~ Bedlam begins counting at a slow, steady pace. When the rest of the crew joins in the giant begins leading Flora, Shreek and Ordus back out of the courtyard and around to the alley with the back entrance, leaving Tom alone with his thoughts (of sequential numbers) in the kitchen courtyard.

About the time they turn into the back alley...


Bedlam brings the crew to a halt and frowns.
OOC: Are we compelled to obey the voice?
Can we telepathically reply to the voice?

 Not liking the voice in her mind she was of a mind to ignore the voice. She wasnt sure if it was because that she was mostly plant or because she was female, but she lifted her maul and went charging the back door ready to smash it in if possible.

Shreek circled around above the group

~do you wish me to keep watch outside in case its a trap~ thought the bird man to Bedlam
This message was last edited by the player at 13:05, Wed 23 May 2012.

~Flora! Wait! 387... It is not time yet. 388...~

~Shreek, 389... stay aloft until we are ready 390... to go through the back door. 391... You will be Tom's support 392... if he is attacked. 393...~

Tom nods, not trusting himself to answer telepathically.  As the others move off towards the alley he starts counting in his head.  He walks the rest of the way across the square and takes cover in the ruins of a wall, hoping to stay out of trouble until the agreed time.

500 that's about, 77, eight minutes give or take, 78...

Tom is looking for a spot with line of sight to the front door and within easy "rushing" distance but somewhere off to the side so that it's not an easy shot for someone shooting from the direction of the soup kitchen.

 Another voice in her head?, is she going crazy already?. With a blind anger she charges the doorway to smash her way thru to the crazy cook.

Flora, ignoring the voices in her head, powers round the building to the back alley behind the Soup Kitchen. The door is solid steel with a keyhole but no handle...

Flora, if you are just body slamming the door make a STR roll, otherwise make an attack + damage roll.

 Racing around to the back door only to see that someone has placed a heavy solid door of metal. she mutters at the door, cook likes his security doesnt he.

 Lifting the maul she swings at the door.

05:56, Today: Flora rolled 11,12 using d20+7,2d8+5. atk door/ damage?

As Flora runs off Bedlam looks at Shreek and rolls his eyes. "I have to have a talk with that girl after this."

Quickly glancing between the rat congress and the hawkoid, Bedlam continues with a change in plans.

"Ordus, go back to Tom. The two of you might as well go through the front door. Watch for traps. Don't be afraid to pull out if it's too heavily defended."

"Shreek, let's go see what Flora is shaking up around back."

As he turns to follow Flora, Bedlam focuses his mind on where the other voice had come from. ~I am afraid you no longer have a say in what we can or cannot do.~

Ordus chirps a chorus of affirmatives and skitters back to Tom.  'Flora is knocking on the door, and not the kind that ends with the door still standing." they say to Tom.  "Shall we try the front door?"

With shotgun in hand Shreek glides low over the roof and down into the back to see hat all the fuse was about

Flora's maul smashes into the door with a great clang, but appears to do little damage. The voice speaks once again to everyone bar Tom.

Hey, leave my door alone! Don't make me call Security now... look, all I want to do is talk, why don't you all come in round the front. Seriously, you're starting to piss me off.

Sorry for the holdup in posting folks.

Bedlam moves up next to Flora and readies his lamppost. He directs his thoughts in response to the voice in his head. ~It might take a minute to get this door open. So talk...~

Shaking his head, the giant grins a Flora. "This wasn't the plan, sis."

He then turns his attention to the door, timing his swings to strike between Flora's. "It's metal. Try to bend it near the latch."

OOC: Here's a Strength roll. Not sure how you want to handle damage.
Bedlam Jones rolled 23 using 1d20+4. Strength Roll.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:57, Mon 04 June 2012.

You are not sure if the voice can hear you, but in any event there is no answer to Bedlam's broadcast thought. Bedlam and Flora take turns pounding on the door, which starts to bulge inwards.

Will be 9 rounds to bash open the door. If you want to keep battering you can both roll a d20, on 20 it smashes open right away. There's only room for the two giants to try.

The mental voice comes back, sounding angry as hell.

You asked for it, punks. Now you're on the menu.

Out front Crusty Tom waits, counting silently, and is joined by Ordus...
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:45, Wed 06 June 2012.

 Stopping as the voice in her head chastised her again with a threat she goes wild eyed and throws her weight against the metal door with a giant roar of anger, Get Out of My Head.!!!

Rolled a 14 to smash the door down on a d20
This message was last edited by the player at 21:39, Tue 05 June 2012.

Tom sees Orsus come around the corner of the building and calls, "Ordus, take cover!"  He accompanies his words by waving Orsus towards the shelter of a wall and pointing urgently at a ruined building across the street.  He then does his best to fit action to words and squeezes further back into the rubble around the square.  His stony hide gives him a fair camouflage in such conditions.

Bedlam, break off!  We've something big coming up in the square out here.

Stealth = 16, he may get a bonus against visual perception but a penalty against anybody listening, but I don't know whether circumstantial modifiers apply.

