You arrive at Compton in fine style. Merlot drives his pickup truck with Multi-Roach riding shotgun, while the two giants Flora and Bedlam Jones hunker down in the back. Eating their dust is Ordus F. Rattus, sitting atop his fireproof giant possum, which is dragging a wagon carrying an ancient but working generator, as well as the constituent swarm of rats collectively known as S'kaar.

At first Compton looks like any other badlands town with a wall of rusting steel sheets and pig iron rivets, dotted with rickety watchtowers with home made flamethrowers and giant crossbows. As you close race up the gentle slope leading to the town gates, you are struck by the colourful bunting and welcoming graffiti, rather than the usual cages full of rotting bandits left out as a warning.

A small delegation emerges from the gates, a squad of serious looking militia led by a heartbreakingly beautiful Engineered Human who wastes no time in welcoming you.

"Martha Adams mayor of Compton at your service wanders. Here at Compton you'll find we treat honest explorers as treasured resources rather than unfortunates to be robbed and fed into the food vats. The artifacts you bring back from the Sprawl will enrich our local economy, and on that sad day you fail to return your possession you have entrusted to our deposit scheme will pass into our hands. Don't forget to ask at the Last Chance Hotel about our very reasonable terms. You won't want to be taking that handsome vehicle into the Sprawl my friends, and you could get a couple of gallons of water credit. And on the off chance you are here to make trouble, rest assured we still have the food vats warmed and ready"

The large bug tapped the fuel gauge and looked at Merlot. It's mandibles click. "There is a fuel question we have. We will need more. Much more..." It pointed out the the furry driver of the car.

Flora quickly hoped out of the back of the pick up and hit the ground with a thud. Normally she wasn't too quick to act, but the man had simply offered to put them in food vats should anything go wrong. She was tall, leaning towards her giant heritage, and thick. Her plant features glared out to any who questioned her origins. She was armored, a thick plate of metal surrounding her torso. On the front was a scoop that betrayed the armor as a former car hood. On her back was a large spear, fashioned from what looked like a sharpened sign post. That was crossed by a large mace, too big for one hand. It was made of rebar, bent and banded into shape with a hilt of duct tape or something similar.

In her hand was her pride and joy. It was obviously Omega Tech. It appeared to be some sort of large maul or hammer, festooned with reinforced wires and metal. Whatever it was, it looked like it would hurt if she hit something with it.

She stood there for a moment, not talking, but making it known she was not there for show.

Bedlam raises his head off his chest, waking himself from the doze he had fallen into as the pickup rumbled across the badlands. He levers himself over the side and smiles a bit to himself as the pickup suddenly sits much higher on its shocks. The weight of the two giants in the back was apparently quite substantial.
Quite right, given the size of... Bedlam thinks, unconsciously flexing the muscles stacked upon muscles across his barrel chest.

Hearing the mayors 'greeting', he rises to his full height. A massive and imposing man, Bedlam was a veritable wall of muscle and steel. His armor was crafted from the curved and rounded parts of what must have been a car. An ornate lampost was strapped to his back, along with a rounded spiked object that was inexplicably moving.

"I certainly don't think trouble is our goal here, Madame Mayor." He said, turning the full force of his personality on the well put together Engineered Human.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:45, Tue 16 Nov 2010.

Frowning at his fuel meter, Merlot seems to flicker for a second as if he's still sitting in the drivers seat whilst he's getting out of the truck at the same time.
Reality seems to finally agree that he'd exited the truck however.

Dusting off his leather duster, the feline inadvertently reveals a bizarre gauntlet on his right hand before he addresses the townsfolk assembled.

"Now I'm suuuure we can come to a relationship that is most beneficial for all of us."

"After all" He continues with a gesture of his left hand "Without somewhere nearby to sell any finds too, our profession fast becomes that of a long distance hauler."

Nodding to himself he finishes "A profession I would rather avoid."

Mayor Adams seems captivated by Bedlam's Jones mesmerising presence. "You know, I'm sure the Council can find work for such a powerfully built specimen such as yourself" she simpers, batting her perfect eyelids. "In fact, if you all want to show us what you've got, consider fighting in the Arena. Will get you enough Barters for free board, fuel and water too. Old Bluetooth runs nightly bouts, just head for the Monster Mash and tell him I sent you"

Bedlam nods his thanks as the group piles out of the truck. His eyes momentarily flash red and go a bit distant as he establishes a mental link to all the group members.

"I like the idea of this Monster Mash... sounds like a party to me!" Even his mental voice has a tinge of bloodlust to it.



OOC: for the sake of consistency, I'll use purple as the color to signify Bedlam's telepathy to the group.

In reply to The Shadow (msg #6):

The bug itches its exo-skeleton. "More fuel sounds good...as does food. Plus the extra food of those that are killed..."

Those that have traveled with Multi-Roach knows that it can and will eat almost anything. In fact, one of its more disgusting, and useful habits is to have a duplicate act as a 'food-taster' to see if something is safe to eat. Or test for dangerous ground. Or even worse-sometimes it takes a bite out of its own duplicate...

Mayor Adams graciously offers to show you to the Last Chance Hotel, and the party is escorted through the gates of Compton by her security detail. Compton is a vibrant community with citizens of all types, colours and sizes thronging the busy streets and alleys. The Mayor points out the Bartermart, a huge open air bazaar where supplies, equipment and artifacts ancient and newly made can be traded for Barters.

The Last Chance Hotel is a large, ancient complex of building that caters for guests of all types, providing such niceties as asbestos sheets, nutrient baths and even electricity on tap. However, the prices are steep, you reckon you will have to barter away much of your equipment for more than a few nights stay. However, once the management hear that you will be fighting in the Monster Mash they happily extend a line of credit.

"The bouts start an hour after sundown. Ask for the Masherama" says Mayour Adams, taking her leave. "Looking forward to seeing you in action big boy" she finishes with a wink at Bedlam Jones.

You have a couple of hours to relax in your rooms, explore, trawl for rumours or go shopping in the Bartermart.

Imagine, if you can, a man-sized figure composed entirely of flaming rats.  Now, once you get your brain around that, imagine what one would look like astride a very large, particularly stupid (and thankfully fireproof) mutant opossum.

Ordo F. Rattus adds to the effect by the curious selection of something like a shieldwall for his armor, which consists of some of the many rats holding little shields.  Others lend their strength to lofting the sharpened rebar spear he carries.

Traveling with Ordo is an experience, since he invariably speaks in chorus...and having a thousand rats answer all at the same time, in the same high squeaky pitch, unnerves some people.  On the other hand, you never need to ask for a light, and the little guys are usually willing to sit still if you want to roast a marshmallow or something.

Here in civilization, the Rodent Collective leads Stupid (the, uhm, Opossum Of Unusual Size) to the hotel in hopes of getting a little rest.  He has no talent for digging for rumors, and while he'll be more than happy to watch Bedlam enjoy himself at the Mash, for now a little down-time is more than welcome.

Thus the chorus of rats bids a temporary parting from his companions, promises to save Multi-Roach a few crumbs for later, and goes to secure the luxury of a temporary nest.

Flora shook her head at the mayor and replaced the hammer back into the truck. When she returned, she placed a hand on Bedlam's shoulder. Her voice was soft and smooth, though deeper than most women that the group had encountered before. "You should really be careful with your charms, Little Brother. They can come back to haunt you one of these days." She was of course not any relation to the big man, considering she was mostly green and composed of plant matter and vines. They had developed a sibling relationship and she was acting as any big sister would, caring after a younger sibling who was always trouble, at least in her eyes.

She moved in front of him, giving a chuckle as her hand lingered on his shoulder, beckoning for him to follow. "Come, Little Brother. Let's get something hot to eat. It's got to e a site more tasty than that crap we have had the past few days." With that, she makes her way towards the Bartermart, seeing if Bedlam is following.

