Everybody is now moved into this thread. We are officially out of combat. Anyone may be in any part of the ship or outside of the ship as she or he desires. Unless specified otherwise, I will assume that everyone is speaking American.

The mist all around finally begins to break up and fall to the earth as fresh dew. In the clear sight, the extent of damage from combat becomes apparent. The rusting hulk of a battleship which has stood here for untold years has two holes in its sides. A ghoul's body lays in the sleeping chamber inside the belly of the ship. The headless bodies of several vampires are scattered around.

Vanquished monsters: a male secondary vampire (formerly a dwarven operator), one shade (failed attempt at creating a vampire who came out weak, human doctor), a male secondary vampire wilderness scout (the coyote-bat), two female ghoul-vampires (failed attempts at creating vampires but remained in the grave too long before rising), one large male wild vampire (the troll, had been a peaceful druid before unlife), one female secondary vampire (human wilderness scout), and Severance (secondary vampire from male orc gunfighter). Non-vampire monsters includes a single grave ghoul and the syphon entities within four false-rune weapons.

Looted weapons: three remaining false-rune weapons, one vibro-sword shaped like a machete, two vibro-knives, one Wilk's laser rifle, one Wilk's laser pistol, and Severance's antique JA-11 Assassin Laser Rifle from the Golden Age. All the captured high explosive grenades were used in the fight, but the rest are recoverable.

Other gear: five robot horses (Arabian models, must be reprogrammed by someone with Computer Operations or Robot Electronics before they will key to a new owner), four false-rune weapons which do match the general design of those which the Lumberjacks uncovered previously. There are no other bodies here, but bits of bone and human teeth are scattered around the dirt room. The operator had an electronics lab near the brig where he was tinkering where all sorts of things, none of them look particularly valuable other than the laser-wielder which was already picked up. The brig itself has a Wilk's laser scalpel left behind.

Quest items: If he inspects the bodies of the fallen, Lucas will find the Apache woman that he was asked to track. She had been turned into a vampire and was using the captured Wilk's laser weapons on the top deck of the ship. The rune sword remains missing. The prisoner who reportedly smelled like a dragon is not here either.

In the medical bay: This is where the shade was performing some sort of an extensive series of experiments. It is clear that prisoners were brought here before being drained. Pelts of mortal skin are stretched out and dried across the room, each containing tattoos of varying quality.

Calista Will help with investigations and proper dispatching of vampire corpses.

Ethan finished his scanning his surroundings and finding no threats, dropped his laser rifle to the low ready position. As was her want, his wife set about searching and whenever found, permanently dispatching vampires. For his part Ethan wanted to explore the relatively undamaged looking bridge but that would have to wait until after he had assured himself there were no wounded that needed attending. To that end Ethan followed the sounds of the other Lumberjacks, eventually finding Nyx and the trio of strangers.

The combat medic spotted the makeshift bandage on the extraordinarily pale, bald man and the blood that had soaked through it. He takes off his helmet and nods his head at the injured man. “I’m a medic, a healer,” he says to him in American, pointing at the red caduceus on the left shoulder of his body armor. “I can take a look at your wound if you’ll permit.”

Ethan had always thought using the caduceus was funny and a perfect example of just how hard it could be to change a long established tradition. The winged rod with its twin snakes had long been used to symbolize medicine in the Western world, especially in the United States of America, his homeland. It was funny to him because as a student of both history and medicine, Ethan knew that the caduceus was actually the symbol of Hermes, Greek god of speed, among other things, none of which dealt medicine. It was in fact the Rod of Asclepius, which had no wings and only a single snake, that was the symbol of the god of medicine of the same name. “Yet we still use the caduceus,” Ethan thought as he waited for the pale man to answer. Then another thought struck him, one he hadn’t ever before considered. “So if vampires, dragons and magic are real here…does that mean other ancient myths are too? As in the Greek gods? If they are real, I wonder what Hermes and Asclepius think of how their symbols are used?”

Na-Wa holds up his bloodied left forearm to the ‘healer man’. “Na-Wa got bit by bloodsucker.”

Jason claps a hand gently on the psi-stalker's shoulder, giving him a smile.  I will leave you in this fellow's hopefully capable hands.
He looks to Lucus, then at the newcomers.  I need to find my Wilk's rifle and Wilk's pistol.  Then we will help you search this place.  I do not thing the Tattoo Master is still here, unfortunately.
As he headed up the stairs to locate his missing weapons, he turns back to the others.  Did any of you see a dimensional ghoul running from the ship.  I released him as long as he would find a nice quiet cemetery to inhabit, he says.

Polk points out to Doc where the trip wire is.

Nyx remained were he was, watching Ethan step forward to treat the psi-stalker whilst the tattooed man  went in search of his weapons. One eyebrow raised itself when the tall human began to mutter about another tattooed figure, but he dismissed it as nerves. He kept his hands by his hips, fingers drumming a pattern against his thighs and his pistols whilst the medic worked

Ethan listened to the simplistic, almost childlike manner of speaking that the bald man used. He wondered if he had suffered some sort of head trauma, had a cognitive disability or had neither and simply spoke that way as a matter of course.

