The NEW Vanguard TEAM UP! Haunt Issue #13 with special guest star Steeplejack!

Steeple_jackuk wrote:

Admin wrote:OOC Want to do anything before the dice start rolling?

OOC: Yes can I have a saving throw versus illusion as I pinch myself and try to disbelieve ;-) Otherwise no, try and find my backbone and get ready not to stub my toe or trip over my boots and be stabby, stabby at these things and not cut anything off myself I might later regret!

Sj

LOL!!!

"About as big as a Thark, I reckon," John Carter said with a smile on his lips as he waved the largest one to come attack him.

ooc: Put his power into Dex to help with initiative.

hhh ... I think split his points between Dex and Str in order to have a better chance to hit and still do some damage.

John Carter leaps forward to attack his foe.

Admin wrote:Starkey unconsciously reinforces and enhances his armour which bulks up with extra layers and suddenly created microcircuitry powered by sheer brilliance and imagination!

OOC Force Manipulation 15 split into 7 points (body) and 7 points (dex) with a point for Ultra vision (1 point) as a pair of night vision goggles drop into place over his eyes.

Carter boosts Dex to 9 points.

Initiative...Roll(5d12)+0:
1,5,1,5,11

Steampunk Man 22 + 1 (23)
John Carter 20 + 5 (27)
Werewolf #1 12 + 1 (13)
Werewolf #2 12 + 5 (17)
Werewolf #3 12 + 11 (23)

JC, WW 3 then Starkey followed by WW 2 and 1

WW 1 is going for JC, WW 2 for Starkey and WW 3 will leap over the top of the heroes and come at JC from behind (like a wolf pack might, but obviously not the leaping bit).

You're up!

OOC: Good call, I wouldn't even know how best to use Starkey's powers so thanks for that.

Starkey knew that the creatures superior speed meant they might get through his defences, but he had hoped that his retaliation aided by the silvered sword might well be far worse than the little pig stick of poker might others seem against the slavery creature of teeth & fangs before him.

OOC: OK do what I can to defend myself and then go on the attack as best I can.

Sj

John Carter (of Mars) relished his role as warrior against the forces of darkness and leapt to the attack, determined to make his mark!

OOC Points split so Dex +3, Str +2

TRYING SOMETHING OUT.

You add your FULL dice to attack AND defend in this combat example.

Three dice on Attack, Two die on defence

AV7 + 3D Weaponry + Roll(5d12)+0: 10,12,5,4,12,+0 Total:24 DOUBLE (boom) plus Roll(2d12)+0: 4,8,+0 Total:36 (43) vs
AV6 + 1D Acrobatics + Roll(3d12)+0: 8,5,4,+0 Total:13 (19)
Hit +7 (to 13) vs RV4=9 RAPs.
Kinetic Absorption does NOT work against silver coated weapons! The werewolf goes DOWN and is OUT!

However, using more strength than the weapon can take might cause a problem!

Str 5 + Roll(2d12)+0: 3,3,+0 Total:6 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d12)+0: 12,6,+0 Total:24 (29) vs
OV4 + Roll(2d12)+0: 2,6,+0 Total:8 (12)
+6 (to 11) vs RV4=7 RAPs. The sword is mangled/shattered beyond repair!

Carter smashed down with the silvered blade and struck a ferocious blow on the huge creature with fell back without a sound, tumbling away like a rag doll back down the hill! Even as it rolled it changed, morphing and changing back to a human form, naked body bouncing and spinning as it went!

Carter glanced down. The sword was twisted and pointed at a right angle like a letter 'L', the point blunted and blade compressed at the hilt which... fell apart in Carter's hands! Suddenly he was unarmed!!!

Carter spun - the leaping werewolf came at him!

OOC AV6 + Accuracy 1D + Roll(3d12)+0: 7,6,4,+0 Total:13 (19) vs
JC OV7 + 2D Acrobatics + Roll(4d12)+0: 2,5,9,10,+0 Total:19 (26) Missed!

With astonishing reflexes John Carter ducks to the side as claws rake where he'd been a moment before! the Werewolf gapes and snarls, turning to tower over Carter who stood unarmed before the beast!!!

Starkey was encouraged by his companion taking out a werewolf with a single powerful blow but somewhat dismayed by the sight of the gladius falling to pieces in the warriors' hand! instantly his mind started to run through the casting process and he thought of three different ways to increase the durability plus perhaps increase the killing power if he... oops.

