"I would very much appreciate that. It would be useful to know exactly what is expected of me in this venture. The information afforded to me has been somewhat lacking."

Turning back to Dora, he bowed slightly,

"I must thank you for you information. As I mentioned, I am not too well acquainted with being on the trigger end of heavy weaponry, although I can attest to the firing rate and accuracy of the MG-15. The Maxim I don't believe I've ever encountered; I would be very grateful if you would give be a brief tutorial before we depart, it would be unfortunate to have to learn the limitations of the gun in a fire-fight.

"Then I am at your service when you require me.  Is there anything you require prior to leaving?  I look forward to meeting this Professor Rhando."

" I'd like you to examine my collection and see if there is anything I've missed among them. I'm not as learned in the history of the items as my father. Rosch smiled and indicated a door to the side of the room. The collection and my fathers study are at your disposal, I'd also like for you to review his notes and see if there is something that stands out to your educated eye.
  Once we leave I'll be counting on you to fill in any blanks in my limited expertise in artifacts and history...I will most happily compensate you well, and give you proper credit for any discoveries we make. I am more interested in bringing my fathers Killer to justice and proving his theories than gaining any credit myself....It's an affair of honor, one I will follow to the bitter end."

 " I'd be happy to!" Ella Dora grinned as she realized someo wnated to let her shoot." The Vanship is around back of the house, I can show you the guns any time you want."

  As the group begins to gather around the table deep in discussion three men step into the Back yard brushing past the doorman each one wears a long leather coat, and a wide brimmed hat. The seem to be insistant on gaining entry and the doorman seems to be intimidated by the rough looking street thugs.

Zi nods and moves towards the door he indicated.  "I will begin immediately.  If there is anything you need please let me know."  Zi enters the room and begins to review what he finds there.

In reply to Ella Rosch (msg #42):

Stark smiled and said, "Since he's busy, perhaps you could show me the vanship? I wanted to give her a good one over before I made up my mind about the job." Though clearly he was more than a little taken with Rosch's eldest and seemed to have more than half made up his mind already.

Alisdair turned around just in time to see the three men walk in. They didn't look anything like the rest of the people gathered her, other than himself, and they didn't look like they were looking for work.

Keeping his eyes on them, he tapped Dora on the shoulder and pointed towards them,
"Do you know those gentlemen? They seem to have given your doorman quite a stir."

Even as he was saying this his eyes were taking in the strategic properties of their location, looking for any decent cover and working out how they might best defend it.

" Certainly, It's parked around back in the carriage house, with the barge Ella smield and stood up giving Dora a glance. offering her hand politely to Stark she grabbed her shoulder bag and motioned in the direction of the back of the house." Maybe all of us can go take a look.

She paused afterward noticing the three men and frowning angrily as she saw them rough handle the doorman." Where is that damned Black Boot at?" She angrily mutterd referring to the university guards with rather unflattering slang.

   She reached into a pocket on her vest took out a small silver whistle and blew on it, no sound came from the simple looking tube as she gave it three quick blasts.
This message was last updated by the player at 11:19, Mon 09 Apr 2012.

  Dora gglanced to the doorway and became agitated " Nobody I know, but they wont be here long, Ella put the dogs on them." She muttered with a miscievous smile." The'll be running for the gate in a second."

Noticing the three men, Stark frowned and waited to see how things played out but his hand strayed toward his holster.

 Two klanks the size and rough shape of mastiffs barreled around the corner of the house, gears spinning and steam escaping fromt heir nostrils with each bound. One bounded toward the nearest door to the men, and a second loped across the yard to stand by Ella.
  Ella strolled forward with a determined stride toward the three intruders, her hand near a small satchel over her shoulder and the other motioning the Klank to follow her. as she approaced two of the men broke off to intercept her and the third simply strolled past the oddly inactive Klank by the door into the studies outer door.

  " Call the hound off ggirl or we'll have to put it down." One of the pair facing Ella ordered. his hand brushing open his coat to reveal a large machine pistol and a bronze badge marking him as a private detective."People this is none of your affair, Elias Rosch is under writ for fraud, theft of property, and the suspiscion of murdereing his father, he will be bound and delivered to a magistrate on Blenhiel Drift, do not interfere.!"