Ethan shrugged his aid bag off his shoulders and then retrieved his ‘headlamp’, slipping the adjustable band over his forehead. The light snapped on and he used the bright illumination to examine the man’s wounded arm. He carefully unwrapped the makeshift bandage to get a better look at the wounds. Vampire inflicted lacerations had never been part of his NEMA medical training but since arriving here in the future (or parallel world, he still hadn’t decided which it truly was), he had gotten a crash course in vampire related injuries.

He let the dirty strip of cloth fall to the deck, making a mental note to properly dispose of it later. Then Ethan reached into one of the small pouches on his belt and pulled out a small bottle. “This might sting a little,” he told Na-Wa and then sprayed a combination the contents of the bottle on the injured arm, making two complete passes over the area. The spray is a combination antiseptic and topical anesthetic, formulated to kill germs and then inhibit the growth of more. The antiseptic was powerful, which is why it felt like having boiling water splashed on your skin but that was what the anesthetic was for. It didn’t remove the sting entirely but did reduce it down to more manageable levels.

Ethan puts the spray away after making the two passes, returning it to his the pouch he got it from. “That will kill any germs that the vampire had on his fangs and keep more from growing on your skin,” he told Na-Wa. Talking to a patient and keeping them informed of what you were doing not only distracted them from their situation but let them know exactly what you were doing. It was important to sound confident and calm though Na-Wa didn’t seem particularly upset about his injury. “Still, training runs deep,” Ethan thought as he brought his left hand to the bald man’s injured arm, covering the bite marks with it. “I’m going to close the wound now. You should feel a tingle but no pain.” The NEMA combat medic then concentrates and energy flows from his hand and into Na-Wa’s wound, regenerating torn flesh, knitting severed veins back together.

Doc joined his brother, bringing Polk with him, and stood in much the same fashion, hands ever near his pistols, the revolvers since reloaded and put back in their holsers, these strangers had some talkin' to do, that was for sure."

Whilst Ethan talked, Nyx lent over a touch towards Doc, "You kept the head?"

Polk smiled and nuzzled Nyx slightly.
"Glad your ok Nyx."

He then saw Ethan by another Vampire.
Polk growled, "Ethan careful Vampire cut cut take all your magic."

He moved just a bit closer, "No hurt Ethan."

Unbending enough to scritch the hatchling's head, Nyx grasped it when Pol began to mutter and growl, "Keep your head, Polk; that's a psi-stalker not a leech"

Polk respects Nyx enough to stop and looks up at his friend.

"cut cut and drain magic Nyx. Just trying to protect Ethan."

Polk took a moment like Nyx said to take everything in and did not see a blade in the psi stalkers hand.

"Nyx right, Polk lost his head to instinct."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:00, Tue 27 Mar 2018.

Nyx considered for a moment and then let out a very small sigh, crouching to head height with the hatchling, "Don't fret, Polk. Instinct should be listened too, but ... but it must be tempered with wisdom ... especially when instinct tells you to rend and tear"

 Arulas steps through his new hole and says "Had a ghoul attack me on my way here in the other room. Results were rather predictable sorry. So who are all of you and what pray tell are all of you doing here?" seemed the best way to procede.

Polk nodded to Nyx.

"Nyx is wise. I will try my best. It is like when we first traveled and I tried to help Doc and you. You were angry Polk interfere with your gun duels. Yet Polk knows pale men called ppe vampires. Some of gang were palemen used to cut cut Polk with shaky blades and drain magic. I see now Ethan helping pale man. Will try hard to use my head as much as my heart like Nyx say. "

Ethan didn’t know what about the man unsettled Polkitain but he was glad when Nyx was able to calm him down. The combat medic especially didn’t know what the young dragon had meant when he said that Na-Wa would ‘cut cut, take all your magic’ but filed it away as a question to ask later.

“How do you feel?” he asked Na-Wa.

In reply to Sir Arulas (msg # 15):

Jason stops on the stairway at the entrance of the Elven Cyber-Knight.  That is a shame, he says as he turns back to face Arulas.  I had never encountered one, but he surrendered and promised to leave after a few knocks of his head against the bulkhead.  From what I remember in my reading, they tend to be more curious and mischievous than actually dangerous to the living.  Unlike other types of ghouls.
He comes back down, stopping a respectful distance from Arulas.  With a courteous nod of his head and an extended hand, he introduces himself again in perfect, if slightly accented Dragonese/Elven.  I am Iason Ianos Damianos, Undead Slayer of the House of Luminine, Clan of Acheron.  You may call me Jason Damien.

Lucas waited for more of an introduction, and waited. After a few breaths, he stopped waiting and turned to the newcomers. "I'm Lucas and this," he indicated the psi-stalker, "is Na-Wa. We're here looking for people. Jason for an old friend of his, and me for a wayward native american. You?" Though he already knew a few names just from listening, it was always polite to let people introduce themselves. So he quieted down again to give the others a chance to speak. Enough things had already gone wrong on this job. No sense in causing waves with those hunting the same enemies.

"Where is the primal earthy dragon they held here ?"

Doc nodded to his brother, "Wanted to destroy em proper. And Nyx is wise Polk, but he's also no fun. Don't forget that part." Doc eyed the new comers, "Names Doc, if you ain't a blood drinker or tryin' to kill us, it's nice to meet you." his hands never strayed far from the handles of his pistols.

In reply to Ethan (msg # 8):

Na-Wa made an grimace as his arm was sprayed, but the way he handled the pain showed that he had received first aid in the field before. As Ethan used his mind powers to further heal Na-Wa the psi-stalker smiled. "You help N-Wa, you friend to Na-Wa now."