He faced off against his own foe and slashed at it!

OOC Nowhere near as skilled as John Carter, Starkey might struggle here!

AV7 + 2D weaponry + Roll(4d12)+0: 6,6,1,11,+0 Total:12 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d12)+0: 4,9,+0 Total:25 (32) vs
OV6 + 1D Acrobatics + Roll(3d12)+0: 4,7,8,+0 Total:15 (21) Hit +5 (to 9 with 3 Str +1 from the weapon) vs RV4=5 RAPs. Kinetic Absorption does not stop the silvered blade! The werewolf is DOWN and OUT!

Str 3 + Roll(2d12)+0: 6,10,+0 Total:16 (19) vs
OV4 + Roll(2d12)+0: 11,8,+0 Total:19 (23)

The gladius remains in one piece (and is perfectly usable).

With a powerful thrust Starkey still manages to bring an expert swordsman's skill to bear, though nowhere near the master Carter is. The werewolf falls away, clutching at a wound in its chest and following its brethren as it tumbles down the hill!

Then there was one!

OOC Initiative...

Roll(3d12)+0:
3 John Carter (21) UNARMED
6 Starkey (24)
7 Werewolf (19)

Starkey is up, then JC and the final werewolf...

Admin wrote:Starkey is up, then JC and the final werewolf...[/i][/color]

Seeing the look on his opponent's beastly face, as he thrust into him with the Silvered Galdious it was hard to see how was more surprised Starkey or the creature. But in the end, that blow was true and the opponent rolled down the hill, quite dead. But that left another problem more creatures coming and Carter without a weapon. Starkey could manage better with his own natural talents, he thought, that Carter could without a sword. So he shouted to his friend, and passed him the sword! Adding "And try not to break this one!"

Whilst at the same time seeking a way to see if he could combine his various items about his person, the fire or anything else to hand to funnel, or cause the creatures to pause as he wondered if he'd just taken leave of his senses giving his only viable weapon to Carter.

OOC: Not sure how mad this is, but Carter is the better warrior anyway so hoping that this will mean I can use my own talents in some way to help assist.

Sj

Carter raised his eyebrows in surprise at Starkey giving up his right to fight the third wolfman and grabbed the sword, swung around and attacked the man-monster.

ooc: takeaway the strength and put it into Dex since we don't want to break this one too. Crit blow. My plan was to grapple the thing and try chocking it to death if Starkey had missed.

Starkey handed the sword over to a surprised Carter... who swept it up with a grin and leapt at the remaining Wolf Man!

OOC Grappling would have been a tricky proposition. The creature has 'Kinetic Absorption: 10' which absorbs damage from incoming blows apart from those inflicted by silvered weapons.

Switching points to Dex (now 9) Carter doesn't hold back, aiming for the throat!

AV9 + 3D weaponry + Roll(5d12)+0: 1,4,8,7,10,+0 Total:18 (27) vs
OV6 + 1D Acrobatics + Crit Blow 4 + Roll(3d12)+0: 10,12,7,+0 Total:22 (32) Attack Missed!

Carter sweeps with the sword... which misses!!!



Starkey hastily switches his incredible mental energy into the armour he wore which boosted his strength to superhuman levels!

OOC Dex 7 Str 7

AV7 + M Arts 1D + Roll(3d12)+0: 7,3,6,+0 Total:13 (20) vs
OV6 + 1D Acro + Roll(3d12)+0: 7,6,10,+0 Total:17 (19) Hit +1 (to 8) vs RV4=4 RAPs... all absorbed by Kinetic Absorption

With a WHUD Starkey lands an impressive blow... which thuds into the creatures' chest with a cloud of dust! It stands there, impassive, and sweeps a claw to attack Carter AND Starkey with one deadly sweep!

OOC AV6 + 1D Accuracy + Roll(3d12)+0: 7,6,5,+0 Total:13 (19) vs
Highest OV9 + Multi Attack 2 + 2D Acrobatics + Roll(4d12)+0: 7,10,1,7,+0 Total:14 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d12)+0: 4,1,+0 Total:19 (30) Attack Missed!

Roll(3d12)+0:
5,2,10
5 John Carter (25)
2 Starkey (24) UNARMED
10 Werewolf (22)

JC, Starkey, Werewolf... this is poised on a knife's edge...

Admin wrote:JC, Starkey, Werewolf... this is poised on a knife's edge...[/i][/color]

OOC: Can Starkey try and dazzle the wolf, maybe using the fire or something, I am thinking that if I can blind it, that might lower its ability to dodge and make it easier to hit for Carter.