Merlot, in his typical fashion, seems to hang around the corners and pools of shadow whilst the others decide what they wish to do.
Once everyone's moved along, he begins his own investigations of the city, hopefully gleaning any useful tidbits or information from conversations overheard in the shadows.

He proceeds to check the city's trash. What people throw away stun him. It was all so useful! Sometimes, they even through away food! Barley spoiled ether! It was very easy to find out what was good to eat, or safe to get. He just made a duplicate to 'test' it out for him.

Of course-they complained...

Bedlam can't help but grin at Flora's words of caution. "You may be right, but it sure is fun!" His stomach rumbled mightily, lending more importance to her other suggestion. Food was an idea he could certainly get behind. He stomps off behind the green woman. The two giants certainly made quite a sight trudging towards the Bartermart...

While Ordus and S'kaar doze in the hotel, the rest of the group find a few hours for exploring. Bedlam and Flora sample the hazards and delights of Compton street food, Multi-Roach noses around for a spoil heap but instead finds a very efficient recycling chain, starting at the food vats, fed on a constant diet of garbage, and ending in the burger than Beldam is happily munching. Meanwhile Merlot skulks around the shadows, but doesn't hear anything of note, save for some discussion of the "fresh meat" appearing at the Monster Mash this evening.

At the appointed time you join the throng moving towards the Masherama, a large canvas and sheet metal dome alive with neon signs and blaring thrash metal music. Bluetooth meets you at the entrance. You are somewhat taken aback to find Bluetooth is an ancient mobile phone that has achieved sentience, lying on a silk cushion borne by large mutated stick insect, standing unsteadily on its back legs.

It plays a simple tune. Even in these unenlightened times some classics from the bygone age still exist, and you all recognise the ballad "Nokia Welcome".

"Welcome to the Masherama!" says Bluetooth in a tinny, crackling voice. "You're the third bout this evening, on in around an hour. The Green Room is just down the stairs, third on the left. Now, I need to know your stage name. You know, Mad Max and the Thunderdromes, The Postmen, Gygax Convention... something snappy with a bit of edge!"

Although he is patently unable to do so, Bluetooth looks at you expectantly.

Flora looked around at the others. It seemed that even her "little brother" was going to be left without words. She figured she might as well speak up. "Personally, I am all for the name 'Syndicate of Strange'. Got a nice ring to it, don't it," she said as she gently poked Bedlam in the rib with her elbow."

In reply to Flora (msg #16):

The bug twitches a bit, checking his crossbow. "I guess Multi-Roach and friends is right out, huh?" It could be joking-but it did not seem to have the physical equipment to laugh...however-its useless wings became very active when it did tell jokes...

"I always thought of us as "The Insurgent Tuesday" myself." Merlot says with a shrug. Proving once again that his mind didn't necessarily work in a linear fashion.

"But if I must stick with something more standard the Generic Atomic Mankind Mix Association is catchy... or GAMMA for short."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:10, Sun 28 Nov 2010.

The little phone vibrates thoughtfully "Hmmm, Syndicate of Strange ... I like it! Get yourself ready and see you in the arena. And remember... anything goes!"

In short order you are led to the Green Room, a gaudy lounge where various refreshments are on offer, then half an hour later down a large goods elevator. Compton seemingly has fuel to burn! You gather in a metal-walled antechamber facing the gate to the arena, the heavy steel dented and scarred. You can hear the shouts of the crowd from beyond, then the vastly amplified voice of Bluetooth.

"Ladies, Gentlemen and Mutants! The Masherama is proud to present... Multi-Roach and Friends! Give it up for these poor saps who are up against my newest acquisition - The Floating Brain of Death!"

Will put up the arena map shortly for our first combat.

 Reforming into a normal human sized man he "Looked" around at the town and with effort added to the conversation, If we are not attacked then we will be peaceful and if your prices are fair then we should be able to do much business with these merchants.

The bug looks at all the other. "Ummm-that was a joke! I did not really mean it! Honest! I had no idea! I did not pay him off in advance or anything! Really! Really!"

The Monsterama lies before you, a five metre deep steel-walled pit, with ranks of seating looming precipitously above half-full with cheering spectators. A roar of feedback comes from the speakers, followed by demented electronic wails, zaps and bangs and the crowd goes wild...

OK please roll initiative and make one move action into the arena (make your first move from A11-15). Take a look at the Combat Map thread for a view of the battlegrid. Any question in Meta please.

 Looking over the walls and the screaming people sitting safe up in their seats, he would sneer if he could but the swarm chose not to make such effort for him.

 Shifting back into his movement form he slips into the arena and moves over to the side, letting those with real combat abilitys go in front.

11:14, Today: S'kaar rolled 17 using 1d20+6. Initiative rnd 1.

With a resigned sigh, the Collective Rodent hefts the rebar spear and strides forth to battle, not really all that sure that this is what they want to do today.  It is not as though they bear any animosity for their opponents personally, but these things cannot be helped.

Besides, there's a payout involved.

(Initiative 6, Queen's Rat to E18.)

Flora grunted and hefted her concrete and rebar maul and strode forth to do battle.

OOC:14:52, Today: Flora rolled 7 using 1d20+1. Initiative.
Move to F16

The bug clutched his crossbow tight, and skuttered quickly across the area. He climbs up the side of one of the metal barriers. Without slowing down or showing any sign of losing his balance-much like the insect he was.

(OOC-Going to G18, climbing to top of 4 meter high barrier using my wall-crawl power. Staying there.

16:38, Today: Multi-Roach rolled 8 using 1d20+2. initiative)
This message was last edited by the player at 04:01, Sun 05 Dec 2010.

His glove thrumming with a faint blue energy, Merlot stalks behind everyone else, his other hand in his jacket clutching his ample supply of sharpened knives and stickers.

His smooth catlike grace lets him keep to the shadows as he stays behind everyone.

---

OOC:

 Today: Merlot rolled 21 using 1d20+3. Init.

Move: A15 -> F18

Final Pos: F18

Bedlam grins and strides happily onto the arena floor, drinking in the bloodthirsty yells of the crowd. After being cramped up in the back of that truck all day, bashing some heads was just what he needed. He moves up to Flora and raises his massive lamp post.

"Just like old times, eh?"

OOC:
13:03, Today: Bedlam Jones rolled 4 using 1d20+2. Initiative.
Move to F15

You advance out onto the hard packed sand and the door noisily slides down behind you at the same time the south door opens to allow something else into the arena. Although you line of sight is blocked, there are various screens mounted high above the crowds where images of the action are projected. From this you can see you a facing a cow-sized floating brain with one huge lidless eye and a tangle of barbed tentacles dangling below! Various items of technology appear to have been grafted on to the beastie, which is gliding serenely forward...

Round 1. Combat map updated. Init Order: Brain, Merlot, S'kaar, Multi-Roach, Flora, Ordus, Bedlam.

The Brain moves up to the central "island", just just out of sight around the corner (move to O15).

The roach moves up to one of the metal barricades, climbs up-sticking to the surface. Just poking his head over the top-he projects another copy of himself, holding his crossbow ready-25' head of him, on the ground-and able to see the brain from its postion. Its crossbow goes off, almost at random, as a result missing wildly.

(OOC-Move action-climbs up wall at G20 and gets total cover if possible. Staying on other side of wall.

Standard action-creates duplicate 5 squares away at M18 and its action will happen 1 init after his, and it will attempt to use crossbow.