The Psi-Stalker then scampers off obviously in search of something.....

I am not sure, Jason says to the young dragon.  I think that's what Na-Wa is going to do now.  My presence and the presence of the vampires, I think, confused his senses so he could not tell.  TheTattoo Master is an old Chiang-ku who has been missing for awhile.
He turns to Lucas.  I apologize for my oversight in introducing you.  I will try to do better, he says with a slight nod of his head.

"What is a Chiang-Ku, and what's so special about her tattooing people?", drawled Nyx, ignoring his brother's teasing with only the arching of one perfectly sculpted eyebrow

"Wise but no fun. Will remember Doc.   Chiang Ku ???"

Polk looked like he was trying to remember what he could of Chiang Ku.

Lucas' gaze followed Na-wa as the psi-stalker left. He considered a moment before shaking his head in disagreement. "I think it more likely he's looking for his friend. Remember he had a magical blade when we came here, one he's carried for a very long time. They're friends, and it wasn't with the rest of our gear."

His hand twitched a little at his last comment, and he looked a bit forlorn. "Speaking of which, we should finish searching the ship for those we came for so we can get back to the rest of ours. I feel practically naked here with just my rifle and a few sticks. If the area is clear, I'm sure we can all set camp together and talk well into the night if we want. I'd just rather do it after we're sure the area is secured and we have the rest of our stuff close." With the muzzle pointing down, his left hand gently rests on the stock. One finger taps impatiently but he seems reluctant to split the group entirely without a plan.

Kalista is burning the remains of the vampires, outside, on deck.

You are probably correct, Lucas.  We each have a reason we came here, and we each need to see to it.  He looks thoughtfully for a moment.  Let us go find the woman you are seeking.  Then we shall find the Tattoo Master.
He looks at the young dragon.  They are serpent-like, six limbs, very good at shapechanging.
Jason then turns to head back up the stairs.  Let us find the woman.  If the Master is still alive, he will keep a little while longer.

 Arulas merely looks at the psi-stalker and says "Just so you know two of our group are cyber-knights."

 To the two that are less occupied(namely Jason and Lucas) "What exactly are you looking for?"

Polk puffs up proud at the mention of the Lumberjacks Cyberknights.

Kalista is able to locate and account for all the vampire bodies (plus one ghoul and a few false rune weapons). The bodies burn quite well together as of they were made of wood, but the smell is indescribably horrific. The head of Severance seems to be missing, but she has the rest of his body to inflame.

As the tall cyber-knight Kalista carries another body to her makeshift pyre, Lucas recognizes it. This is the remains of the Apache warrior.

Na-Wa finds no trace of his sword, but there is something else. He does find some sketches of marks which he recognizes from the enchanted blade and a strange new scent. (private message coming later)

He is looking for a an Apache warrior, whilst I seek a Chiang-ku Tattoo Master, Sir Knight, Jason says as he continues up the stairs.  As Lucas identifies the woman he was sent to find, Jason puts a hand upon his shoulder.
That is ashame.  I had hoped we would not be too late.  He turns to leave the Ranger to his thoughts as he locates his Wilk' VFLAR and 227 Pulse Pistol, and the extra wnerfy mags.  When he finds them, he checks the number of shots in each before slinging the rifle over his shoulder, and pockets the e-clips.

Arulas, please give me a Lore: Demons and Monsters or History skill roll. Let's see how much the cyberknight knows about the Chiang Ku. Give yourself a 5% bonus to this role because of the age of Arulas.

Secret line for Na-Wa:
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 14:45, Sun 01 Apr 2018.

Polkitain inches a bit forward, "I am Polkitain. Sorry for growling earlier."

As Kalista brought down one of the corpses, Lucas' posture sagged. Though he knew the chances of finding the woman had been slim, a part of him had held out hope. He quietly murmured a native american send off he remembered from some of the funerals he'd attended. He didn't want her spirit to linger, and knew the shaman would appreciate the effort.

He nodded to Jason at the Atlantean's comforting words. He didn't quite trust his voice yet. When the body was gone, he turned and walked away. Finding Na-wa, he helped the psi-stalker search the ship.

Looks over fake rune weapons since no one seems ready to talk quite yet. Sees what kinds of weapons they are.

In reply to Polkitain (msg # 37):

There was a hammer which got smashed and the entity escaped. What remains are two knives, a pick axe, and something like brass knuckles. All of these entities are quiet, hoping that the vampire-slaying heroes would forget about them.

Polkitain swings the pick ax a bit and then looks at the brass knuckles seemingly liking those.

~You behave and work with Polk ?~

 "Polk what are you doing?" the elf calls out.

"Trying to start a hoard. See if bad magic items can be used for good Sir Arulas. I like weird connected rings." walks over and shows brass knuckles.

Doc shook his head grinning, "Polk, I figure thems the weapons we're supposed to get rid of, ya cant start a hoard with evil weapons buddy."

Jason returns with his re-acquired Wilk's weapons.  Would any of you be willing to assist us in our quests?  Mine to find the Chiang-ku Tattoo Master, Na-Wa's to find his beloved weapon, he says the Lumberjacks when he returns.
He makes for a strange figure.  A nearly completely tattooed, well-built man dressed in a dirty, white loincloth and knee-high sandals, the gunbelt with the sawed-off shotgun, the Wilk's pistol tucked into the back of the belt, and the rifle slung over his shoulder.