Edit: Initiative 23
This message was last edited by the player at 13:29, Fri 08 June 2012.

Upon hearing Tom's warning Shreek alters course and instead of going to the rear of the building he does a graceful loop and comes back down towards the front gun out in front ready to give his friends on the ground air support.

Ordus moves behind cover as quickly as his multitude of rats can take him, making certain not to be too close to Tom for fear of singeing him.  The rats draw their bow and knock an arrow ready to shoot any hostile creatures.

18:01, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 11 using 1d20+5. Initiative.

As Tom's telepathic warning sounds in Bedlam's head the giant interrupts in his assault on the back door. His grin is replaced by a frown of concentration as he ponders another change of plan.

"Flora, the crew's got trouble up front. Let's go see what's cookin'."

With that Bedlam leaves the back door and runs back to the courtyard.

~Hang in there, lads. I am en route.~

OOC: Bedlam Jones rolled 19 using 1d20+3. Initiative.

 With a hard frown on her green face she looks almost like she would continue to batter the back door but if the others had need of her strength then she would not fail them.

 Glancing at the door, I will be back for you, dont go no where ok?.

Something emerges from a cloak of rubble. It is a robot, the size of a large car, bristling with lasers, grenade launchers and razor-sharp tentacles.

Suddenly all of you except Tom experience a savage mental assault. Strong feelings of dread and despair bubble away in your brain, sapping your resolve.

Everyone except Tom will have a -2 penalty to all attack and skill rolls due to this effect.

Round 1. Combat map updated. Init Order: Crusty, Bedlam, Flora, Robot, Ordus, Shreek.

Ordus and Shreek hold off posting until I have posted the robots turn.

Bedlam runs to join the crew and see what is happening out front.

Round 1:
Can I do a double move for 12 squares?
Would put Bedlam at P16

Yes!

 With a final glance at the back door she turns and races after Bedlam staying close to him..well until she spots the big robot thing.

Crusty advances into the cover of some rubble in the middle of the square, drawing his mega shotgun as he moves and thumbing off the safety.

He fires off a round in the direction of the robot but it's an unbalanced shot and doesn't really threaten the target.

"Spread out! Don't let it attack us all at once."

Move to K08, Attack = 9 (Crusty's not a very good shot)

The robot shakes off the rest of the rubble and glides out of the building menacingly, a few metres from the ground. Up close you see it has seen a lot of action and has been patched up many times.

None the less it is still a formidable opponent. A crackling web of high accuracy lasers lance out, and anyone in the square gets hit multiple times.

Ordus, Crusty and Shreek 5HP damage each.

An alloy tentacles shoots out towards Shreek, grabs the hawkoid, and smashes him to the ground.

5HP damage Shreek and you are prone.

A frag grenade shoots out with a pop. It lands next to Ordus, and the blast catches the other two as well. All three are blasted back by the explosion.

5HP Damage Shreek, 10HP damage Ordus (as per your vulnerability to area attacks). Crusty your Armoured skin blocks this one, unlike the laser. You have all been shifted, check the map.

Round 1A. Combat map updated. Init Order: Ordus, Shreek, Crusty, Bedlam, Flora, Robot.

Remember, no need to post in Init order.

"Spread out!" the rats cry, though they themselves remain unmoved. The flaming vermin draw and fire the bow they hold in their hands at the large robot.

Barely checking to see if the hit landed, they reach down to flip on a device that sits where the collective waist would be.

Action to attack
10:36, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 24 using 1d20+8. Bow attack
10:36, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 5 using 1d12. bow damage.

Minor action to turn on autodoc regaining 10 hit points and will regain 5 at the start of each turn unless i drop below 1 HP.

Ordus I think you missed the -2 from the mental assault. Don't forget folks, the voices in your head make aiming hard (ex Tom).

 Stopping at the sight of the robot and squinting her eyes slightly as she stares at the machine and holds her maul at port arms concentrating with effort.

Machine command: physic
 Lvl+3 vs will, sv ends.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:04, Fri 22 June 2012.

Feeling like his ribs had been brokesn and the wind knocked out of him he didn't bother to try and get up instead he just rolled over onto his back and let rip into the robot towering over him with an arc of intense electricity.



OOC:18:13, Today: Shreek the Electroid rolled 14 using 1d20+6. electrical attack
This message was last edited by the player at 17:17, Fri 22 June 2012.

Bedlam scowls at the sight of the warbot and sends his thoughts out to the crew. ~Living metal. So much for my Jedi mind tricks... and it's on anti-grav so it probably can't be knocked down. Let's see how this old tech works.~

The giant activates his Inviso Armor which emits an unhealthy electronic hiccup before flickering into action. Then he sprints across the courtyard, coming up behind the robot.

OOC: Round 1A
Activate alpha tech: Inviso Armor (I have concealment against any creature not adjacent to me until the end of my next turn.)
Bedlam Jones rolled 2 using 1d8. Alpha Tech fails on 1.
Double move to F09.