Private Detectives are ofthen used as bount hunters to retrieve fugatives from one island to another, the practice is a bit shady and often results in violence. Some agencies are little more than hired muscle and are not supported by local authorities in most cases."

---

  Mister Elias Rosch you are bound for fraud and theft, tturn over all artifacts in your possesion immeadiately and accompany us to Blenhiel Drift without resistence if you wish a fair hearing on the mattter." a tall dark skinned man ordered as he brust into the study his duster swept back to revel a badge and the heavy automatic pistol he held in his right hand." By writ I am enpowered to use force if you refuse to cooperate or interfere in recovery of stolen goods." when the man spotted Za'ni'ha his gun moved toward him as he seemed unsure of his presence or his involvement in his affairs.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:44, Mon 09 Apr 2012.

  " Pardon me, I don't know any one in..." Lord Rosch began to speak moving away from his desk. He looked stunned when the mans gun shifted and fired twoice striking him in the chexst and side as he dove for cover. the mans weapon made little to no noise as it fired, and then turned toward Za as the mans eyes narrowed and focused on him.

 OOC: Zi'ha'na is the only one aware of the attack, outside the sound of the pistol is heavily muffled and will require a successful listen check to detect.

Zi'Ha'na I need an intitiative from you.

COmbat post format

Initiative
AC:
HP:
Health:
special abilites, maneuvers, or expenditure of Action points
intended actions
To hit rolls
Damage rolls for attacks or abilities used


07:51, Today: The Creator rolled 14 using 1d20. outside pair of intruders.
07:51, Today: The Creator rolled 5 using 1d20+1. initiative Lone intruder.

AC: Unknown
HP:unknown
health: Unknow
Intenteded attacks
Lone intruder: Zi'ha'na
Outside Pair: (Held actions}
07:51, Today: The Creator rolled 24 using 1d20+6. attack roll lone intruder.
07:52, Today: The Creator rolled 7 using 2d6. damage roll lone intruder .

07:52, Today: The Creator rolled 10 using 1d20+4. attack outside intruders ( held)
07:53, Today: The Creator rolled 9 using 2d6. damage held attacks.

NOTE Zi'ha'na Move action to find cover in office if you have a lower initiative than the attacker you can attempt a reflex roll to fid cover before he attacks.

Thise outside can take actions against the intruders if they succeed in a listen check dc12 to detect the muffled gunfire.

Zi’ha’na wasn’t sure the proper words used in such a situation, so his comment came out oddly when he see’s Rosch goes down.  “This is most unexpected.”  Fortunately his actions where much quicker than his words.  Before he even uttered a comment as he threw his hands forward and from his palms emitted a soft golden field of energy trapping the assailant in the doorway.  As loud as he can, punctuated by the sound of the barrier coming into existence, ZI’hi’na calls out to anyone else who can hear him, “A situation require immediate attention!”




Initiative: You rolled 8 using 1d20+2 ((6)).  I think this mean I go before them.
AC: 20
HP: 25/25
Health:28/28
special abilites, maneuvers, or expenditure of Action points
intended actions: Full attack: Barrier DR 4/-, 40 HP ability (5 energy)
Call for Help
To hit rolls; none
Damage rolls for attacks or abilities used: none

As I understand the situation this man is standing in the doorway with a gun drawn.  My action is to erect a barrier across the room in front of the gunman, separating Rosch and Zi from the gunman.  I assume the room is small enough that I can make the barrier across the room and floor to ceiling.  For effect, if possible, Zi will try and use the creation of the barrier to make a loud cracking sound as the energy comes into existence.  If I cannot isolate him this way, I will create a semi circular wall to contain him against the wall of the house.

13:07, Mon 09 Apr: Alisdair James Valentine rolled 12 using 1d20. Listen. 12:44, Today: Alisdair James Valentine rolled 23 using 1d20+3. Initiative.

Initiative 23 (natural 20, yus!)
AC: 16
HP: 6
Health: 24
special abilites, maneuvers, or expenditure of Action points
intended actions: Draw rifle (from slung over shoulder), take a shot at the gentleman with the machine pistol
To hit rolls:12:57, 16 using 1d20+8 (attack + point blank shot)
Damage rolls for attacks: 13 using 2d12.