"I hoped we could change them but your probably right."

Hands over the items.

Looks a bit down.

"I still have my ax."

While we watches the bodies of her enemies burn down to charred bones, Kalista doesn't feel any relief. In fact, she only has been able to relax when Ethan is by her side ever since their visit to Harl Hall (the Dwarven colony with the mariarchi band). Give me another Perception Roll when you get the chance, please.

Everyone else, I have a suggestion. Try discussing what you have discovered in-character. Someone might figure out exactly what these vampires, the Hole in the Neck Gang, were up to.

06:34, Today: Kalista rolled 20 using 1d20. Perception - Cyber Knights get no Perception bonus...SUCKS!

The pick axe speaks to Polkatain.

Polk blinks, "Doc, I think Pick Ax can be good. Let me keep, yes ?"
Polk gives big puppy dog eyes.

You rolled a natural 20...sucks would not be the word I have used. Wonderful would have been a better description ^_^

Did not know I was going to roll that. Lol

Na-Wa comes back from his search and tells the others what he smelled. “Na-Wa no find Whon-Ecke. But Na-Wa find smell of creature he never smell before. Very strong, very different, very easy to follow.”

“Na-Wa smelled invisible rats too. Na-Wa is going to catch one and take life energy.” With that the feable minded Psi-Stalker scampers off again.

 "Polk I'm gonna stick you in a box and use you to power a hovercar that ok with you?" Arulas asks about as nicely as possible.

When Jason asks for help with their quests Arulas responds as appropriately as possible "We were hunting this band of vamps. I think the twins have a bounty to collect on the orc, but honestly why the hell would we chase a dragon or a false rune weapon? You all seem stand up and all, but I mean it is a dragon probably a bit older than Polk here."

Polk looks confused tilting his head this way and that.

"Stick Polk in box ?" He looks to Doc then back to Sir Arulas then scampers off so fast his claws leave small rents in the metal behind him. "No box for Polk, no cage."

 "Even if it is evil and asks to be put there it isn't right. That is what you are doing to the thing in the weapons." he shouts after the fleeing dragon.

Watching the exchange between the Cyber-knight and the hatchling, Jason shakes his head.  When he looks at Sir Arulas, his eyes are grim.  This dragon is no hatchling.  He is venerable, and a Tattoo Master.  The vampires are trying find a way to get Tattoo Magic to work for them.  Mainly by cutting Tattoos off of one person, and trying to graft them upon another.
It is now that Sir Arulas can see portions of the Atlantean's skin is missing, each piece corresponding to what could be a missing tattoo.

Kalista found her way back to the others. "We must return to the dwarven hall. Now. It is a matter of life and death."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:40, Wed 04 Apr 2018.

Na-Wa returns with what can only be described as a ROUS (Rodent Of Unusual Size) being carried over one shoulder. The oversized rodent has pale grey skin and is hairless. The head is hanging at an uneven angle as if something (or someone) broke its neck.

The dim witted Psi-Stalker unceremoniously drops the carcass at the feet of those in conversation (Jason & Sir Arulas).

“Na-Wa bring body of invisible rat for friends who eat meat.” He then looks around to see who might want the meat.

Looking to Lady Kalista, Jason asks a simple question, Can you spare the time to help me find the Tattoo Master?
He looks at the ROUS dropped at his feet, then at the two Cyber-knights.  If the Tattoo Master is dead, my quest is done.  If he is taken, then I know not where to begin my search anew.  I cannot speak to the choices of my companions, however.

Doc shook his head to Polk, "No Polk, these are just bad. Maybe we can find you a real rune weapon one day. Ain't nobody puttin you in a cage, he was makin' a point."  Doc looked to Jason, "You got money? If you do, we might be inclined to assist in your search."

Polk hears Doc and stops a bit away.

"But weapon bad because bad people use, we good. Cant we help find art skin man ?"

Polk then looks to Kalista,"Life or Death ? what happen ? please tell you know Polk help."

  "Damn. Ok Kalista we need more info and I have a bad feeling about the Dragon going missing. Let me guess crazy Dragon worshippers? Doc you see the missing skin on our new friend? He is a True Atlantean. Probably an Undead Hunter if he is crazy enough to be here. So yeah loot would be the money he has. Does your Stalker friend here have an older rune weapon or is it like these?" he spits the questions and answers as fast as his fairly nimble mind would go. Damned if he was certain about being right or not he still said it.

Na-Wa listened as his new-old friends, and new-new friends spoke. All Na-Wa really cared about was finding Whon-Ecke.

“The new but very old smell Na-Wa find could be dragon friend of Jason. Is only smell Na-Wa find of thing going away from here so if bloodsuckers have Jason dragon friend then same bloodsuckers have Whon-Ecke.”

“Na-Wa is going to follow the new but very old smell.”

Lucas grinned behind his helmet. He never grew tired of hearing the innocent speech of his friend, and it sounded like the same would apply for the dragon. For the sake of expedience and mutual understanding, he tries to answer the cyber knight's question, "Maybe I can help translate... Na-wa's rune weapon is the real deal. It's been his companion for quite some time and has helped him to become a better person. If we can catch up to this old smell he speaks of, it would probably behoove us to do so, regardless whether it is Jason's lost master or not. I would rather not leave a true rune weapon in the hands of an ancient evil, it that's what it is, and rescuing a prisoner from these monsters would also be worthwhile, if that's the case. Either way... my own quest has sadly ended. So, I will send word to her tribe when I can but till then I will help out."