Tom drops his shotgun and clambers over the rubble to engage the robot at close range.  It's a risky choice but Tom hopes that his tough skin will provide some protection against the robot's tentacles.  His lead attack misses badly, but his split mind precisely tracks the robot's reaction and the follow up attack is faultless.

Assuming Gamma World follows the usual 4th ed critical rules, Tom hits once for 20 damage.  I've rolled damage just in case I've got the rules wrong or the robot is immune to criticals.

Move: I08
15:00, Today: Crusty Tom rolled 15 using 2d8+4. Damage.
14:59, Today: Crusty Tom rolled 26 using 1d20+6. Duality Basic.
14:58, Today: Crusty Tom rolled 10 using 1d20+7. Uncanny Strike.

Ordus' shot just misses a vulnerable sensor point and instead plinks uselessly from a sheet of armour plating. Meanwhile the autobot hops from rat to rat giving each one a minute dose of cell bonder.

Flora closes here eyes and concentrates, trying to meld with the mind of the robot. She almost gets there. If it wasn't from the words and images crashing into her brain she would have done it.

Flora, you will need a natural 20 to control the robot.

Shreek's electrical blast shoots harmlessly over the robot's head.

Crusty Tom is the only one to do any damage at all. His second blow puts a dent in the robot's side, breaking through its force field.

The robot's laser mesh is still quartering the area, although Bedlam is not targeted.

Ordus, Crusty and Shreek 5HP damage each.

The robot swivels a dozen sensors at Tom, then lashes out with a tentacle, opening a small wound, but as the stony man surmises his skin does take most of the blow.

2HP damage Tom.

Finally it fires another grenade between Ordus and Shreek. The rats somehow avoid the blast but Shreek is blown back against the wall and bangs his head. The bird man is down and fading fast!

9HP Damage Shreek. You are on -3HP and will need to make a death save every round until you roll a natural 20, fail 3 times (and die) or are healed. Good luck!

Round 2. Combat map updated. Init Order: Ordus, Shreek, Crusty, Bedlam, Flora, Robot.

"Shreek!" Ordus cries out.  The bow is dropped and the rats run towards the robot.  Revitalized by the autodoc's healing, the rebar spear is drawn.

"Our friend needs help, but we cannot get close or we do more harm." the rats call to their teammates as the swing at the adversary but miss due to their concern for the wounded comrade.


I should be only down 5 hit points, after the autodoc heals me at the top of this round. Remind me, do I roll the 1d4 for medicine uses now or the start of next turn?


Moved to H06
Swung and missed badly.
Robot will take 5 fire damage by standing adjacent to me.

What sort of proximity does one need when you wish to initiate Second Wind for another character? Do you need to be adjacent?
This message was last edited by the player at 03:44, Fri 29 June 2012.

Tom lunges forward with his spear again and again, hoping to capitalise on his earlier blow.  He is distracted, though, by Shreek's predicament and concerned at the robot's impressive combat capability.  His indecisiveness costs him and neither attack is at all convincing.

Missed with both attacks unless a 12 hits.  Our dice rolling had better improve or we're in real trouble.

 Seeing that her mental command has had little or no effect on the machine she charges forward as one of their seedlings was cut down by the robot.

 Furious, she lifts her maul and smashes into the machine like a mad woman.

07:56, Today: Flora rolled 26,17 using d20+7,2d8+5. atk and possible damage

OOC:20:48, Today: Shreek the Electroid rolled 15 using 1d20. death save roll

Bedlam takes advantage of his invisibility and the robot's attention being drawn to Ordus and Crusty. Stepping up behind the living metal he delivers a overhead smash.

OOC: Round 2
Slide 5' to F08
Bedlam Jones rolled 20 using 1d20+8. Attack Robot.
I included -2 distraction +2 flanking modifiers to the attack roll.
Bedlam Jones rolled 12 using 2d8+4. Damage?
Short on time. Not sure about the damage mod so just added my ST bonus.

If the robot does not move (ends its turn adjacent to Bedlam) and is affected by his alpha mutation (My Name Is Mud) then it is restrained until it saves (and slowed until it saves again).

Nobody manages to hit the robot until Flora rushes form cover, brandishing her gravity hammer.

With a flood of gravitronic energy the robot is dragged towards the giant. The hammer impacts with a huge boom that sends Flora prone and the robot crashing down onto a pile of rubble.

Ordus, you only have to roll for the autodoc on activation, not each round. You cannot activate a second wind, only use the heal skill, and you need to be adjacent. On the doc healing last round, noted. On the flame damage, Flora dragged the robot away before that took effect.

The robot reactivates its anti-gravity and rises a metre or so above the ground again. The laser mesh strafes the area.

Everyone except Shreek takes 5 damage.

It lashes out at Flora with a tentacle, then zaps her with a pacification ray.

12HP damage Flora

Round 3. Combat map updated. Init Order: Ordus, Shreek, Crusty, Bedlam, Flora, Robot.

OOC:
10:50, Today: Shreek the Electroid rolled 2 using 1d20. death save roll. (strike 1!!)