Though his attention had been occupied with the two men in-front of him, Alistair still heard the shot from inside. A silenced pistol meant that these men had not come here with the best of intentions. And now his employer was under attack.
There was only one correct way to respond to this.

Grabbing his rifle from his back, he levelled it at the man who had just threatened Ella, and pulled the trigger. The recoil on the gun was powerful, but he had long ago got used to it, and though it threw his shoulder back considerably, he managed to stay standing, despite his unprepared stance.

   A pair of loud cracks and the clatter of falling furniture and glassware came from the office distracting many of the gathered acedemics, the two Private Detectives glanced toward the room for a second looking confused by the sudden racket one man moved toward his side arm looking alarmed.
   Inside the office The Private detective looked at the barrier with a look of total confusion. the barer sealed him out of the room and blocked his line of fire. as well as made a bit of racket he didnt seem happy with at all.
  Seeing Lord Rosch on the floor and bleeding profusely he turned and Made to escape while he had the chance. Hiding his sidearm under his long coat he stormed away looking frustrated and worried.

   Out in the yard A sudden movemnt from Alisdair was almost unoticed untill his heavy rifle thundered and a bullet whined past Ell'a head striking the Anxious looking Detective square in the chest. His Jacket was not enough protection to stop even a small bullet, much less the heavy round that tore through it and out his back.
  The stunned man spun as if hit by a truck and fell to the ground his weapon landing near Dora's feet as the second man drew his pistol and tried to get around Ella to fire at Valentine.


Initiatives please

Stark swore and pulled his pistol out of its well-worn holster. He fired a shot at the other bounty hunter.

[OOC: Sorry for the delay out of town this weekend.
AC: 17
HP: 20
Health: 46

23:08, Today: Stark Sanderson rolled 21 using 1d20+6. Initiative.
23:12, Today: Stark Sanderson rolled 17 using 1d20+8. Pistol Shot.
23:13, Today: Stark Sanderson rolled 6 using 2d6. Damage

This message was last edited by the player at 18:47, Mon 16 Apr 2012.

Zi’ha’na looked at the man running and considered the barrier.  Thinking it would be better to leave it in place he turned and considered the body of Rosch.  Kneeling he looked at the blood pooling on the floor and the wound he had taken.  He possessed little knowledge of anatomy but knew leaking fluids were never the preferred state of operations for people.  Taking some of the clothes from Rosch he attempted to make a compress to halt the bleeding or at least reduce it.  Turning up the volume he calls out again to the courtyard.  “I require a doctor if one is available.” Zi hoped that in a courtyard of academics one of them studied medicine or had procured some of the arcane arts of healing to be utilized.

Initiative:  22
AC: 20
HP: 25/25
Health:28/28
special abilities in effect Barrier DR 4/-, 40 HP ability (5 energy) 4 rounds remaining
Intended actions: Heal check on Lord Rosch (3)
Call for Help
To hit rolls; none
Damage rolls for attacks or abilities used: none
This message was last edited by the player at 18:04, Mon 16 Apr 2012.

Slamming down the massive barrel of the rifle, Alisdair flicked the spent shell casing into the air. Even as the massive case rang on the floor of the patio, he shoved a second shell into barrel and clicked the gun back together, levelling at the second thug.

Initiative 23
AC: 16
HP: 6
Health: 24
special abilites, maneuvers, or expenditure of Action points: N/A
intended actions: Reload rifle (move action), take a shot at the second thug
To hit rolls: 24 using 1d20+8
Damage: 14 using 2d12
This message was last edited by the player at 18:18, Fri 20 Apr 2012.

The garden errupted into confusion as everyone scrambled for cover away from the developing gun battle. Ella dove for cover scrambling for her satchel which lay out of reach.
   Zi"ha'na managed to get the fallen man onto his back and examine the wounds. The wound on his side bled freely but looked like a shallow gash in the skin. the bullet to the chest had been stopped by a light vest made of some fiber resulting in the man being knocked down and stunned by the impact rather than killed. the bleeding proved easy to stop but the Noble remained unable to do more than grown and mutter something as he lay flat on his back.