Polk nodded,"Polk smell other dragon too. Smell odd though very earthy primal."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:28, Thu 05 Apr 2018.

Jason stands thoughtful for a moment.  Perhaps, Na-Wa, Lucas, he begins, if we assist these folk with their mission at the dwarven hall, they will assist us with our quests.  They will not kill Master Aurevignon or destroy  if they believe either is still of use to them.  I know the three of us are fully capable of winning the day, but one should never scoff at help.
Besides, we have to collect the rest of our gear.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:21, Thu 05 Apr 2018.

Lucas scratched one shoulder as he looked toward the wall. While he didn't have a problem helping people, that might be a little too optimistic here. "Ummm... maybe. Don't get me wrong. I don't mind helping others, but we don't know what their mission is, or where the dwarven hall is located, or how long it might take to finish. At least I don't. If the trail is fresh now, those we chase might still be close by. If whoever took them is headed deeper into Mexico, giving them more time to reach their destination would be bad for any chance of rescuing either of them, at least as far as I understand the situation in Mexico. I totally agree that we need to collect the rest of our gear though."

He turned and asked the others a couple questions, "Na-wa, which direction did you say they took your friend and the old smelly? and Kalista, was it? if you don't mind giving a bit more detail, why is it so important to go to the dwarven hall? more than just 'life or death' please, as rescuing Jason's master is also a 'life or death' situation, possibly for the whole world if we give them enough time to figure out how to let vampires use tattoo magic. and where is it exactly? Direction and distance... don't really need the exact location, but if it's in the same direction as our quarry, we could attempt both at the same time until the paths diverge."

He hoped the answers would be forthcoming, as he did not like to make uninformed decisions in the field.

Na-Wa looks around a bit probably to get his sense of direction and the points in the direction that the new but old smell he found goes in.

“Smell goes in the way the Sun goes when stars come out.”

“Smell will go away so even not so smart Na-Wa knows that smell needs to be followed.”

OOC: Na-Wa is pointing West.

Ethan had listened and watched as the freed prisoners and the other Lumberjacks spoke to each, exchanging what information they had (and were willing to share) about the vampires and their respective goals. He had remained silent since Na-Wa had left as he looked around for any other injured. He didn’t spot anyone else in need of care and no one spoke up to indicate that they needed medical aid.

He was appalled by the talk of what amounted to vivisections being performed on the prisoners. That discovery pushed all other information, even the fact that there was another dragon around, far to the back of his mind. Remembered images of what he had seen so called Coalition ‘doctors’ due to D-Bee and magic using prisoners flashed through his mind and he clamped down on the rage that suddenly surged. He won the battle and let out a deep breath as his mind cleared.

Ethan got his emotions under control just as Kalista was being asked a question by the man that had given his name as Lucas. The medic waited to see what his wife’s response would be.

Kalista sighed. Once again she was expected to make decision, the burden of being a Knight of Coke. "I do not speak for everyone here, though most listen to me at least. I believe the dwarven hall is infested. I have evidence, but I can relate it just as well on the way. I believe time is of the essence. I will help you, friend Atlantean," at that she lifted her face plate and showed him a pair of tattoos, one a flaming Morning Star Hammer and the other a broken chain, "I am Kalista Nugendare Hawthorn. My last name is very recent." She glanced at her husband, "I will help you because it is the right thing to do. I would help you now, only I believe other matters are more urgent. I ride, any who ride with me are welcome."

Lucas listened, then waited. After several breaths, he cleared his throat and asked again, "About the distance and time? Clearing an infestation from a hall of dwarves would be a good thing, but I do not want to risk the trail going cold for us."

Hunting the undead is what I was trained to do.  The right thing is what I am meant to do.  Helping you clear out an infestation is the right thing to do.  He studies the Tattoos on her face, and nods in acknowledgment.  I am Iason Ianos Damianos, Undead Slayer of the House of Luminine, Clan of Acheron.  You may call me Jason Damien.
He then turns to the young man next to her, noting the caduceus on his armor.  I would think as a healer, you would have a red cross, he says.  He also notices their closeness.  It is now that Ethan would start to see the odd shapes cut from his tattooed skin, the fascia and the muscle raw and visible.  He should be bleeding and in great pain, but he does not appear to be roght now, despite having just been in a fight with a dimensional ghoul.
Ordinarily, I could use the magic of my Tattoos to heal, but I have neither the energy, nor the needed Tattoo.  Would you be so kind as to assist me?
This message was last edited by the player at 00:38, Sat 07 Apr 2018.

Ethan didn’t know what infestation Kalista was speaking of but from the context it seemed she was referring to vampires. The Lumberjacks had seen no signs of them when they were there just days ago but perhaps his wife had new information. He didn’t fully understand how psychic powers worked, that had never been his area of science. It was true that in the time he had left, humans around the globe had begun experimenting in earnest with psionics and achieved remarkable results, such as the creation of the so called ‘Crazies’ or M.O.M. soldiers. He had heard of other experiments involving actual modification to the human genome but in either case, he had no practical experience or training in their respective techniques or their results.