11:10, Today: Multi-Roach rolled 11 using 1d20+8. Vs ac

Please note-Multi-roach will not attack if the brain just seems to be hiding-then all the dupilcate will do is report its location. In ether case, the dupilcate will fade at the end (maybe start) of my next turn or when it takes 1 hp damage.)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:18, Sat 11 Dec 2010.

Ordo sprang nimbly forward and loosed a dart off at the Big Brain, hoping to at least distract the beastie long enough for their friends to do some quick damage to it--not having seen what it can do, the Collective Rat felt nervous, having figured that one on six is poor odds unless this thing is really, really nasty!

Flora smiled at Bedlam and nodded. "Ground and Pound, Little Brother." With that, she moved forward towards the 'Brain'. She was going to get a good look at it before she engaged.

OOC: Move to J17
Stow heavy melee-Standard

 Skittering forward he lifts out a small Xbow that is good for the distance and lets off a bolt towards the brain creature.

19:21, Today: S'kaar rolled 9 using 1d20+8. Xbow atk vs brain
Move to E 17

Bedlam Jones moves up to stand beside Flora, while Merlot slinks along the wall.

Ordus and the doppelganger both miss. Ordus' cast looked on target, but it was deflected by an shimmering energy field protecting the Brain.

Round 2. Combat map updated. Init Order: Brain, Merlot, S'kaar, Multi-Roach, Flora, Ordus, Bedlam.

The Brain moves around the corner on the central island, a barbed tentacle flicking out towards the doppelganger Multi-Roach that just missed with its crossbow. The copy explodes in a shower of slime.

At the same time the Brain's huge eye swings round to focus on Bedlam Jones. Concentric circles of force radiate out, pushing the giant back into the spinning blades behind him, splattering blood for yards around.

19 HP Damage to Bedlam Jones.

Merlot's whiskers twitch as he saw Bedlam get slammed back into those spinning blades but didn't stop. His form moves quickly to skulk along the walls to get around towards the other side of the Brain. In a bit safer position now hopefully, he takes the time to try out the piece of tech he had come by, running the device back and forth over his blade a few times before then giving that blade a throw, hoping that the way his knife was now flickering was a good thing.

-OOC-
Move Action: Move to T-18
Standard Action: Use Phase Strike Omega Tech, OVERCHARGE!!!
-Overcharge Result: 12, Overcharge Successful
-Attack Result: 14 vs Will.
-Damage Result: 18 Physical Damage, Targer is Stunned and takes 5 Ongoing Physical damage (save ends both)

He winces as he sees his duplicate shredded. "Okaaaaaaay...note to self-don't near that thing. I have an idea, I will let number 3 do that. Number 3...get out there! Go team me!" Then after manifesting his duplicate right in front of the giant brain, he hides safely behind the wall he was sticking to.

Number 3 appeared, and groaned as he was nearly face to face with the giant thing. "Oh no...why do we have to do all the hard jobs?" It whined-however-it did shoot a crossbow bolt right in the front lobes. "Oh! Er...ummm...trigger slip! Sorry! Really! Honest!" It said quickly.

(Standard action-creates dupilcate in space L16.

Move action-takes cover behind wall.

Free interrupt ready-Omega Tech if somehow hit.

Duplicate action-Fires crossbow.

09:14, Today: Multi-Roach rolled 14 using 1d12+5. Damage
09:14, Today: Multi-Roach rolled 22 using 1d20+8. vs AC.

OOC-When and how do I ready a Alpha mutation? Or have we already done that?)
This message was last edited by the player at 14:26, Mon 27 Dec 2010.

With a grimace, the Collective Rat adjusts position a little and lets fly again, knowing that while any individual shot is likely to be ineffective, they only need to be lucky once...and this way, they are a distraction for the others.

S'kaar drew back and hurled several of his constituent rats teeth first at the big brain. While they struck the brain, only one of the rats was able to dig its teeth into the target, causing only a very minor wound. The rats then scurried back to join S'kaar's form.

Flora let out a scream of anger as Bedlam was hit and sent into the blades. She redrew her massive rebar maul and charged forward, striking at the Brain with a blow that would send a normal sized person flying.

OOC:Action-Charge with a draw action for Heavy, Two-Handed weapon.

00:52, Today: Flora rolled 11 using 2d8+3. Damage.
00:51, Today: Flora rolled 22 using 1d20+7. Attack vs Brain.

Flora rushes in and deals the brain a crushing blow, which smashes against its energy shield sending sparks flying.

Another Multi-Roach appears in front of the brain and sends a bolt right at its eye, causing a flare of energy from its shield.

Merlot's thrown knife seems to flicker in and out of existence as it heads towards the brain, but the shot goes wide. Ordus' cast also misses.

One of S'kaar's constituent rats lands a tiny bite on one of the hanging tentacles before scurying back.

Meanwhile Beldam Jones winks out of existence!

Just post where you were heading to next round Bedlam, have applied your second wind.

Round 3. Combat map updated. Init Order: Brain, Merlot, S'kaar, Multi-Roach, Flora, Ordus, Bedlam.

The brain lashes out at Flora with its barbed tentacles, dealing the giant a nasty wound.

23 Damage Flora

OOC: A little retro...

Bedlam grimaces painfully as he takes a step away from the whirling blades, which scatter his blood in a wide swath over the arena sand. One of the giant's hands releases its grip on his lamp-post club and fumbles at a clasp on the strange mesh he recently strapped on over his scrap metal armor. There is a brief, electronic sound and then Bedlam fades from sight. His teammates "hear" his thoughts in their minds. ~Still here. Just gotta catch my breath. Oh... and don't stand in front of the blades!~

Move to K14.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:22, Tue 28 Dec 2010.

Seeing Flora hurt caused The roach to chitter with anger. "Nobody hurts flower girl!" It muttered. Another Roach forms, and moves around behind the brain-who then promptly throws up on the floating thing-and acid burns at it...

(OOC-Dupilcates again as standard action. Stays behind total cover.

Dupilcate moves around behind Brain-keeping out of reach of OA. Then flanks it via Flora, as a move action to P15.

Standard action-acid throw up melee attack.

09:42, Today: Multi-Roach rolled 19 using 2d8+6. Acid damage.
09:42, Today: Multi-Roach rolled 18 using 1d20+6. vs Fort)

Merlot would glance around and then just slink back into the shadows around the corner of the metal wall. But then a second later he seemed to have appeared in another location with knife in hand. The blade was flung once again at the brain, though this time without the flickering.

--OOC--
Move action: Move to U19
Standard Action: Double Trouble at Q17
Duplicate Standard Action: Attack with Throwing Knives
-Result: 19 vs AC? If Hit then 6 Damage.

13:15, Today: Merlot rolled 6 using 1d8+4. Damage Roll.
13:15, Today: Merlot rolled 19 using 1d20+7. Attack Roll.

S'kaar hurled another bundle of rats at the giant brain, but they fell wide of the mark and scurried back to the swarm.

--OOC--

16:23, Today: S'kaar rolled 15,12 using 1d20+8,1d12+8. attack/damage.
suspect thats a miss. If not, I'll retcon
This message was last edited by the player at 21:56, Tue 04 Jan 2011.

Flora, bolstered by the thoughts projected by Bedlam, swung with all her might. She knew that her muscles were the backbone of her strikes and so she put them all to use.


OOC
15:47, Today: Flora rolled 11 using 2d8+3. Damage vs Brain.
15:46, Today: Flora rolled 26 using 1d20+7. Attack vs. Brain.

A few electrical discharges signal the expiration of Bedlam's tech and the giant appears behind Flora's left shoulder. For a moment he focuses intensely on the floating brain before turning his head in disgust and spitting on the arena floor.
Round 3 Activity
Move to N19
Bedlam Jones rolled 9 using 1d20+4. Mental Push vs Will.
Assuming that misses.

