Ivan trudged stoically up the endless stairs.


08:35, Today: Ivan Borovich (Headshot) rolled 6 using 1d20.  STR check.
Result 9, 2 shock taken.

In reply to Gamemaster (msg # 1):

Grabbing a spear, Jacob makes the climb without issue. No surprise for anyone travelling with him. He had not rested, drank, or eaten for the entire journey.

However was slightly huanted by the image he had seen earlier. He had seen Rashida. He knew rationally it was not her. That lizard thing had put the picture in his head. He should have been happy to see her, even briefly. Still...if he had listened to her, she might be alive right now. They both might be.

ooc-07:03, Today: Jacob Amer (Revenant) rolled 19 using 1d20.  Climbing roll. Total=19.

Playing cosm card.

Cosm Card

Title:	Perils of the Living Land
Description	Play when traveling the Living Land.
	The party must negotiate a dangerous obstacle, such as a massive waterfall they must climb, a raging river they must swim, etc.
	All Storm Knights gain 1-3 Possibilities once the obstacle is overcome based on the danger introduced (GM's call).

This message was last edited by the player at 18:31, Tue 05 Oct 2021.

Four people make it to the top of the hotel, some more exhausted than others. Seeing the clear sky above the mist refreshes everyone's soul and earns you all one Possibility OOC: I have already added this Possibility to everyone's character sheet. As for Ash, he seems to be lost at the moment. If he shows up, I will work out the details. The red and blue Ukhaan Tower is within sight, but will require moving across several rooftops to reach. It is encased in a blue and red crystal shell, that seems thinner at the top. It is a sight to behold. Near it is a crane that looks like it can be moved into a position to crack the shell and gain access.

The feeling is interrupted by a guttural yell coming from your right side. An edeinos riding a flying lizard shouts and points a spear in your general direction. This attracts another edeinos on a flying mount from the opposite side of the building. A murmur of grunts from below heralds the presence of more edeinos climbing up the sides of the buildings around you.

OOC: The main goal is to enter the tower. This will end the scene and give people a chance to rest up. This will be conducted as a Dramatic Skill Resolution. There is no time limit to complete it, but given the horde of edeinos climbing up the buildings, it seems a good idea to hurry. See the notice on how Dramatic Skill Resolution works.

The Steps
Step A: The path contains a number of carnivorous plants that appear hungry. A find total of 14 is needed to find the path that avoids them.

Step B: One crossing is too large of a gap to jump. A science total of 14 allows for a safe bridge to be fashioned from the nearby materials (pole, planks, vines, etc.)

Step C: The crane must be pushed hard enough into the tower to crack the crystal shell around it. This takes a Strength total of 18.

Step D: Once Step C is done, the players can easily get across. Then the crane needs to be pushed far enough away to keep the hordes from pouring into the tower with you. This is also a Strength test, but only a 14 is needed.

The flying lizards are currently 35 meters away, and the edeinos riding them each carry two spears. There are eight edeinos who will reach you after Round 3, and more that will arrive after that.

Title:	Comeback!	Dramatic Skill Resolution	A, B, C
Standard:	H Inspiriation/V -	Dramatic:	H -/V -
Approved Action:	Any	Additional?:

Inspiration overrides the Shock from the stairs, so everyone's Shock damage is healed. "Any" as an Approved Action refers to anything other than completing steps of the Dramatic Skill Resolution. If at least one other action succeeds, you can draw a Destiny Card.

In reply to Gamemaster (msg # 6):

"I think I can move the crane, if I can get close enough. Anybody have any ideas how we can do that?" Jacob suggested to the others, peering at the crane while adjusting his fedora.

OOC-I have a strength 13 and possibilities to burn. I can do steps C & D with assistance.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:34, Tue 05 Oct 2021.

Moved
This message was last edited by the player at 21:46, Tue 05 Oct 2021.

Ash had gotten a bit nostalgic as they entered the building; it was the first time he'd been back to the US in 3 years, and to see it in such a state; well no matter of descriptions could have prepared him for this. However his reverie had caused him to linger behind the others, so he had to double time to catch up to them.