Starkey needed to help his friend if they were not going to end up hewn limb from limb by this unearthly spawn of evil. He held his nerve, just. A stiff tod of whisky would have helped right about now, but no matter. He sought a way to distract the creature, thinking with his mind rather than his fists had always been his greatest advantage that and his uncanny ability to manipulate things in such a way as to make them come together in a more extraordinary fashion. It had always amazed him, almost as inanimate objects had a will slumbering deep within and he could coax or awaken them into becoming something other; forming new objects beyond their otherwise inanimate ability to do so. Right now he could do with a kind of flash-bang gun to blind the creature allow Carter a chance to get in and hurt the brute before it struck back.

Sj

"HO! What a devilish foe you are," John Carter yells out with a devil may care smile on his face as he attacks once again with the sword. he will try to maneuver so that the wolfman is between the two of us, putting its back to Starkey.


ooc: fire might work against it?

John Carter relishes the fight and swings again at the powerful foe, hoping the silvered sword can strike home and send it packing!

OOC Crit Blow Dex 9 + 3D Weaponry + Roll(5d12)+0: 10,12,5,6,8,+0 Total:22 (31) vs
OV6 + Acro 1D + Crit Blow 4 + Roll(3d12)+0: 6,11,5,+0 Total:17 (27) Hit +3 (to 7EV) vs RV4 - Crit Blow 6 (RV-2)=9 RAPs. The werewolf is killed!

With a CRUNCH the sword impales the creature in the mouth and back out of the head!

OOC Str 3 + Roll(2d12)+0: 3,5,+0 Total:8 (11) vs
OV4 + Roll(2d12)+0: 10,11,+0 Total:21 (25) No damage to the sword this time. It remains intact.

Starkey pulls a face as the creature slides from Carter's blade and thuds to the ground. It was as big as a bull and ... shrinking! Before the pairs eyes the wolf creature morphed into the form of a naked man, albeit one with his face shattered and now nought more than a grisly mess! With a shiver the man of science looks about but can't see any more of the things, though the mist was thick and vision impaired.

Carter cleaned the silvered gladius and stood, searching for more enemies. The sword and the silver it was coated in had been key. Though an able swordsman Starkey was better suited to using that fabulous mind to counter other problems and the pair had made a good team, defeating the powerful creatures though it had been a close fought battle!

From the mist came footsteps and the pair whirled, only to see it was the Chief and several of his warriors.

"We saw the beasts and thought to help but the fight was over so quickly! You are mighty warriors indeed! You can pass through our lands in peace, and know that a well armed group of strangers passed through our lands only half a day or so ago. Our hunters thought to challenge them but some ... instinct... warned them off. I thought it fear and they are awaiting my punishment but having seen these things with my own eyes and the magics you wield, we now know there is dark magick being used and our spears are as kindling against them. Go in peace." he said, with a shiver and not a little fear in his eyes... It was clear the Chief was having to fight off primal fears or lose face in the eyes of his people, and possibly his leadership with it.

OOC You have a number of options here. You can help the tribes people somehow in exchange for supplies or perhaps threaten them or press on, hungry and tired as you are in the hopes of catching those who have taken the grail. Maybe you could persuade some to act as guides or to tag along or you could cower them with a mighty display of power. Your call...

ooc: I lean towards convincing them to let us stay the rest of the night[how late is it anyways? I'm thinking really late] to rest and feed us in the morning with some supplies to see us on our way. Also Starkey to gather the broken sword bits, he can probably use it for future gadgets somehow.

OOC Consider it late now.

It didn't take much convincing for the remaining tribes people to let Starkey and Carter stay with them.

Indeed, they were treated as honoured guests and given the Chief's own residence based on the pairs' protection during the night. Plus Starkey stoking up the furnace to craft pots, pans and weapons the like of which the tribe had never seen before!

The inventor was careful to make items that, while advanced for the age, were not clearly from another age.

That evening, without fear of attack or much in the way of danger, the tribe whooped and danced around the fire whilst spitted animals roasted and vegetables cooked in perfect metal bowls over a fire with a metal stand that ensured optimum flame coverage. Childs play for Starkey but it gave the inventor satisfaction, especially when the more attractive ladies of the tribe paid attention to him.

The warriors of the tribe gathered around Carter as he described fighting moves and best use of weapons, through gestures and demonstrations.