Ordo concentrates for a moment, then launches yet another dart at the brain, hoping to do at least some good from a distance before getting up close and personal with the Big Brain.

(20:36, Today: Ordus F. Rattus rolled 21 using 1d20+8. Yet Another Ranged Attack.)

Multi-Roach's duplicate's acid spit proves very effective as it hisses and bubbles on the brain's energy shield. Second later Flora's power blow shorts out it's field with a shower of sparks, allowing Ordus' bolt to splat into grey matter. The Brain gives a subsonic shriek of outrage!

Round 4. Combat map updated. Init Order: Brain, Merlot, S'kaar, Multi-Roach, Flora, Ordus, Bedlam.

Bluetooth's amplified voice rises above the baying of the crowd. "Ouch! That was a good one, time for the cavalry"

The brain, its shields down, retreats in dobule time to the middle of the central platform. A small pylon emerges and the Brain starts glowing with a suspicious "recharging" aura!

Accompanied by a deafening electronic "level up" noise, the east and west gates open to reveal a swarm of floating saucer bots sparkling with electricity. They glide into the room and over the barrier, forming two solid lines of heavy metal to engage the party while the Brain heals up.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:15, Mon 10 Jan 2011.

S'kaar flings a clump of rats at the brain. they hit and tear into it for a few second, before scurrying back to the swam.

---

18:30, Today: S'kaar rolled 16 using 1d12+8.
18:30, Today: S'kaar rolled 19 using 1d20+8. YARA.

The brain is looking distinctly the worse for wear after S'kaar rat attack, it's grey matter pulsing weakly...

The roach moved along the sides of the metal barricade, and once again produced another duplicate-right near the brain. It also shot its crossbow into the pulsing mass...

(OOC-Move-moving to L21-still using the barricades as cover

Standard makes duplicate and moves it to P13

It fires crossbow at brain.

08:36, Today: Multi-Roach rolled 11 using 1d12+5. damage
08:35, Today: Multi-Roach rolled 19 using 1d20+8. vs AC)

"Reinforcements, eh?" Bedlam scowls at the line of electro bots. "Let's see how well they're reinforced..."

The giant takes his lamp post club and swings it in a wide sweeping arc at the nearby technology.

Round 4 Action Brickbat: burst 1. I believe it hits all enemies adjacent to me which I can see - robots in M20 and N20.
Bedlam Jones rolled 22 using 1d20+7. Brickbat vs electro bots
 that's vs AC
Rolled 11 using 2d8+4. Damage vs r at N20.
Rolled 18 using 2d8+4. Damage vs r at M20.

If that hits, and they survive, the targets are also knocked prone.
For burst/area of effect powers, do you want separate attack / damage rolls for each enemy?

Multi-Roach's latest duplicate sends a crossbow bolt into the Brain, spatttering grey matter all around. It's almost down...

Meanwhile Bedlam's roundhouse sends the two electro-bots high into the arena, to whoops and cheers from the crowd. They explode overhead like fireworks.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:54, Sun 09 Jan 2011.

Eyeing the bots warily, Ordo shifts position and switches weapons, then stands ready...

Flora put her maul in front of her and took a defensive posture. Her wounds bled an oozing greenish gray sap. She closed her eyes and focused, willing her body to knit itself closed. Her wounds started to bleed less and she made sigh of relief.

OOC: Action-Use second wind

Merlot, frowning in concentration, grabs a throwing knife and sends it unerringly towards the Brain's one huge eyeball. The blade hits true, sending a gout of ocular fluid and grey matter into the air. All its tentacles go into spasm and scant seconds later it deflates like a punctured balloon.

A cacophony of electronic trills, squeals and victory riffs spring up over the speakers, as the crowd applauds politely. You get the feeling they were hoping for more casualties though.

Bluetooth's amplified voice rises above the hubbub. "Ladies, gentlemen and others, I give you Multi-Roach and Friends. Next time we'll put them up against a real challenge folks, be sure to catch it here at the Masherama"

In reply to The Shadow (msg #56):

The duplicate vanished and the 'true' roach crawled from his hiding spot. "Ummm-you know I did not mean to name us that...right? Not my fault..." He points out to seemingly no one.

"That's it?  That's the fight?"

The Collective Rat seems to be torn between disappointment and relief.

"About that name...we can keep it.  Just so long as we know who to blame."

The sound of a thousand rats chuckling with malicious mischief is not a pretty one.

Flora leaned of her maul for a moment, catching her breath. She trotted over to Multi-Roach, a smile on her face. "It is okay, there has been no harm done. It's only a name," she said as she towered over him.

In reply to Flora (msg #59):

The roach's multi-faceted eyes looked up at her. "Are you ok? I saw the thing hurt you..."

The electro bots wheel round and float back to the east and west gates as you trudge back to the north exit. After the following bouts Bluetooth slips you enough Barters to keep you in food and lodging for a couple of weeks, leaving you free to organise your trip into the Sprawl.

You can start the next day if required. If you want to, the a visit to the Flux Pit will trigger a new mutation, but be advised you had best delay your journey for a day (check out the House Rules thread).

Bedlam smirks and bows with a flourish.

"Not to worry, folks. Not to worry," the giant's voice booms out. "There's more where that came from. We'll give ya plenty ta see when the time comes!"

The big man grins broadly and waves as he heads for the exit.

~How is everyone doing? Any significant injuries?~ his thoughts check in with each of his teammates. ~Damn shame to have to risk burning the tech on such a quick fight.~

"How 'bout it, sis?" he eyes Flora with some concern once they are shut back away from the crowds. "That thing had a nasty stinger."

Flora looks at Multi-Roach with a smile, "I am okay. I am much tougher than I look. Being part of the planet has that effect." She gave the creature a gentle pat on the back and moved to be next to Bedlam.

Once they are alone and she hears Bedlam's question. She gave him a big hug and looked him in the eye, one of the only people she knew that could do that easily. "I am fine, Little Brother. I have thick skin but you looked more worse for wear than I did in there."

"We are Satisfactory" S'kaar squeals.

"All systems go," chorus the collective of Rat.  "Thanks for asking.  Nothing hurt but our pride."

"Good!" Bedlam exudes positive enthusiasm. "We fought well. And learned a few lessons to boot."

He ticks them off on large, calloused fingers:
"Pound on those energy shields hard enough, and they will go down."
"Keep the cannon fodder in front."
"And don't stand in front of pointy sharp things."

"Anyone think of something we could have done better?" the affable giant asks. "Did the close-in fighters block out the throwers? In addition to its shields, did we test the opponent's mental resolve? What would we have done if the shields didn't fail? Who's our battlefield medic?"

Bedlam's eyes widen. "Ah! I do love a good fight!"

In reply to Flora (msg #63):

He nodded at her response. "Good! Then let us collect our winnings and get out of here before they bring two giant brains! Ummmm...there was winnings, right?"

With the party's success in the Monster Mash, Bedlam begins tying up some loose ends before the team heads out into the Sprawl.

First he tracks down the proprieter of the Last Chance Hotel. The giant uses his considerable negotiating skills to ensure the party's goods remain "on deposit" for as long as possible while they are gone before reverting to community property.

Satisfied, Bedlam turns to the more pleasant task of paying a visit to the mayor.

[OOC: I know this thread is supposed to be closed, but it just didn't seem right to put this post in the meta-game thread.

Bedlam has a couple items to discuss with the mayor, but I wanted to give everyone an opportunity to interrupt before he goes too far off on his tangent.]

The Mayor's office is in the Community Hall, a large civic building of ancient vintage. Seeing how Bedlam is having difficulty fitting inside, she comes out to chat in the domed foyer, still boasting the original marble floor.