He started running up the stairs, leaping over the places where the stairs were no longer, and using his cyberarm to grab the banister above and keep him moving.

"Sorry about that guys, I got a little distracted," he says when he catches up.

9 Str w/cyberarm, +5 = 14

17:13, Today: Ash (Alex Wilson) rolled 18 using 1d20.  Str Check.

Taking a closer look at the edeinos on the flying mounts, you notice they are reality-rated with 2 Possibilities each.

Case scans the rooftop for a way through the plants and how to get to the crane.

OOC
Extra Effort for Ash's multi-action dramatic skill test.


22:40, Today: Case Morrow rolled 11 using 1d20.  Extra Effort (Mind).

hrm.... even if I spend a possibility I'd still likely give Ash a +1 for a roll he might (or likely) have to spend a possibility on anyway.  So going to let that roll stand as a failure.

Moving Drama to pool.

OOC: Your Mind is 10, so that's a success. If no one else helps out, Ash will get a +1 to the DSR.

Jonny rolled a 5 for a -4 or a total of 4, effectively wasting his turn Pooling Idea

Johnny looks around and gets distracted by the symmetry of the situation. It's almost like a Haiku overlay. Which gives him an Idea.

OOC: this is where timing is critical...if allowed I will play my Just Pooled Idea, saying loudly "It's like a non-newtonian fluid poured into a non-euclidian solid...look for the Ebbs, not the flows!".

If he can't play it this turn he will next.

With no ammo Ivan couldn't take the simple solution of shooting the fliers, but flying limited their options as well as his and he moved forward into their flight path, tucking himself into the side of an aircon housing such that they would have to thread their way through the maze of rods, wires and struts on the top of the building to reach him (or past him, the others).

Action: Maneuver
Played: Hero

Seeing the incoming flyers, Jacob readies the spear to throw. If they get closer, he might have a shot...

OOC-using aim action. Playing out drama card. Will that still get me a card?
This message was last edited by the player at 11:25, Wed 06 Oct 2021.

As the others focus on the immediate threats, Ash starts to scan the rooftop. "There, we can co that way and avoid those weird plants...hurry!" he yells out to the others as he goes through first, showing them the safe path.

As he gets to the massive hole that he knows he can't jump, he quickly looks around, "Case, there, grab that, if we use that along with these, we should be able to make a makeshift bridge."

Success for steps A & B

Adding Supporter to my action pool

Used 1 possibility (which should leave me with 6)

Die Roll: 4+17=21 (+8 Bonus)

Step A: -2 (multiaction) +11 (Find) +8 (bonus) +1 (Case extra effort) = 18
Step B: -2 (multiaction) +10 (Science) +8 (bonus) +1 (Case extra effort) = 17

08:47, Today: Ash (Alex Wilson) rolled 4 using 1d20.  Multiaction (Steps A & B).
08:47, Today: Ash (Alex Wilson) rolled 17 using 1d20.  Possibility.

Summary of Player Turn

Case and Johnny: Case finds the start of a winding path through the carnivorous plants and quickly gathers some planks and vines and hands them to Ash. Johnny tries to help by examining the feng shui of the battlefield, but can't come up with anything in time.  Net Result: +1 to Ash attempting the DSR. Case earns a Destiny Card for successful aid.

Jacob and Ivan: Jacob takes aim at the flyer on the left. This does not earn a Destiny Card, as that requires a successful test against something, but will give him +4 to the attack next round. As they make their way across, Ivan moves so that the flying beast on the right will have to negotiate through wires, distracting the edeinos with the spear above it. (Making something Vulnerable when no one is attacking it before it acts is pointless, so changing it to Stymied, giving the edeinos a -2 on the coming attack.) Net Result: Ivan earns a Destiny Card for successful Maneuver. Rider is Very Stymied. Jacob gets +4 on his thrown spear attack next round.

Ash: With Case pointing out the start of the path and bringing extra vines and planks, Ash marks out the path toward the crystal tower. At the gap, the two of them tie them together to make a bridge across and get people across. Net Result: Step A and Step B complete.

Villain Turn
The edeinos warriors climbing up the sides of the buildings move closer, shouting threats in their hissing clicking language. They will need to do this two more rounds before they can join the fight. The current building has 10 warriors that can reach you at that time.