All of that was beside the point to the NEMA medic however. His lady wife had said that there was a threat to the dwarves and that was good enough for him. He didn’t have to understand how her powers worked, only that they did. It could even be the case that she had gained this knowledge not from her powers but from prisoner interrogation or other means. As with not understanding her psychic powers, it mattered little to him how she had gotten the information, only that he had faith in her.

He spoke up for the first time since healing Na-Wa. “If Kalista says the dwarves are in danger, then they are in danger. I will return to them immediately.” Despite the gravity of the situation, he offers a small smile. “I didn’t help that dwarven mother deliver her baby just to see it hurt. I’ll be damned if I stood by and let something when I could have prevented it.”

Ethan looks at Jason when he mentions his injuries. “So he was the one the vampires were vivisecting. He is remarkably, even improbably calm about the experience,” was Ethan’s thought as he looked over the injured areas. “Certainly I can do what I can for you. I don’t know anything about magic but I do know a thing or two about fixing tissue damage.” Ethan used his best bed side manner voice as he talked to the tattooed man. His practiced medic’s eyes looked over the wounds before beginning any sort of treatment.

Kalista gave a curtsy to Lucas, who had not introduced himself. "Your aid will be sorely missed. I am sure those of us who go to the Dwarves will be able to catch back up with you." Then she turned her attention to the Atlantean, "Jason Damien, I am pleased to make your acquaintance. I am older than I appear, and I've met many of your kind. I received my own tattoos as a means to aiding me in my own war against the undead. My husband will attend your wounds. Since he will need some moments I will tell you how I came to my conclusion. The vampires I destroyed all had a common familial trait, a unique on at that, double canine teeth. I've never seen it in vampires before. When I looked at it I was struck by a memory, that very same dwarven mother, while she gave birth I observed an injury near her ankle. At the time I thought it an animal bite of some kind, four puncture wounds. This coupled with the dwarves among those vampires I burned lead me to believe that there are more in the Dwarven Enclave. I understand if some of you wish to go with..." she gestured at Lucas, "I am sorry I did not hear your name?"

"Let's roll then, new guys, cmon if you're comni'... if not, well best of luck to ya... and if we help you find that tattoo fella, and you ain't payin, I want my share of loot."

Polk waved then followed Doc.

"How do we get horse to go ? Could get us back to Dwarves faster."

Na-Wa looks over at Lucas. "Only we go follow new but old smell?"

  "Damn. Ok that settles it." Arulas says as he hears that. He calmly walks outside and retrieves his rifle and starts to get his horse then realizes it probably got spooked and ran. So he jogs back to the ship and goes out on the deck of the ship to see if he can see the dumb thing.

Ethan finished examining the ‘Atlantean’s’ wounds. They were not life threatening though they were likely painful. The medic used the same antiseptic and pain numbing spray he used on Na-Wa to the afflicted areas on Jason, then put the bottle away. “You might feel a tingle or warming sensation for this next part,” he tells the self proclaimed ‘Undead Slayer’. Ethan then covers each visible wound with a hand and focuses his attention as he had learned to do. Where Ethan touches, skin quickly regrows, leaving no scarring or bruising. “There, how do you feel? Do you have any more wounds that need treating?”

Na-Wa and Jason, this guy in the military haircut is the best healer you've ever seen. You both feel fantastic.

Outside Polk was pushing his horse, "Mmmmmppph. C'mon Horsey move !"

"Ahhh magic words ! Giddy Up !"  He watches as the robot horse does nothing.

"Awwww c'mon !" Polk grumbles in frustration having no clue about programming or robotics.

Lucas looked at Kalista, then at Jason as he introduced himself. He looked back just in time for Kalista to ask his name, at which point his hand raised up to slap his own forehead only to hit helmet. Then his shoulders slumped. "Can't even give myself a good head slap. Forgive me. I guess recent events still have me a bit flustered. If you ever try to come up with a plan to infiltrate a vampire base, don't go with 'get captured on purpose'. Effective for gaining entry, but extremely unpleasant to say the least."

"My name is Lucas. Until recently, I was a Tundra Ranger. Now I hunt monsters and try to help people I come across." While technically more information than was asked for, he obviously felt bad about his oversight of etiquette. "Sounds like your dwarven friends could certainly use the help sooner rather than later. However, I have an obligation to my friend Na-wa. We need to save his friend. If we can finish that quickly, we can try to rejoin you. Hopefully we'll both be successful and meet somewhere in the middle, each trying to come help the other."

He turned to Na-wa. "I cannot speak for Jason, but I will accompany you, Na-wa. We will find your friend."

In reply to Lucas Rowland (msg # 81):

Na-Wa's only response to Lucas is a big toothy grin of teeth which filed down to sharp points.

 Arulas walks over prys open a hatch on one of the robot horses and fiddles with the wiring some. He realizes fairly quickly that he is out of his league here. Total reprogramming a recognition package is different than programming a new IFF into a Titan Mark IX. "Damn it!" as he shuts the hatch.

"I know ! These steel horsrs are more stubborn then mules." Polk says to Arulas.

"Even ignore magic words !"

"So we help dragon ?"

Kalista put out her hand for Lucas, "You will be missed in the coming fight. I believe we can catch up to you, I've done this sort of thing before."

Kalista is moderate famous, have lead a crusade which ended some ten years ago wit the destruction of a major vampiric intelligence in that was once called New Mexico.