"Nice job in the Masherama. I don't suppose Bluetooth will be so easy on the next time round" she comments. "Still, you've proven your skills, I can't deny it. How do you feel about taking on a side job for the community?"

"We have no objection, assuming the compensation is adequate and the task is not too onerous," the collective rat even sketches a slight bow for the sake of theatrics.  "We do not slay nemean hydras for half the princess and the hand of the kingdom in marriage."

Bedlam chuckles and steps between Ordus and the (perfectly) engineered mayor. The rat collective's flames obviously cause the giant some small discomfort as the heat plays across his recent injuries.

"Thank you, Mayor. The Masherama is quite the draw. I can see how it serves many functions for the community," he smiled down pleasantly.

"My colleagues and I are flattered that you would consider us for more than our..." he glances back over his shoulder at Ordus. "theatrics. We are certainly not opposed to considering a rearrangement of our schedule in order to accomodate the community of Compton."

"Is this an... acceptable setting for continuing this discussion?"

The mayor leans back from Ordus' fiery rhetoric and smiles again at Bedlam. "No need to rearrange your schedule big man. Just offering you the chance to earn some sweet tech courtesy of our Armoury. All you have to do is help us with a little dabber problem. There a nest of them in a old building a few hours into the suburbs, I can give you a map gratis. They've been ambushing explorers such as your good self and taking the swag, depriving our community of valuable trading opportunities. They need to be taught a lesson, so just bring us, oh, say twenty dabber tails and trade 'em for a choice item or two. What do you say, it's a win-win proposition, no?"

Dabbers are mutated raccoons. Sneaky, trapmaking, thieving gits.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:54, Wed 26 Jan 2011.

"Dabbers, you say?" Bedlam cocks an eyebrow. "Troublesome vermin, for sure, but not really known for undue violence. Are they killing the explorers or just relieving them of their goods?"

"Don't get me wrong," the giant grins, holding his hands out to prevent an objection from the Mayor. "We'll defend our recovery goods from any dabber foolish enough to try to lift'm. But it seems you wouldn't be opposed to these dabbers if they would subsequently bring their swag here for trade, hmmm? I mean if Merlot set up a game of chance and relieved a few unwary explorers of a few bits you wouldn't have any quarrel with him since he would be spending his ... gains here in Compton, right?"

OOC: Just want to double check... you mostly mention dabbers, but the mayor asked for 'badder' tails. Which is a different troublesome vermin...

The mayor's smile fades a little. "Those little shits are banned from the municipality" she says crossly. "This place would be stripped bare in a week. And yes they aren't going to mess with a well-armed group of mutants like yourself, but try meeting them alone in a dark alley and you'll soon find out how harmless they are! Anyway" she continues, calming down, "the offer is open. I'll have a map sent to the hotel and leave it up to you"

"Excellent!" Bedlam beams. "Always good to keep the options open."

The giant starts to leave and then seeming to remember something, turns back to the mayor.

"Speaking of maps, Madame Mayor, we anticipate doing some fairly extensive exploring. Are there any particular areas in the Sprawl for which Compton needs updated intel? We might as well bring back useful knowledge in addition to any swag..."

"We haven't heard much from over the river lately, so any news would be appreciated" says the mayor brusquely. "Now if you'll excuse me I have other calls on my time today. Good luck and come and see me again if you make it back out"

In reply to Bedlam Jones (msg #75):

"We are gonna need supplies...and you would think the town would provide something for the people who risked their lives for entertainment's sake..." He pointed out, grumbling a bit considering he had avoided the worst of it. "Where to first?"

"Thank you, Madame Mayor. We'll do our best."

Bedlam does not try to press any issues with the mayor and leads Multi-Roach and Friends back toward the hotel for final preparations.

In reply to Multi-Roach (msg #77):

"Well," Bedlam replies to the giant cockroach with a grin, holding up the rough script. "Our winnings have provided us with safe lodging and storage for a week or so. Plus some extra to purchase water and food. A few more trades in the bazaar and we should be good to go."

"Anyone know about dabbers?" he addresses the group. "Other than the fact that they are thieves and can't be trusted? What do they value? How can we minimize our exposure if we try to negotiate with them?"

As the party heads into the 'burbs, S'kaar keeps his many eyes open for threats.

---

14:33, Today: S'kaar rolled 22,8 using 1d20+5,1d20+5. Two perception rolls.

 She let her size and Bedlams giant frame discourage any who might want to .."borrow"  their loot they had recovered in the ruins. Glancing to see how
 Ordus was doing after the swift journey back to the town here.

 So who is going to handle the selling of our loot?.

16:28, Today: Flora rolled 10 using 1d20+1. conspiracy chk

 So Bedlam managed to sell off alot of the porker gear and got them decent rooms that even fit their bodys for a nice full sleep in peace. She felt the suns rays touching her skin early and found that she was fully awake and soaking up the sunshine thru her skin.

 Looking at a old toy train the inn had in display later it brought back memory's of childhood. She felt the emotions of her brother and his train, as she watched it began to move within the display case. She let a "O" escape her lips and stepped back as she found that she can somehow connect to a machine and possibly urge it to do what she wanted to see happen.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:00, Sat 17 Sept 2011.

"Aw, quit kidding around, sis. You know I'm the man when it comes to dealing with the merchants..." Bedlam winks at Flora. "But you can come along if you want and glower menacingly over my shoulder."

OOC:
Bedlam Jones rolled 4 using 1d20+1. Conspiracy Roll.

Bedlam is blithely unaware of any possible sneaky behavior in his purview.

"Let's hang on to the shotgun, a handgun, and all the ammo," Bedlam suggests to Flora and Ordus. "None of us can use them, but we'll need to recruit a couple new crewmates, and anyone who can drive the truck should be able to use one of the guns."

Bedlam sells the rest of the group's swag to the merchants (or town militia for weapons), using his coercive skills to the best of his advantage.
Bedlam Jones rolled 22 using 1d20+13. Interaction Roll for Bartering.


The next morning, Bedlam awakes after a very poor night's sleep in a puddle of sweat and dust... The alpha flux has played it's games - the giant is continuously surrounded by mud, the ground turns into a viscous ooze wherever he walks.

Ordus managed the trip back to Compton well enough, given that the rats (collectively) whimpered and groaned like a med-tent after a major battle, and had all the focus of a sackful of wet mice.  Once in town, they slunk off to a room intending to 'sleep it off'...

Only to cause some alarm much later when the bedding they used proved flammable, and forced the evacuation of their hidey hole by everyone else present due to smoke and heat!  When they finally emerged into the light of a new day, blinking and rubbing their plentiful little red eyes, the rats are definitely brighter...and on fire, to boot.  Not that they seemed to notice this!  Quite the opposite.

"What's everybody staring at," they squeaked blearily.

 As they went shopping she looked at the goods that could be useful when they went back into the ruins again considering what the porkers had pulled on them last time.

 She picked up the small robotic looking device and read the writing on the side of it, "Auto Doc", Well if you think we should hang on to the firearms then maybe we should pick up this medical unit and some food for our next trip into the ruins?, still that energy mace would be nice too. So what do you think Bedlam?.

While you are considering your purchases at the shop, you notice another man browsing the wares.  He is of middling height (to most people) and stout build.  He wears heavy canvas pants and little else in the way of clothing.  His skin is rough, heavily textured and a mixture of earthy brown tones.  It also seems to be stiff, moving in discrete plates rather than smoothly.  Overall he looks distinctly rock-like.  Hearing Flora's comment, he approaches.

"You are Flora?  And Badman Jones?  I'm Tom.  They say your last delve was successful.  I was wondering whether you wanted more company?  In return for a share of the takings I could help you and let you use my medi-patch."