The lakten (as Quinn called the flying lizards) partially close to within 20 meters. This is medium range for the warriors' spear attacks, and they take them, one at Jacob, the other (Very Stymied) vs. Ivan. Both spend a Possibility to improve their attack.

vs. Jacob: 10 missile -2 range +8 bonus =16 vs. dodge 10. 12 base damage +2 bonus die = 14 damage (2 Shock)
vs. Ivan: 10 missile -4 Very Stymied -2 range + 9 bonus =13 vs. dodge 15. Miss.


10:29, Today: Lakten Riders rolled 9 using 1d20, rerolling max.  Spear vs. Jacob (-2 for range).
10:32, Today: Lakten Riders rolled 13 using 1d20, rerolling max.  Possibility vs. Jacob. Final die roll 22 (+8 bonus)
10:34, Today: Lakten Riders rolled 18 using 1d20, rerolling max.  Atttack vs. Ivan (Very Stymied, -2 for range).
10:34, Today: Lakten Riders rolled 6 using 1d20, rerolling max. Counts as +10, final die roll 28 (+9 bonus)
10:44, Today: Lakten Riders rolled 14 using 1d6+12, rerolling max with rolls of 2.  Damage to Jacob.


End of Combat Round 1


Cards in Pool

Ash

Case

Ivan

Jacob (1 Shock suffered)

Johnny


Card for Round 2

Title:	Run Away!	Dramatic Skill Resolution	B, D
Standard:	V Up/H -	Dramatic:	V Inspiration/H -
Approved Action:	Defend/Maneuver	Additional?:

I will leave this here so anyone who wants to defend can do so. The lakten will close to within 5 meters and their riders will throw their last spear. The climbers will get closer, but still will not be able to attack this round.

This message was last edited by the GM at 21:13, Wed 06 Oct 2021.

Case finishes up helping Ash and sees the Lakten fast approaching.  Staring at one of the riders an arc of flame bursts forth from him to strike the lizardman.

OOC

12:36, Today: Case Morrow rolled 4 using 1d6.  1 BD.

18 fire damage

12:35, Today: Case Morrow rolled 12 using 1d20.  pyrokinesis Lakten rider.

Moving Adrenaline to Pool.

Whoever is making the STR DSR trade me.  Case likes things that add to spirit, puppies and possibilities:-).
This message was last edited by the player at 16:48, Wed 06 Oct 2021.

09:52, Today: Johnny Ichii rolled 13 using 1d20.  Active D.

Playing Idea to make C favored.

Johnny walks to the middle of the area and starts spinning is katana in a defensive propeller/inverse paralella-teardrop patern to knock away any incoming attacks. He yells back, "Use the chocks! Release some and leave others and it should pivot like a see-saw !"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:45, Wed 06 Oct 2021.

OOC:
They have initiative this round, so the attack will happen after they throw spears. All I need to know now is who is invoking Active Defense. Doesn't look like Case is.

Not using active defense

In reply to Gamemaster (msg # 20):

OOC-not actively defending

OOC from Gamemaster: I would wait for Ivan, but the lakten rider decided to go for Johnny instead, so I can run from here.

The lakten continue to fly closer to the group, but the combination of building hopping and Ivan's previous maneuvering prevent them from landing. They close to short range (5 meters) and the riders chuck their last spears.

The rider on the left hissed at Jacob. The last time she saw a human fully wrapped in cloth (including the face) was at their funeral rite. This one shouldn't be awake, and she intended to fix that. Lanala apparently agreed, as the strike was nearly perfectly aimed. But what Lanala and the rider didn't know was Jacob's vest was tough and prevented the spear from penetrating. He still took the force of the blow though. (2 Shock)

The rider on the right decided not to try to dig out the Russian, distracted by the spinning Johnny out in the open. The spear came out flying toward him. The aim was accurate, but the speed of the rotation kept the spear from penetrating. (2 Shock. No card, as the attack hit).