Lucas took Kalista's offered hand and shook it. "I thought I recognized you. Still, you may have done this before, but unless those we chase move extraordinarily quickly, they should still be closer than your dwarven allies." He shrugged. "Though you never can tell. Who knows what or where either of our journeys will bring us in the end."

Hearing Sir Arulas' frustration, Lucas stepped over to the horses. "Mind if I lend a hand?" Unless stopped, he opened the hatch once more and tinkered with the controls for several minutes.

 "Not stubborn Polk. Just don't you as well as they need to. Programming prevents them from doing much more than being lead." he says to the young dragon.

 When Lucas steps up to help Arulas makes a as you please gesture.

"Programming ? I am unfamiliar with this."

Polk steps back from the horse.

"Sir Arulas, can we help other dragon ? Polk knows what its like to be held and tortured.  Want to help but want to help dwarves too."

 "You know how you learn new things Polk? Well machines can't so we tell them what to think and do. These machines were told that only the vampires we just killed were the ones to be able to ride them." he explains.

 At Poll's question he pauses and says "I want to help the dragon Polk, but for all we know he left under his own power."

In reply to Ethan (msg # 78):

I'm feeling much better, Jason nods as he looks over his skin and seeing many of his Tatoos have returned.  Not at one hundred percent, but better.
He reaches back to touch the top of his right shoulder.  On his back, a stylized hear the size if his hand sits between his lower shoulderblades,  with attached eagle-like wings that run from just below his waist all the way up to rest atop his shoulders, where they can be easily touched.  Hiwever, the skin around it has not yet fully regrown.  Thank you.  I will heal normally now.  And, in a few hours, I will have the energy to finish healing myself.  No need to use any more of your energy upon me.
He turns to Na-Wa and Lucas.  I feel I must go with them to deal with this vampire infestation.  If you find them, wait for me.  Reconnoiter, get good intel, but do not engage them until I arrive.  Perhaps I will have help.

Polk looks from Sir Arulas to the horse and back.

"Your smart like Nyx and Doc. You know many things.  Poor horse needs someone poking it to learn."

"Yeah the twins are smart when it comes to guns and a few other things. I got blade and some tech smarts."

Kalista saw Polk's indecision and acted, "Polk, I think you should go with the others. If they are following a dragon they will need your insight." She knew he would be sorely missed, but she could not in good conscience keep him from his own kind.

Polk looked to Kalista, "Keep Doc and Nyx safe." Polk said almost tearing up being seperated from them.

He then looked to Arulas then back to Kalista before dropping the pick ax.

"Teach Picky how to be good. I think he wants to try."

Then Polk sadly while looking back several times to the twins moved to the new group.

"Im Polk I can help you."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:34, Tue 10 Apr 2018.

Doc was a little bit sad to be letting Polk go, even for a while, he was sort of like a younger brother to him and Nyx. He moved close and put an arm around Polk and whispered quietly.


Doc looked to the new group his friend was about to be leaving with, "Y'all let him get hurt or worse... well, you'll regret it." his index fingers tickling the handles of his pistols, his eyes moving from one party member to the next making direct eye contact with each one.

Lucas joins a frustrated Arulas at the horses. Working together, they are able to finagle a temporary solution. The looted robot horses will follow transportation commands, but they will not fight until properly reprogrammed. They use the same series of commands on all five robot Arabians.

Polk nodded to Doc.
"I will miss you hopefully be back together soon."

Polk turned into a cat got into the saddlebag of his horse and asked it to follow his new conpanions horses.

Lucas nodded to Arulas for the decent patch job they managed. "That should do for now, at least." He turned back to catch the tail end of the conversation being held and realized they'd traded an undead slayer for a dragon, and a juvenile one at that.

Moments later, upon being confronted by Doc, his mind debated whether to scoff, scold, or just roll his eyes. He knew the man's words came from concern for his friend, and so opted for a flat stare, "I regret it when any brother falls in combat, as any good soldier does. We will care for him no less than we do ourselves or each other." Turning to ready his own horse, he wondered at the company he kept nowadays. A psi-stalker and dragon were certainly a long way away from his old ranger squad.

Over his shoulder, he directed a question to his new companion, "So, Polk... do you know how to get to the dwarves' home? That would certainly make it easy, if we manage to finish our business first. Mind you it's not necessary. So don't worry about it if you don't. I'm just curious. I'm sure I can bring us back here and track them to the dwarves, but a direct route would be faster." He turned to listen to the response, and saw the dragon was now a cat. He blinked, opened his mouth as though to say something, then closed it and turned back to his horse. "Well, that will make for a quiet ride."

"Maybe, usually the others lead, though I think I could find it back from the boat." replied the black cat with green eyes.

Hope I can help you rescue dragon and find stalkers blade. Should we go direction Severance was fleeing ?"

Lucas jumped at the voice, and turned to look at the cat. "Ummm... good. I'm... sure we'll appreciate the help. I don't know about the direction. We'll have to see where Na-Wa's 'old scent' leads and we'll find out, I guess." He turned back to his horse slowly, a bit unnerved by the talking cat. After tightening the strap he had been working on, he leaned over toward Na-Wa and whispered to his friend, "You heard that too, right?"