"Someone mentioned ruins and delving?" - asks a slender being in a buzzing voice. He wears a heavily modified bulletproof armour, his body is covered with feathers, his head is like a hawk's, and around him the air feels spontaneously generating electricity. "I am Shreek, the Electroid, and I would gladly join your company and delve deep into those ruins."

 She looked down at the two new men talking to them and glanced over to Bedlam, Well you said we needed more bodys for the next exploration into the ruins, he they are.

 She settled her maul on the ground and nodded to them both, Since iam flora and this is Bedlam, he thinks he is a merchants worse dream but we shall see. Either of you two been out in the ruins?, we lost one of our group to a bunch of porkers last time out, you willing to trust us out there?.

Looking up from his examination of the AutoDoc, Bedlam just cocks an eyebrow at Flora. ~Thinks?~ his thoughts enter her mind.

Turning his attention to the newcomers the giant grins. "Bedlam. The name is Bedlam. I wouldn't worry about the porkers. But the area is obviously dangerous and more crew means better chance of everyone surviving."

"Either one of you got experience with ancient tech?"

"Fair enough." Tom takes Bedlam's correction with a shrug.  "I'm no good with tech, sorry.  I've a knack for reading people.  It's probably why I normally travel alone."  If Tom sees anything contradictory about the last statement, it doesn't show in his tone or on his face.

"I can handle myself and my skin means I can take some hits without getting hurt.  You won't regret it."

You arrive in grand style, with the motorbike engines roaring as they drag your wagonload of booty into the town. Mayor Adams in waiting inside the gates, along with a sizeable crowd of curious citizens. They let out a half-hearted cheer, which triples in volume after a warning glance from the mayor.

"Welcome back friends! And on behalf of Compton, thank you for dealing with the porker menace. News travels fast" she says with a wink at Bedlam. "Your rooms are prepared at the Last Chance Hotel and there is a feast in your honor at the Monster Mash tonight. Roast pork is back on the menu!"

[Finishing up with Dabbers]
Bedlam carefully notes the firehouse location on the map.

"I'm sure you don't need me to tell you," he says to the Big Tail. "There's still plenty of fairly nice salvage to be picked through in the soup kitchen. I don't expect much, if any, of it to be left next time we get back there."

"It's also possible your collective would occasionally like to trade some excess salvage. Compton's the best place for trading, and closer than the badder market. Unfortunately, the folks in Compton aren't real keen on ... members of your collective. Could be we would be willing to do some trading for you... in exchange for a portion of the profits, of course. No, no. Don't answer now. No need to rush into such a deal. Discuss it with the other big tails."

"On a slightly different topic," he continues as the Big Tail surveys the contents of the parcels. "Seems to me the Gren might be looking for some help keeping the badders out of their garden. If any of your folk happen to cross paths with any of the green men, let'm know our crew harbors no ill will toward them. In fact, we like fresh veggies of the non-glowing variety. So it could be we might be able to help'm with any potential badder infestations."

[Before arriving in Compton]
Bedlam explains as best he can to Rose: "If we try to kill everything that lives in the Sprawl, then everything will try to kill us. That makes for a very short life span. Better to have allies and friends."

"I gave the dabbers part of our swag because I said I would. Don't forget, they helped us to get it - we would not have survived that porker attack without their warning. From now on they will warn us of possible danger. And we don't have to worry about them ambushing us or stealing our goods."

"As long as we are not too careless," he adds with a meaningful glance at the scouts.

"A few shinies is a reasonable price to pay in exchange."

"Everyone should remember, however, that the dabbers are still on poor terms with the good folk of Compton. So it would be best not to talk about our dealings with them because we don't want to be on poor terms with the good folk of Compton. If anyone asks whether or not we saw or ran into any dabbers, just tell'm the truth - we saw some, but they weren't in a fighting mood and took off before we killed'm."

"Crinkles understands." He says to Bedlam.

He greets the mayor with a big exuberant wave.

 She thought thru the words of the big man a couple of times and knew that she still did not totally understand what was going on so she let a sigh out and shut down the motorcycle to save fuel. No, she chose to focus on the last part of what had been said that they wanted to not rile the people of Compton up, she nodded softly and waved a long vine at the crowd.

 Glancing over to Bedlam, "Are they here to try and take our salvage away from us?." There was so much to learn and she only had the fading memories of Flora to draw from and she felt it was safer to stay with these people of her group.

Ophelia stepped aside as the dabbers moved out though she kept her hand near her sword hilt over her left shoulder.

Once they had departed she moved over to the others and nodded her understanding of what Bedlam had negotiated and traded. She understood that the mans word was his bond and she felt a little more relaxed with this new group of misfits.

Thunderbird makes a circle of the city to see what it is like before landing with the rest of the group. Getting caught up with the situation, he nods in agreement.

"So what is next beside a dinner in our honor?" he asks

You spend the next few days converting your hard earned salvage into barters, a large part of which you use to buy a small workshop for Tom and Socket next to the Bartermart. Soon it is time for the rest of you to depart on the next delve...

 She had managed to do a paint job on the motorcycle of flowers and vines winding around the frame and fenders and gas tank and had the engine smoothed out and running smooth.

 Meeting the others she was still surprised at the towns people and their fear of traveling the outside ruins. She looks over at the team, "What is out there that we can go find?, i heard someone talking about a shop from the restorationist that sells good stuff, should we go there and shop?."

--------


Crinkles finds himself quite happy to be back after their 'eventful' trip away.

Crinkles tried his best to hit up all his favorite food places during down time and if he could find it, would try to earn himself some free meals by doing physical labor for those that ran the eateries.

Arcus arrives with the rest of the Scavenger Team in Compton.. this is his first visit.  He avoided the town on his arrival in the area.. hoping to do some scouting of his own to track down the slavers he'd heard rumors about operating in the area.

His original thought was to avoid any rumors of himself hunting for Slavers in hopes that any informants in town would have nothing to warn the Badders about.

Arcus gazes openly at the sight of the fortified town walls...



Arcus collects his gear and the handy Mega-Shotgun "RECKONER"... slinging it barrel-down over a shoulder as he walks through the town... not actually brandishing the weapon clearly holding it at rest.  His wandering is not actually idle sight-seeing, but purposeful...

He is looking for any recognizable sign of law-enforcement sheriffs or deputies or even just plain obviously military types keeping the peace.  He is assessing the wall defenses the cleanness of the streets and the general order and behavior of the citizenry ...trying to figure out if this is a trading post of cut-throats or an actual community of mostly peace-loving residents.  And get a lay out of the community on the whole... obvious main thoroughfares, entrances and exits from the town.

Eventually he will make his way to the Last Chance Hotel...
Arcus will inform the Innkeep his is with Bedlam Jones party of Scavengers and that they will be bartering a large number of various weapons recovered from brigands for an equitable trade... but for now.. he'd like to barter a few days of stay by loaning his water purifier to the Innkeep in exchange for a room while he's in town for now, only two days worth.

Arcus will try a passive Interaction - Bargain 19

But if necessary he will roll... if a better deal seems likely...

23:44, Today: Arcus rolled 12 using 1d20+9.  Interaction 'Bargaining' for Room at Last chance Inn. {:( Guess not}

Afterwards he will ask where the Comptom Mayor can be reached and will go there to request a meeting with the Mayor... at her convenience.

It does not sit well with most towns to be going around forming an armed militia without getting the permission of the town authorities... makes them wonder WHY your gathering 'guns' in their peaceful town.. kinda rude!
This message was last edited by the player at 03:51, Fri 23 Oct 2015.

As the crew gets closer to Compton, the Sprawl becomes significantly less dangerous. Bedlam fills the newest crew members in on their relationship with, and reputation in, the town as well as its workings and features.

As Compton comes into sight Bedlam grins broadly; sometimes the big guy just doesn't realize how much he misses crowds.