OOC:
16:41, Today: Lakten Riders rolled 26 using 2d20, rerolling max with rolls of 10,16.  Attack vs. Jacob (Up).
16:42, Today: Lakten Riders rolled 33 using 1d20, rerolling max with rolls of (20+13)33.  Rerolling 10 on Jacob.  Total die roll 59 (+15 bonus)
Missile Weapons 10 +15 bonus number = 25. Spectacular vs. Dodge 10. I use the Cassandra Files adjustment that allows 3 bonus dice on Spectacular. Hoping for the first use to be by a player, but those are the breaks.
16:50, Today: Lakten Riders rolled 9 using 3d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5,2.  Bonus Dice on Jacob.
Base Damage STR+2/12 + 9 from bonus dice =21. 2 Shock vs. Armor 17.
17:02, Today: Lakten Riders rolled 22 using 2d20, rerolling max with rolls of 10,12.  Attack vs. Johnny (Up).
17:03, Today: Lakten Riders rolled 6 using 1d20, rerolling max with rolls of 6.  Reroll 10 on Johnny. Total die roll 28 (+9 bonus)
Missile Weapons 10 +9 bonus number = 19. Good success vs. dodge 12 (11 + 1 active defense).
17:12, Today: Lakten Riders rolled 1 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1.  Bonus Die vs Johnny.
Base Damage STR+2/12 + 1 from bonus die =13. 2 Shock vs. Armor 12.

Case's attack happens now. The lakten rider shrieks in agony as the fire hits home. (1 Wound 2 Shock)

Johnny chose to actively defend, so his turn is over. The rest can act now.

OOC

12:36, Today: Case Morrow rolled 4 using 1d6.  1 BD.

18 fire damage

12:35, Today: Case Morrow rolled 12 using 1d20.  pyrokinesis Lakten rider.

Moving Adrenaline to Pool.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:50, Wed 06 Oct 2021.

Jacob felt the spear hit him, but like before he barley felt it. He did not really experience pain like he remembered it. It was more like a slight pressure against his body, made even less by the vest under his trenchcoat. The spear dropped to the ground, unable to puncture vest or dead flesh.

He was no javelin expert, but his aim appeared to be right on target. The lizard which had thrown her spear at him found one heading her way. This one did not share her accuracy, but the raw power of the throw shoved the weapon into her torso and possibly out the other side.

OOC: Using aim from last round and a possibility. total roll of a 21, and a total to hit with aim bonus of a 20. Total damage with level of success and str+weapon=23.

20:15, Today: Jacob Amer (Revenant) rolled 8 using 2d6.  Extra damage.

20:12, Today: Jacob Amer (Revenant) rolled 12 using 1d20.  Possibility spent for spear throw.

20:11, Today: Jacob Amer (Revenant) rolled 9 using 1d20.  Thrown spear with aim bonus not included.

Jacob will regen one shock at the end of his turn.

Placing Glory in the pool.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 01:51, Thu 07 Oct 2021.

The lakten rider thought the fire was the worst thing she would face on the way to the "hoominz". But as soon as the fire dissipated, a spear started entering her chest. Her prayer to Lanala for relief fell on deaf ears; no doubt because of the interference of the dead things around here. She wasn't dead, but she wouldn't survive another hit.

OOC: Hit for 2 Wounds, 4 Shock. Spending a Possibility for a Soak test failed. Added to the 1 Wound 2 Shock from the Pyrokinesis, Lakten Rider 1 is at Wound Limit.

20:02, Today: Lakten Riders rolled 8 using 1d20, rerolling max with rolls of 8.  Soaking spear attack
Reality 10 - 2 bonus number = 8. Fail vs. DN 11 (10 + 1 for previous Wound).
This message was last edited by the player at 01:30, Thu 07 Oct 2021.

Pooling Rally

Ivan collected one of the thrown spears (he would have picked one up earlier but he wouldn't want people to think that he was a lizard-lover) and moved to meet the oncoming horde. Grinning, he tipped a chunk of concrete and rebar off the side onto them. "Drop rock, yeah!" It sailed down, clocking one of them in the shoulder (Ivan looked slightly disappointed that it was not a headshot) to knock him screaming off the building.

Playing Willpower.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:58, Thu 07 Oct 2021.