Crusty Tom breaks off his attack long enough to slip a small silvery patch from behind his belt and slap it on some exposed skin.  It seems to rapidly boost his recovery and some of his more obvious injuries close and heal.  Tom is heartened and relieved to be free from pain but he abruptly starts cursing as a single green indicator on the patch turns red.  He is cursing all the more after lunging twice at the robot for no appreciable effect.

No move.  Minor action to use The Patch, heals bloodied value +10, the Patch then runs out.  Both attacks miss, even with flanking, unless the robot is AC 14 or less.

Bedlam frowns as his lamppost pings harmlessly off the robot's armor. "Guess I'll just have to hit it harder..."

The giant steps over to where Flora had slammed the robot and swings again. And the robot once again shrugs off the heavy impact.

OOC: Round 3
Slide 5' to G09
Bedlam Jones rolled 11 using 1d20+8. Attack Robot.
That includes +2 for Flanking, -2 for Despair.

 As the robot touched her without her permission she swings the heavy maul with all her shoulders into the metal contraption looking to see parts of it go flying off as the maul makes sparks fly.

 Her thoughts drift for a second to the cook. You are next cook, i can do a little tenderizing myself.

Ordus hisses from a hundred tiny mouths and runs forward jab its spear at the creature.

If possible I would move to either H08 or G08 as one of them may provide a flanking bonus with Flora? If no bonus can be had than well blurgh... I am going to cause 5 points of fire damage to one of my allies whoever can take that better than me will be the square I move into...

Oh for the love of Pete...
15:42, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 13 using 1d20+8. rebar spear!
This would be a 15 if I got a flanking bonus.

I heal five, so I am sitting at the same level i was previously.

OOC:21:39, Today: Shreek the Electroid rolled 11 using 1d20. death save roll

You all move to surround the robot. However, everyone's attempt to damage it fail, even Flora's solid hit. Only Ordus' flames cause the robot's force field to flare.

Since Ordus you moved first I assume Bedlam would shift elsewhere. Now you all get a flanking bonus to cancel out the psychic assault.

Now it's the robot's turn. The laser is still up and burning.

5HP damage everyone except Shreek.

It continues to pound on Flora, lashing her with a tentacle and zapping her with a pacification ray. It's all too much for the plant, and she collapses in a quivering heap.

20HP damage Flora, you are now on -7HP. As it was the pacification ray that took you down no need to make Death Saves.

Round 4. Combat map updated. Init Order: Ordus, Shreek, Crusty, Bedlam, Flora, Robot.

Shreek, you rolled two Death saves last round, you can use the second one (a success!) for this round.

Also Flora, I am going to rule that your unconscious mind can still try and take over the robot. Each round try to roll a 20.

 Falling to the ground like a large sack of beat up weeds her plant mind continues to work at her new powers seeking a way to influence the machine.

03:32, Today: Flora rolled 15 using 1d20. control machine

Ordus tries to focus on the task at hand and ignore the worry as Flora goes down.

He strikes again with his spear.

12:22, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 23 using 1d20+8. attack?
12:34, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 9 using 1d12+2. damage?

With Flora going down I lose my flank so this atk should probably be a -2 for the psychic interference.

Also note robot should have taken 5 damage for being adjacent to me. And will take another five this turn.

"Sis!" Bedlam exclaims as Flora crumples under the effect of a beam from the warbot. Moving over to the fallen plant he realizes her best chance for survival is for him to destroy the mechanical terror. And her gravity hammer is a better weapon for doing that.

In one smooth motion Bedlam drops his lamppost, grabs the hammer and begins a surging uppercut. But the strange gravitational effects of the ancient tech create an unfamiliar balance, and instead of a devastating blow the giant finds himself swinging wildly and struggling to maintain his own footing.

"Easy, big guy," Bedlam mutters angrily to himself. "Won't help anyone if you make foolish mistakes."

Shifting the hammer in his hands to get a feel for the new weapon, he takes a moment to gather his reserve.

OOC: Round 4
Slide to H10
Bedlam Jones rolled 13 using 1d20+1. DX roll to Pick Up Hammer and Swing.
DC 18, Failed.
Take second wind.

Ordus' spear almost, but not quite, does some damage to the robot, although his flames once again cause its forcefield to spurt and stutter.

The laser mesh continues to flare, except Flora is not targeted. The robot turns its attention to the annoying swarm of rats, raking them with its tentacle before hosing the pacification ray over them. The robotdoc is still scurrying about patching up rat after rat, but now the robot has Ordus in its sights that may not be enough.

5HP Damage Bedlam and Crusty, 24HP damage Ordus.

Suddenly the psychic assault stops and the voice pops into your heads again, sounding very smug.

"I warned you! Now drop your weapons now and I might let some of you live"

Round 5. Combat map updated. Init Order: Ordus, Shreek, Crusty, Bedlam, Flora, Robot. This round no -2. Also, since you surround the robot, everyone gets a flanking bonus.