The first stop on the giant's list is to check in with Crusty Tom and Socket. "Not our most profitable delve," he shrugs. "But pick through and see if anything catches your fancy."

"Just don't expect me to let it go cheap just because we're friends. Business is business," the giant winks.

Bedlam fills Tom and Socket in on the delve. In particular he checks to see if they have any news about the Restorationists. He describes Wilbur's 'remote control' armor and the invisible guard drone. He also mentions the encounter with the Red Guard.

"Probably not your line of expertise, but maybe you heard customers talking. I'm especially curious about their access to the Gren bridge. Do you think with the Porkers neutralized the Gren brought in the Hoops for protection?"

After completing negotiations with Tom and Socket and picking up the latest in-town gossip, Bedlam moves on to the Bartermart to dispose of the rest of the swag. The giant is in his element here, his grin broad and genuine as he moves from one intensive haggling session to the next.

 She is just glad to be back among non violent people again, she waves to bedlam and shrugs when he talks about selling the loot, she trusted him to divide the loot evenly, right now she wanted to take a bath and water her roots and then supper.

 Turning to Bedlam, "I will be working on my motorcycle i left here, see if i can twink it some."

Although Ophelia valued the down time that being in Compton gave her and the team she was a restless soul and was soon prowling the streets to try to burn off the pent up energy that kept her on edge while out in the wilds.

At night she partied hard and in the day either slept off the effects of the hootch or walked miles of streets without purpose or direction.

Over the days she felt the change come over her, she knew from past experience that spending too much time out in the wild could change a person, christ she was half cat, half human herself. But as the days dragged on she felt things inside her change and slowly new and slightly disturbing abilities started to surface.

Not knowing how to control them at the beginning she stopped partying as the hootch would dull her reflexes and new abilities had a tendency to kill people if you weren't in control of them.

After the first tingles ran though her body she took herself away to the outskirts of the town and spent all the time she could testing these new powers and getting control of them.

In reply to Ophelia (msg # 101):

Arcus over the course of the next few days splits his his day looking for recruits for the Rangers, and training them.

He also asks about town about any rumors of the Hoop's Red Army... are they as open and peacefully seeking excellence as their claims?  Arcus also asks any he meets for rumors of the Legion of Gold, forever does he seek to track down these destorying robot/cyborgs that killed his parents and destroyed his home.

As always Arcus is a force for good and justice supporting the authority of the Mayor and apprehending criminals, mediating disputes, opposing bullies and upholding justice and fairness.  Every afternoon he holds a short communal class for those who are interested in self-defense, combat training or skill in controlling mutant abilities to share his battle skills and mutation experience with others so peace-loving folks can learn to stand up for themselves and protect their homes and loved ones and learn to live with their emergent new mutations.  He uses the Mutantion nullification collars to help those who could use a break from their powers learn control and comfortable use of their new powers.  He does not charge for these 'classess' but with a combination of offering his crafting skills as a scavenger and scrapper that his father taught him {Arcus made his bastard sword and his heavy plate armor scavenged from a Legion of Gold destroyed robot} and training classes in combat... Arcus will try to earn a new weapon.. a Longbow with easily replaceable parts for building arrows [Heavy Ranged Weapon - 2handed, non-gun].  A very busy day for him... but clear to ALL who become familiar to the young man.. he IS indeed All he appears.. heroic, helpful, dedicated to giving of himself to others... a true Hero of the people; but lonely and homeless!

Arcus asks Thunderbird who seems to have the knowledge to teach him to read and write in the language of the Ancients~ Thunderbird being literate.

Invariably in the evenings, Arcus will seek out Ophelia, to spend time with her.  He will ask about her day and take an interest in her.  He clearly would like to recruit her to the Rangers.. but his is polite enough not to push.  Mostly he just wants to share her company... it is obvious he is attracted to her... and his heart is lonely for true companionship and love... but his interest is not focused on himself... but on her being a friend first and foremost!  It is clear he is a devout believer in the Holy Radiant Glow.  He will party hard as well with Ophelia trying to relax and set down the day's burdens he places upon his shoulders... the young man seemingly places the weight of the world and building civilization on his shoulders; Ophelia learns because Arcus has nothing else.. he has no home.. no friends, no family all of that was taken from him  with the destruction of his home town by the Legion of Gold!  So Arcus has effectively 'adopted' the world as his home and its people as his family... to protect and serve... desperately trying to fill the whole in his heart and life with purpose and meaning!  He does not push for more intimacy than she is willing to share being merely grateful to share her company.  If she is willing to share the fact she has new abilities she is having difficulty controlling... he will offer to help train her in their use.  He has done this before as well for other mutants with strange abilities.  Again he will ask if she has no interest in keeping her mutant nullification collar may he keep it not just to help apprehend criminal mutants but also as a training tool to help mutants who are having difficulty gain control of newly emergent powers.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:16, Wed 28 Oct 2015.

Ophelia like the young Arcus well enough and enjoyed his company when he was around. She knew he had feelings for her and realised it was partly her fault for flirting with him while out in the wild.

She was not looking for a mate at the moment, her last was killed not so long ago and her hunting his killers had lead her to the group they now belonged to. The wound was too raw to be filled with a young lad even if she thought he looked handsome.

No she would be his friend, for sure and his confidant if needed but anything else was not to be... for now.

She told him of her powers but having had differing ones over the years she was quickly able to control them after some practice. She also handed over her collar not liking them and not wanting to keep it, it was a relief to have it gone.

Bedlam
Gasket's experience with the politics of the sprawl gangs is put to good use by Bedlam. The Restorationists have a reputation for neutrality and charging dearly for use of their technology. The points to the suppression collars as a case in point. "They sell them cheap to the badders, but they're greedy for power. Burn out after a few hours and have to be recharged. And that costs plenty". The dabber points to a complicated indentation. "Non-standard power jack. No way the badders can charge this, but maybe we can rig something. Unless you'd prefer on getting your robot buddy booted up"

Neither Gasket or Tom have heard anything about the Red Guard, and Gasket doesn't think a hoop would work for a gren, or a gren would want to hire a hoop in the first place. "They live in the river anyway, the bridge is just their cash cow, and they've go it wired to blow. No need for more muscle. More likely the hoops are paying for access just like everyone else"

Rose
Oblivious to Compton politics, Rose contentedly works on her bike. Her nimble fingers, fine as the smallest roots, have it tuned up to perfection.

You now have a masterwork bike (+2 on all rolls associated with it). 09:57, Today: The Shadow, on behalf of Rose, rolled 29 using 1d20+12 (17).

Arcus
The ranger obtains his water filter, although his plans for the collars are thwarted by their built in power obsolescence. The citizens of Compton, seem to warm to the young ranger after their initial cynicism, and attendance at his courses slowly increases. He is even given some reading lessons in return.

Two more Compton visit and you will be literate.

You hear little about the Red Guard, although a few other travelers talk of meeting the hoops and receiving the same offer. Arucs is granted an interview with the mayor after a few days, just before the party is getting ready to leave.

Thunderbird headed out into Comption in search for books to start a library. Returning from his search, he talked to Arcus "Hey Arcus, did you want to get with the city authorities to see about starting up a library like they did of old in Alexandria?" he asked

In reply to Thunderbird (msg # 105):

Arcus looks at the collection of books his eyes going wide in wonder, "Back in ..mah home town... o' Stone Pillar... there was a few books around town.. mah pa' owned three hisself... but Ah ain't nevah heard o' no Alexandria!  But if'n ye want ta ask tha' mayor to build a place for lot's o' books..a library.. I'd be right fur that an wouldn't mind yur tagging along!  Though I was gonna be askin' fur permission ta recruit some kindly, honest-hearted and brave folks here-about tha' might have what it takes ta' be Rangers as well!  Guardians of Civilization... and Ah'm a thinkin' civilization..starts with yur books an learnin' tha knowledge o' the past mistakes...so there not repeated... if ya take mah meanin'?"