And I can track back to from here, especially since you probably won't be worried about counter-tracking, Jason adds to Lucas' comment.
He also adds to the conversation with Doc by turning to the dragon-turned-cat.  Polkitain, is it?  He extends a hand in greeting.  I entrust my companions welfare to you, as I take the welfare of yours to my heart.  They will take care of you as well as I am sure I will be taken care of.
He then turns to Doc.  Hopefully, that helps to alleviate your worry.  He is in good hands.  He then turns to the others.  Now, if you do not mind, we must get up the hill to un-bury the rest of our supplies.  Then we shall all be ready to head to our destinies.
He looks over one of the horses.  So, they are ridden as a living horse, but respond to vocal commands?

Polk stuck a paw out to shake Jasons hand.

"Wow you said Polk's full name." Polk's kitty chest puffed up with pride.

"I will try and protect them. Doc says I get ahead of myself sometimes but I will try not too. Dragons can sense dragons your friend feels different but can still feel him. So should be able to help."

With a smile at the young dragon, Jason responds, It would be impolite to use your nickname without permission, as we have not known each other long.  As it would be to refer to your Cyber-knight fellows without their title of "Sir" or "Lady".
He turns to Lucas with a chuckle.  You are not crazy.  Dragons are shapeshifters of varying degrees, dependent upon breed.  Some can do so more often, or for longer periods of time than others.

"I like Jason Damien you know about dragons. Yes Horned, Thunder and Frilled are a bit better at metamorphosis and fitting in."

I'm ready to start the next scene+s. Does anyone have any last actions to declare or words to speak?

My young, draconic friend, I have soent some time around dragons.  I fact, the Tatoo Master I am trying to rescue is the very one who gave me my Ink.
He turns to model tge intricate tattooing, as well as the Tattooing, covering most of his upper body.  Many will just place their Tattoos in places that they best suited and easily reached.  But each Tattoo is done individually and stands alone.  This particular dragon considers himself an artist, and each Tattoo has to be a part of a greater canvas.

I think I'm done here.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:15, Wed 11 Apr 2018.

"Dragon does art ? Wow. What is his name so I know what to call him ? Do you know what kind of dragon he is ?"

Ethan was pleased to see that his treatment of Jason had been effective. He was even more pleased that Jason confirmed what he eyes had told him by way of thanks. “Let me know if experience any returning pain or injuries. God only knows what all those vampires did and there could be lingering side effects.”

The NEMA Combat Medic followed his wife outside and found Polk struggling with one of the robotic horses the vampires no longer needed. The young dragon’s antics never ceased to amuse and surprise him. “At least this time he isn’t trying to hatch a piñata,” he thought as the dragon eventually gave up. One of the freed prisoners, Lucas, came over and offered to help with the recalcitrant robotic equestrians.

Ethan watched silently, curious mind interested in the differences between working on a pure robot rather than a cybernetic system. The latter was an area of medicine he had formal training and some practical experience in. In his century, medical science had progressed to the point that most injuries that would require a replacement limb or organ, could be done with a vat grown ‘clone’ of the original. It eliminated the possibility of organ rejection and provided full functionality to the person with minimal physical therapy needed to adjust to their ‘new’ limb. That was the option favored by most civilians however. Those in the military, when faced with the need to repair injures sustained either in training or combat, often elected to use cybernetic systems for the added functions and capabilities they provided. The loss of that part of their humanity was deemed a small price to pay for something that could give them a much needed edge in tactical situations.

Once Lucas had finished tinkering with the robots, Ethan walked over to him and offered his hand, just as his wife had. “I’m Ethan Hawthorne, a combat medic by trade and by the grace of God, the husband of Kalista.” Ethan had left his helmet clipped to belt. His chestnut eyes were bright and he smiled at the other man. “I’m fairly good with cybernetic systems but would have been out of my depth with these robots. The AI built into cybernetic systems are intentionally limited and designed to the nervous system of the person they are attached to rather than voice commands or physical manipulation. We are fortunate that you possessed the skill to get these robots moving for us.”

OOC – Ethan will select one of the horses for himself as he didn’t have a ride yet. I am of course always ready for more roleplaying but I am ready to move on to the next scene if that’s what you are wanting GM.

Did Arulas or Kalista destroy Picky ?
If not Polk will slip out and save his new friend.

Private Note to Polk
No, Polkitain is the only character thus far who has done anything with the false rune weapons. Consider a Syphon Entity to be in your saddlebag.

When the other Lumberjacks began to prepare to leave, Nyx remained still. His own robotic steed, which had carried him to the ancient vessel, stood a few paces from the others: whether it disdained the others because of their prior association or foreshadowed the 'slingers next words was ambiguous, "I will continue Polk here's schooling, try and find the friend of these folk .. Perhaps this Chiang Ku too..."

After speaking he fell silent, moving to his brother and clasping him by the shoulder for a moment, "Stay safe. Don't be making too many tall tales in my absence"

Just a short explanatory post

Doc smiled, "Don't go fillin' Polk with no fool ideas either." Patting Nyx on the shoulder he nodded, "Maybe that dragon fella can teach Polk about bein' a dragon. Might do him good. Hey! maybe he can give us some of them fancy tattoos."

OOC brotherly retort

Jason cocks an eyebrow at the Elven 'Slingers.  They work best on Atlanteans, humans, and ogres.  Not so well for anyone else.  I've heard it's a lot more painful.  But, you never know.  He might as a reward.

Nyx, thanks for helping to even out the parties a little