10:23, Today: Shreek the Electroid rolled 16 using 1d20. daeth save

Crusty snorts derisively, "Some of us?  You make it sound so appealing."

He launches another attack on the robot and one of his attacks strikes home but not with the impact he might have wished.

Bedlam! Break off.  Grab Flora and Shreek and get out of here.  This thing's wiping us out.

"Aw, but I just got the hammer!" Bedlam grins and swings at the robot.

OOC: Round 5
Bedlam Jones rolled 24 using 1d20+10. Attack Robot.
Includes +2 for flanking, no minuses.

Oh! Oh! I think I hit.

The question is whether the hammer does its full damage or something less. The power is listed as 'encounter'. Does that mean it can only be used once per encounter? So I'll throw out various damage rolls and let the Shadow pick the appropriate.

Possible results:
Bedlam Jones rolled 36 using 6d8+8. Full grav hammer damage.
   This would mean both Bedlam and the Robot are prone.
Bedlam Jones rolled 15 using 2d12+4. Salvaged grav hammer damage.
   The 'salvaged' option would also increase my attack roll to 26 for weapon accuracy.
Bedlam Jones rolled 11 using 2d8+4. Regular Heavy Melee damage.

And finally, it is Alpha Tech...
Bedlam Jones rolled 2 using 1d4. Alpha Tech fails on 1.

BTW: I don't think Bedlam's current HP reflect his 2nd wind from round 4.

The multitude of rodents scowled and inhaled sharply, gathering their relatively small wits about them.  With a cry they lunged as one at the robot.

Minor action to 2nd wind, giving me 12 hit points PLUS the five per turn thanks to the robo doc. Meaning I am 17/24 I think. Double check my math for me.
16:30, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 22 using 1d20+5. Swarm atk.
16:31, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 14 using 1d8+6. damage.
Target will take five from my flame damage and target is considered "immobilized" until the end of my next turn.  Unless the roboto is immune to that.

Also, Swarms have 5 resistance to ranged attacks, laser beams count I assume so that would actually leave me at 22/24 for HP.

Bedlam connects with the gravity hammer and there is a great light, which fades to leave the giant on the ground and the robot crashed to the deck, its forcefield shorting out in a shower of sparks. This allows the swarm of rats to pile on to the stricken enemy, inside the minimum range of its lasers!

Flora's dreaming brain is still unable to take control of the robot.

Actually Ordus, the laser is an area attack, so in fact you should take double damage! But since I missed that I will keep it at 5HP. From now on you can continue your swarm attack. If you hit, the robot is still pinned and also cannot target you with its defence lasers. Also, I'm not sure your character sheet has been levelled up. Check the Party Stats thread, your max HP is 29. And BTW am including your flame damage.

The web of lasers sprays Beldam and Tom with burning light.

5HP damage each.

The robot turns now it's attention to the prone Bedlam, first lashing him with its tentacles, then zapping the giant with the stun ray.

18HP damage Bedlam, with the 2nd wind I missed puts you on 1HP! Good luck!

Round 6. Combat map updated. Init Order: Ordus, Shreek, Crusty, Bedlam, Flora, Robot. This round no -2. Also, since you surround the robot, everyone gets a flanking bonus.

The Rats continue there pestering of the Robot, presenting a truly unique image of a large robot covered in tiny burning rats who are covered in tinier robots that are healing the rats.

The damage inflicted is slowly taking it's toll but will a slow toll be enough to help Ordus' friends?


16:33, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 19 using 1d20+5. Swarm! atk
16:33, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 8 using 1d8+6. swarm dmg.
5 damage from Fiery Aurora

Some my HP should have been 22/29 at the end of last turn and this turn I would heal 5 more from the autodoc giving me 27/29.

Bedlam tries to roll away from the warbot's tentacles, but the wicked mechanical creepers are too adroit. Twisted up in their grip, the giant is an easy target for the strange pacification ray. Finally breaking away, Bedlam winces painfully as he uses the now inert gravity hammer to shakily climb to his feet.

~Not going to make it very far running. You got clean-up, Ordus.~

With a quick step in, he swings at a section of the robot which isn't crawling with flaming rats. He grins broadly as the hammer meets no slippery resistance from a force field and slams solidly into the metallic body.

OOC: Round 6
Stand.
And deliver.
Bedlam Jones rolled 27 using 1d20+10. Attack Robot.
   Includes +2 for flanking.
Bedlam Jones rolled 14 using 2d8+4. Regular Heavy Melee damage.

The robot cannot dislodge the flaming rats which continue to crawl over its chassis gnawing and burning vital bits. With a shower of flames its laser defence system shorts out. Beldam then lands a cracking blow.

Tom doesn't seem to be making any impression at all.

After all you've gone through not going to pile on the misery after a double fumble!

Flora still cannot take control from her slumber. Shreek doesn't get any worse.

Even without its laser grid, the robot is still a formidable opponent. It tries to zap Bedlam with its pacification ray, but misses!

Its tentacles lash out at Tom, but his stony skin absorbs most of the blow.