----

If all goes well Arcus will clean up nicely polishing his armor, oiling his weapons and having any trail-wear on his clothing sown up so he is his most presentable when he meets with the Mayor of Compton.

He is direct and to the point...

"Greetings Mayor Sah!  I'm 'Ranger' Arcus "Starborne", I've come ta town seeking to uphold justice and help the weak and needy.  The lands outside o' Compton.. the Wastes and the Sprawl are overrun with bandits, slavers, miscreants and many-a-sort of evil an threat that prey upon innocent and peace lovin' folks everywhere.  Well we Rangers are making a stand ta' help fight the bandits bring them ta' justice, hunt down dangerous threats and find a way ta' either make them no loger a threat or if necessary end them, inspiring people ta' work together and rebuild civilization in peace for friendly trade and community, we support the peaceful and just local authority of the communities we visit and try ta' make the world a little safer place for peaceful decent sentients.. ALL sentients ta' live and find prosperity and happiness!"

"I'd like ta' ask yur permission to see if'n any o' yur towns folk would like ta' join tha' Rangers in helping ta' keep tha' peace and spread tha' message of civilization bringin' justice and help ta those in need.. not just here in Comptom.. but in the wastes as well.  I'd be recruitin' only the bravest, and most ethically moral o' folks as only they are suitable fur being Rangers.  Its a thankless unending Quest... but our reward is in seeing the good will, peace and happiness our tireless efforts bring to tha' children and sentients who will inherit the, hopefully, brigtah' tomorrow we build fur them!"

 After resting and cleaning up some, she found her way down to the nice motorcycle she had picked up during their first or second run in with the badders and hog riders.

 It had picked up a new coating of dust but a careful wash soon had it cleaned once again. Letting her tendrils flow over the engine and electronics of the machine she found herself settled once more doing what she loved doing...even if she had asked herself how it was that her being a kinda plant based creature had a knack for the hard workings of machines and how to tweak them so that they not only functioned once more but worked very well.

 Several hours work later she wiped the oil and grease off her hands and tendrils and touched the stater button and was rewarded with a noisy rattling and vibration up thru the handle bars to the throttle, it settled down and she listened to the burbling rumble of the beautiful motorcycle and eased it out to the streets and rode down the street and to a part where she could unleash herself and open up the throttle and let it fly across the open field.

 She is sure she ate a bug or two on her fast ride but it was worth it as she could sense within her how the machine and she worked together to become a foreign single display of power.

"Not sure I'd consider him a buddy," Bedlam muses. "But I would like to have one less casualty on my watch. I will leave him in your capable hands."

"Oh, and by the way, one of the Restorationist heavies was willing to go to quite the extreme to get hold of him. Seemed to think there was something really special about a multi-bot," the giant shrugs.

Arcus makes his impassioned proposal to mayor Adams, a heartbreaking beauty and hard-nosed administrator.

"Well that is an interesting proposition young man. I will certainty put it to the Citizens' Council at our next meeting. We should have a answer for you by the time you're back from your next delve. Oh" she shrugs apologetically "that is to say I assume you are leaving soon, what with your credit situation. No doubt you will bring back more loot next time" she concludes with a dazzling smile. "And rest assured, the Council will no doubt share my enthusiasm for your planned rangers"

Tom and Gasket managed to get ZE-5 booted up after a few days tinkering. The grateful multi-bot decides discretion is the better part of valour when you are on the Restorationists Most Wanted list, and so decides to accept Tom and Gasket's offer of a partnership. A silent partnership.

Arcus is clearly stunned by the Major's extreme beauty... blushing anytime she meets his eyes.

"Ah..Aye t-thank ya kindly fur yur time and thoughtful consideration miss mayor... ah... Ma'am!  There is a second thing as well... er~ more of a civic kinda proposal... Ya-see my friend and party member, Thunderbird, the hawkoid electrokinetic, he's real learned-like and can read many o' tha' books an writin' of the old world.  Well if'n were wanting ta' rebuild civilization... I agree with him learn' from the mistakes o' that past is a more-informed way ta' go about tha'.  Well, we'd like ta' start a Grand Library here in Compton... where many of the relic books or samples of the old world are collected and translated.  Thunderbird thinks of this as a great way for everyone to have access to the books... but I think we need ta' go a few steps further!  Many folks ...like me are just concerned about finding out where their gonna sleep or eat the next day... and nevah get the chance to learn how to read an write.. not tha'  their dumb or stupid.. just ignorant and focused on more important things..like livin' ta' the next day.  Aye don' think jus' collecting books in one place where nobody who can't read or write is evah gonna go is enough!  I'd like ta' propose not jus' a library.. but a school..er a Really BIG SCHOOL.. where people can come ta' be taught reading writing, mathematics, and learn the history o' the world as it was?"

He shrugs, "Mayhap since children' are only so good fur labor... while their youngin's... maybe offerin' schoolin' fur all children as can attend to everyone fur free?  It only helps ta' have more educated folks around fur any community?  Heck with enough folks willing ta' teach.. the School could also teach kids a useful trade ...like an apprenticeship so as they have skills useful to tha' community when their all grown up as such... Er Ma'am Mayor?"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 13:59, Thu 05 Nov 2015.

Bedlam is happy to hear of Gasket and Tom's success in reviving ZE-5.

The most recent foibles of the alpha flux has given the giant an idea which he presents the techies.

"Got another project for you, lads. On that last delve we ran into some sort of invisible tech. Now I'm pretty good at clouding minds so I seem to disappear, but it doesn't last long. This stuff was continuously invisible. And floating, too. Think you could come up with something to counter it? Make it visible, or make me able to see it?"

"We'll give it a shot Bedlam" answers Tom "but you're going to have to come back with more salvage next time to keep us solvent. Hopefully we'll have something for you after the next delve"

BTW you have a piece of unclaimed alpha tech that will also do the job, the Omniscient Goggles.

"My, my" says the mayor, steepling her fingers. "You certainly like to think big. Our resources as you know are somewhat stretched, but if you are prepared to donate your time and equipment we may be able to match your contribution. Finding enough books will be your biggest problem, I doubt we could fill a single bookshelf even if we collected every volume in Compton. So, that means even more reasons to come back with a big haul, am I right?"

Arcus smiles with a big grin, "Right ya are Ma'am Mayor!  We'll git right on tha'!!"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 23:29, Fri 13 Nov 2015.

Ophelia stayed to the shadows over the last few days, hovering round the team like a prowling guard dog. She found it difficult to settle ing crowded places and her time in Compton was starting to see her go a bit stir crazy and praying for the next salvage mission to start.

She was also an untrusting woman by nature and she was never relaxed making sure she knew where all her team were at all times not trusting anyone other than them even though she knew deep down the town was as safe if not safer than most places.

Thunderbird shook his head in agreement after listening to the conversation. "If you have any books to donate, we can start with those and call them the "Foundation books" since the library will be built upon them." he said with a smile.

 The low rumble of an engine dwarfs the sound of people talking as she rides the ancient harley into the garage where she had stored it and she was smiling as she turned the ignition off and the shock of silence once more settled within the garage.

 Sighing with satisfaction she sets the stand and begins the process of cleaning it up, Though she was in part mostly a plant based life form she did enjoy keeping the machine clean and polished for the next time she got to enjoy doing what thrilled her soul.

 Covering it up carefully and wrapping the heavy chain around the bike, she went in search of the others to see if anything had been decided for their next venture out to the land of rabbits and hogs.