   Alisdairs shot rang out again echoing off the walls and sending the scholars flat on their faces as the heavy rifle spat a thumb sized round down range tearing into the second man's shoulder sending him to the ground, neither man was dead but they were both out of the fight after being hit with the massive rounds.

  Stark barely had time to take aim when the target he was aiming at was spun to the ground. almost on cue the third man appeared out of the office his weapon held low as he searched for a target, He spied Alisdair with his elepahnt gun and took aim. Switching targets Stark managed to hit the man as he took aim leaving a deep gash across his shoulder, but not stopping his from opening fire. His shot went wide pancaking against the wall and causing the now lone gunman in a very bad position.

   Dora shouted something and popped back up with the dropped machine pistol in her hands a stream of bullets walking their way toward the third man. sending the man diving for cover as the rounds tore up the manicured turf of the garden. An instant later a puff of sparkling dust and lght appeared over the man's head showiering him in a film that clung to his body and face and seemed to be cuasing the man to sneeze and cough, as well as curse angrily.

OOC
No injuries to freindlies
thug 1&2 down due to massive damage.
Thug three running for his lifde and dazed by pixie dust.
Initiatives Please

Zi'ha'na was intrigued to see the man was either paranoid or very prepared for the worst.  "It looks like today you will not die.  That is fortunate indeed.  Let's see if we can get some answers."  Zi allows the barrier to drop and moves out the patio door, raising his hand as he does so and considers the man who delivered the 'notice' earlier. "Surrender yourself and answer our questions or I will allow the man with the large caliber big game gun reduce you to pulp.  I believe the impact is sufficient to jelly some of your bones."  As Zi speaks the palm of his hand builds a steady white and blue nimbus collecting at the tips of his first two fingers.

Initiative: 20
AC: 20 (DR 2/-)
HP: 25/25
Health:28/28
special abilities
Intended actions: delay action - If he chooses not to surrender Zi will attack him with a beam attack.
Exploit Weakness 20:25, Today: Zi'ha'na rolled 14 using 1d20+8. Esxploit Weakness. Target is 15 - fail
To hit rolls: (if needed) Ranged Touch attack 22
Damage rolls for attacks or abilities used: 7 using 3d4. Electrical damage.

In reply to The Creator (msg #63):

Stark stood calmly where he was and moved profile to the last gunman. He raised his gun and fired another shot at the man.

[OOC:
07:26, Today: Stark Sanderson rolled 4 using 2d6. Damage (if necessary).
07:25, Today: Stark Sanderson rolled 11 using 1d20+8. Attack Roll.
07:24, Today: Stark Sanderson rolled 22 using 1d20+6. Initiative. ]

Alisdair thumbed another massive bullet in the camber of his rifle and leveled it again, aiming directly at the remaining man's head. Hearing the shout from the house, he restrained his trigger finger just before shooting. Instead shouting to the fleeing man as he ran,
"These rounds are deigned to punch through inch-thick skin at long range. Your skull would prove no challenge. Stand down and surrender.

Initiative: 23
AC: 16 (DR 2/-)
HP: 6/6
Health:24/24
special abilities
Intended actions: Reload weapon, Ready action: shoot the bugger if he doesn't stop.
To hit rolls: 15 using 1d20+10
Damage rolls: 11 using 2d12
This message was last edited by the player at 11:36, Thu 26 Apr 2012.

  Bullets, pixie dust, a dozen witnesses, with the added encouragement of The stray shot from Stark. Not to mention the double threat of an elephant gun and unknown energies directed at him seemed to take the wind out of the man's sails.

  His side arm fell to the ground as the man raised his hands and sttod sneezeing coughing."He was going for a gun!" The man declared defensively." Summon the guard, and I'll present my claim to them."

   The crowd of scholars and students peeked up over the tables, and statues looking a bit shaken and more than a little frightened, by the sudden gun play. Ella stood up her face pale as she gripped a revolver in one hand and her satchel in the other. She wuickly hurried ot the office to check on her father.

  Dora stepped next to Alisdair murder in her teen eyes." Shoot him. Dad doesn't carry gun." the fairy appearing in the air above her, arms crossed and nodding angrily to reinforce Dora's statement.