3HP damage Tom.

Round 7. Combat map updated. Init Order: Ordus, Shreek, Crusty, Bedlam, Flora, Robot. As you surround the robot, everyone gets a flanking bonus.

Tom staggers back.  In lunging at the robot his spear tip had dropped low and rammed into the earth of the square, nearly twisting the spear out of his grip and jerking Tom off his feet.

Strangely, despite his own misfortune, Tom was greatly encouraged.  The robot's laser array seemed to have burnt out and its ray gun had lost its unerring accuracy.  The group was still in grave danger and Tom was highly conscious that both Flora and Shreek needed urgent help, but the fight no longer seemed as hopeless.

Tom resolves that it would be best to finish the job quickly, if it can be done, and dives back in.  This time Tom's spear finds goof purchase and he slams it home a second time for good measure.

Yay!  Hits AC 25 for 12 damage and AC 29 for 13 damage.

"Well it looks like things are turning." the rats call out, still scurrying about, and still picking at the robots

14:54, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 19 using 1d20+7. Swarm atk.
14:54, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 10 using 1d8+6. swarm dmg.
and 5 more burning damage.

Autodoc heals me all the way up.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:53, Tue 21 Aug 2012.

"It ain't over 'til the sparks stop flying," Bedlam grins as he brings the hammer around again at the warbot. At the last moment, however, the giant pulls his swing to avoid several flaming rats.

"Whoa! Ordus! C'mon, lads, you're not leaving the rest of us much to aim at."

OOC: Round 7
Swing away. Don't think I hit, even without the force field.

Bedlam Jones rolled 17 using 1d20+10. Attack Robot.
Bedlam Jones rolled 8 using 2d8+4. Regular Heavy Melee damage.

Tom finally gets in two good whacks, sending out a shower of sparks. The burning mob of rats gnaws on a dozen vital systems. The robot is looking in poor shape, but it's still a dangerous foe.

The pacification ray hits Bedlam head on, and the giant folds into a dreamless sleep.

You are on -13HP Bedlam, no Death Save necessary.

Its tentacles lash out at Tom once again, only managing some mild abrasion

3HP damage Tom.

Round 8. Combat map updated. Init Order: Ordus, Shreek, Crusty, Bedlam, Flora, Robot. As you surround the robot, everyone gets a flanking bonus.

"No!!!!!!!!! the rats call out as Bedlam falls.

Distracted, they find themselves unable to keep up their assault on the robot.

12:21, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 8 using 1d20+7. swarm!
Crud, well i assume i get deposited in an adjacent square so i still burn for five.

Tom's enthusiasm is short-lived as Bedlam, too, goes down under the ray's touch.  The two giants have both fallen to it and Tom can only assume that it is a powerful weapon - that will likely be turned upon him very soon now.

He continues his assault, nonetheless, but neither of his attacks can find purchase on the robot's metal flank.

Attacks were 13 and 12, both rolls of 4 on d20.  Ah well...

The robot manages to shake off Ordus and rises up again on its anti-grav. Only the rats' flame does any damage to it this round.

The robot lashes at Ordus with it's tentacle, then its pacification ray lays a single rat out cold. It is promptly revived by an exhausted autodoc!

13HP Damage Ordus, and you heal 5 of that.

Round 9. Combat map updated. Init Order: Ordus, Shreek, Crusty, Bedlam, Flora, Robot.

Crusty Tom lashes out again with his heavy spear.  Common sense tells him he should be running, but he finds he can't just leave his new companions to the mercies of the cook in the soup kitchen.  Doubtless they'd be rendered down to make a meal for the next dupes to come this way, or something equally horrible.

One of his strikes connects solidly.

OOC: Hit AC 26 for 15 damage, the other attack misses (AC 12)

Ordus grabs his rebar spear and lashes out, but the blow doesn't quite pierce the robot's armour. None the less, the machine  is plainly close to scrapped.

In a last spasm of violence it lashes at Tom and zaps him with the ray. The ray misses, and the tentacle blow lacks force.

2HP damage Tom.

Suddenly, Shreek gives a gargling cough as he lies in a pool of blood. He is clearly close to death!

Shreek failed a second death save, one more and he croaks!

Round 9. Combat map updated. Init Order: Ordus, Shreek, Crusty, Bedlam, Flora, Robot. As you surround the robot, everyone gets a flanking bonus.

With an almighty screech from the horde of rats, Ordus sticks his rebar spear deep into the electronic innards of the robot. It drops to the ground with a crash, totally inert. You have prevailed!

Tom, will let you get to Shreek and try a heal roll before his next death save.

The autodoc, which has been manically hopping from rat to rat administering medicine, keels over and expires!

Once it is clear that the robot has finally succumbed to accumulated damage, Crusty Tom throws down his spear, turns on his heel and dashes over to Shreek.  He frantically starts triage, attempting to identify the hawkoid's most serious injuries so that he can stabilise Shreek's condition.  Tom means well and his sound common sense stands him in good stead, but his lack of specialist medical training is evident.

I'm not entirely sure which skill is the equivalent to Heal?  But I think it's probably a Wisdom based roll and assuming DC 15 Tom falls just short (13)

It's a Science check so +5 is right. So Shreek, you get to make a death save... good luck :)

18:50, Today: Shreek the Electroid rolled 3 using 1d20. death save

As the saving throw is 10 or better I think thats my third strike and if I'm not mistaken the group will be feasting on a very large sunday roast chicken tonight :o(

Shreek coughs up blood and dies, discharging one last blast of eletricity into the earth...

Tom punches the ground next to Shreek's now lifeless corpse, "Too late, #$%@ it!  He's gone Ordus.  You keep an eye out while I check on the others."

It would be faster to have Ordus check one of Flora and Bedlam but Tom can't see a way that the rat collective could administer first aid without causing severe burns.  He goes to Flora first, as she was the next to fall.  The way both she and Bedlam went down doesn't leave Tom very hopeful but he has to check.

Tom's more than half expecting Flora to be dead but assuming he can see her breathing he will then try to revive her.

They take a lot of waking, but eventually Flora and Bedlam are back on their feet and staggering around.

Bedlam turns his head slowly, trying to relieve the pounding left by the pacification ray. The giant growls ominously when he learns of Shreek's demise.

"I think maybe we should go visit the cook. How is everyone else doing?"

 Gaining her feet once more she sinks her feet into the ground for several seconds before glancing over to Bedlam and holds out her hand. If we are going to pay the "cook" back for his treachery then i wish my own weapon to do so and lets hope he doesn't have another of those machines around.

The voice sounds in your heads (ex Tom) again, but seems much more conciliatory this time.

Look folks, let's call this one quits. I have another recipe that will get you all back to normal like your stony friend. Take it and leave, what do you say?

"Cracked and sore." Tom answers Bedlam, "But a darn sight better than poor Shreek for all that."

"I'm all for paying the cook a visit, but maybe we should take some time to recover first?  It's an open question whether we'd fare better for the time to rest and plan or the cook for having more time to fortify his kitchen.  Kinda depends whether he's got much left in the way of security."

"Speaking of robots, we should see if we can salvage any of that thing.  If the force field generator or laser array can be repaired they'd sell for a bundle.  Even as parts they're probably worth a bit.  May as well get something back for a bad day."

Bedlam hands the Gravity Hammer over to Flora and picks up his lamp post. "Think it might need a bit to rejuice."

The giant nods silently in response to Tom's salvage suggestion.

"Ordus, grab what you can of Shreek's gear. I'm going to see if I can communicate with the cook..."
OOC: Anybody care to suggest common funereal practices for a Gamma World setting? Maybe put it in the Meta-Game thread.

Bedlam tries telepathically responding to the cook, broadcasting to the crew at the same time.
~Another recipe, you say? If I were in the business of ambushing travelers, my second recipe might be more lethal than the first.~

Trust is an important part of any relationship. C'mon you don't want me in your heads forever, right?

Bedlam silently surveys the crew. They've taken a beating, but the anger at the loss of one of their own was easily apparent to the psionic giant.

~True enough. But I have another theory for getting you out of our heads.~

"Tom, Ordus. You have the front door," Bedlam turns determinedly toward the alley and the back door of the restaurant. "Flora, you're with me."

 Hefting her maul she turns and follows after Bedlam. There was a coldness in her green eyes as she wanted to finish off this cannibal once and for all.

 Time for the sprouts to regrow amongst the victims of this cannibal.

Ordus looks at Shreek's body. He pauses when Bedlam tells him to loot it, half of the collective mass moving towards the body and the other half holding back. The half holding back wins. "Boss, we'd burn stuff pretty bad. Maybe Tom should do it."

Upon seeing Bedlam and Flora head around back again a ripple goes through the collective, almost like a shrug. He gives Bedlam a lazy "Aaa-firmative." then it turns to Tom. "Let's hope the Cook doesn't have another one of them robots!" and heads off towards the front door.

Bedlam and Flora head round to the steel-plated back door. Unsurprisingly, it is still shut, but a minute or two of concerted bashing should break it down.

Bedlam rolls his shoulders and neck, still stiff from the "pacification" beam. Then he raises an eyebrow at Flora. "Well, sis, shall the bashing begin?"

With her assent, he raises his lamp post and begins pounding on the door, alternating strokes with the fibrous giant.

As the sound of crashing marks the beginning of the giants' assault on the back door, Tom steps up to the front, rolls his shoulders and goes to work.  Since his spear is better suited to piercing than bashing, he settles for kicking the door down, or perhaps shaking down part of the wall, he's not terribly particular.

Tom will be using Seismic Stomp in game terms, so any damage will affect the wall as well as the door :)

As you get close to the front door, you can see it is open as before. Nothing different inside from where you're standing.

Want to go in now or wait for the giants to bust the back door?

The giants finally smash the back door from its hinges. Beyond is an antechamber lined with sheet metal, around 3 metres square, with another steel door on the opposite wall.

Tom, remember Bedlam can use his mental powers to talk to the team round the front.

Ratus steps up next to Tom. "The door was open the whole time?!"

Without a word she continues to bash at the new steel door but she is a bit upset that a cook has the skill to work with steel the way he has shown he can do. Still it wont make much difference sooner or later they will get to him.

"Guess so.  I figured he would have locked it since our last visit."

Tom hears a brief pause in the giants' pounding and starts to open the front door, only for the noises to resume.  It's hard to tell whether the others have encountered another obstacle or started fighting.

"Bedlam!" Tom shouts "What's going on!"

With the outer door smashed, Bedlam hangs back a little, suspicious of the metal room. As Flora moves to address the next door he looks for buttons or handles or panels.

~Got another door inside the first, Tom.~ his thoughts respond to a muffled shout from the rock man. ~Everything still quiet up front?~

"All quiet!  Door's open!" Tom yells in response to Bedlam's query.

More quietly, he adds, to Ordus "They've got to get through a second door.  Still, we'd better head in.  This door might be open but we'll probably have to break through from the dining room into the kitchen.  Ready?"

Tom stands ready to open the door and burst inside at Ordus' signal.

"Sure we are." Ordus says, tightening up his swarm a little and nodding to Tom.

Flora rushes in to pound on the door, but after a second a cloud of knockout gas is pumped into the antechamber at high speed from a nozzle in the ceiling.

You take 24HP in stun damage Flora. You can try and bash down the inner door one more time, or back out of the cloud.

 With the gas boiling out around her she lets her unnatural body breathe for her as she steps back out of the vapors. One would guess that the cook doesnt like visitors.

 She will look over the back wall wondering if he had a escape route set up also.
Think there is anything on the roof that will let us get in there?.

Bedlam steps back from the doorway, letting Flora make her escape.

He looks up toward the roof. OOC: How tall is this building?
"Don't know. And we lost our flyer."

~Well, crew, the back entryway has a gas trap. Probably something similar up front. Be careful.~

Using the remains of the outer door as a fan the giant works at dispersing the gas without breathing it. Once it is somewhat diluted he sends his thoughts out again.

~I'm going to hold my breath to see if I can avoid the effects of the gas. If so, Flora and I will take turns pounding on the second door.~

Bedlam's plan works well for a few more blows, but then the thousand volts sudden;y coursing through the metal walls and floor almost fry the giant before he jumps back out...

Tom opens the front door and steps inside.  He moves a couple of paces clear of the door, to give Ordus room to enter, but doesn't immediately push further into the dining room.  Instead, mindful of Bedlam's warning, he searches for possible traps.

Ordus holds back for a few moments to see if Tom activates any traps.

 At the sound of a electrical discharge she growls knowing it most likely wont kill but it can hurt even them. Looking up at the side of the building for hand holds and for a way to climb up the side.

 If there is no easy way up the side she will look for big objects that look heavy, if nothing else maybe she can push the heavy object onto the plates and discharge all that static electricity.

"If I remember right, sis, we just need something which the electricity cannot travel through. Wood - but not you. Dry wood. Or rubber. I think metal is bad," Bedlam looks sadly at his lamppost maul.

While Flora surveys other approaches (via windows or roof) Bedlam quickly searches the alley for insulating material.

~Ok. The back entry is electrified. Who remembers what to do with this. Are we supposed to piss on it?~

OOC: Some rolls which may help determine the results of his efforts.
18:09, Today: Bedlam Jones rolled 13 using 1d20+3. Perception.
18:08, Today: Bedlam Jones rolled 3 using 1d20+1. Science.

Hey, he may not be the brightest bulb, but he's very persuasive...

This message was last edited by the player at 23:15, Fri 02 Nov 2012.

The brickwork is in good condition with few handholds. A climb to the top would be tricky.

DC25 Athletics, Bedlam can give you a leg up for a +4 circumstance bonus. Also, unless Flora can make a Science roll DC15 neither of you will know what is an insulating material. BTW the alley is clear of debris to through into the metal room, you would have to go back to the main square.

Meanwhile Tom and Ordus venture inside the Soup Kitchen via the main door, pushing aside the ragged curtain. Unlike before the interior lights have been switched off. The cantina is empty, the mismatched chairs and table barely visible in the gloom. The space behind the mesh-covered serving hatch on the far wall is pitch black...

 With a snort at the room she shakes her head knowing that she was not a science kind of girl but she was now strong and fairly limber. I am going to have a go at this wall, Give me a hand up will ya.?

 Grabbing the first solid looking hand hold she use's the lift from Bedlam and keeps her body close to the wall as she goes up the side.

03:21, Today: Flora rolled 14,27 using d20+1,d20+16. science chk,climb chk

Flora makes it up to the roof. The space on top is bare save for a squat chimney belching sweet smelling smoke and a steel trapdoor leading inside.

Ordus looks around. "Huh. Nobody here. Looks like the serving hatch is empty too."