Finally, the fires died down and the Chief set a watch. The time travellers settled down to rest and for a time, all was well in the world.

=========

Morning brought panic, screams and running feet.

The tent was yanked open and Carter woke, Starkey a moment later.

"Romans! ROMANS!" cried the Chief in a blind panic!

The pair stumbled from the tent and looked.

Romans.



A hundred or more, heading for the village at a jog through the early morning drizzle! (OOC it always rains in Britain)

Admin wrote:The pair stumbled from the tent and looked.

Romans.

A hundred or more, heading for the village at a jog through the early morning drizzle! (OOC it always rains in Britain)  

Starkey groaned. He wasn't used to this punishing race and pace. Enemies they were desperate to catch, and now enemies come to those who had helped them at great risk to themselves. "We can't leave them to be slaughtered or bullied by this lot. But I am equally unsure what we two can do against so many. This is a fine pickle at no mistake!"

Starkey got a grip as he spoke, resolve edging into his voice at the thought of what the tribes kindness might bring them as being enemies of Rome. Unless they could lead away from the army, and allow the people to melt back into the land safe at least for now. Carter was the better tactician, when it came to fighting he was the undisputed solder amongst them. He looked on for his comment, sure that he'd have some idea as to what to do, at least he hoped he had.

OOC: I'm up for seeking to see if we can't lead the army a merry dance if it's us they are after? In which case, we get them to attach to us, but as always open to suggestions Dave, when you get back from your travels. Sorry to hear about your Mum. I just went to see mine, she is frail and failing, Alzheimer's is taking its toll as well. But I only had a 400-mile round trip, so not as bad as you. Trust it all goes well.

Sj

"Hmmm ... how about," John Carter muses with a serious expression, "You take the 50 or so on the left and I take the 50 or so on the right? And the tribesmen can get any who manage to run away from us while we are busy with the others?"

He looks totally serious at Starkey while giving forth with his "suggestion".

[ooc: Insert response/expression here}


Then he grins broadly and laughs.

"Just a joke! Never want to be too tense before a fight. Makes you poop in your pants if you are."


"Instead, let's go ask them what they want. If it is us, then let's lead them a merry chase to the north where we need to go. If it is something else ...." he shrugs, "then we figure something else out. Make sure to grab our supplies first before we go out there."



ooc Check the Chat About Anything forum for update on my mom.

The tribespeople had no choice but to pack up their belongings - as much as they could - strap them to whatever animals they had and even the children, and the village was chaos!

The chief came over "The Romans! They will kill us all and burn the village! it is their way! I cannot ask more than what you have given, but beseech you... help us, great warriors! I shall send my finest warriors with you to speak to them, and if need be, slow them down a little whilst the women and the children escape!"

He jogged off, shouting orders and pointing, thrusting people in the direction of where they were needed and barked more orders to warriors who looked, quite frankly, terrified!

Starkey and Carter glanced at each other, then started walking down the hill to meet the Roman legion.

=========

"Halt!" the Optio barked after an order from his superior.

Normally the sound of marching would be an ordered, intimidating thrum of feet but the Roman soldiers were splattered with mud in ankle deep moorland bogs.

Riding forwards on a mud splattered horse, an officer holding the standard of the army trotted forward.

Starkey narrowed his eyes. What...?

OOC Int 8 + Roll(2d12)+0: 7,4,+0 Total:11 (19) vs
OV6 + Roll(2d12)+0: 2,3,+0 Total:5 (11) Success +4 (to 10 Will) vs RV6=4 RAPs

1) The Officers actions are ... mechanical. As if forced.
2-3) The look in his eyes is dispassionate, as if robotic or somehow influenced by another. Despite the knowledge that two powerful warriors had routed a Roman legion already the man seems extraordinarily calm. Even the horse isn't stamping about, just stood there as if perfectly trained or... a statue. Looking beyond them, the army is stock still. Only the wind blowing the standard suggests these people aren't lifelike statues! Either they are the best trained soldiers in history or...
4-6) Starkey sees something odd. In the middle of the army, surrounded by soldiers are more standards and officers on horseback. What's more, there is someone else, clad in all dark robes (like an apocalypse cloak, covering head to toe in black cloth with nothing showing even under the hood because its so deep). That person seems shorter than those on horseback around him, and is the only person moving, albeit slightly, as his head casts about the battlefield steadily.

"You will submit to the power of Rome and be judged by her appointed servants." stated the Officer to Carter and Starkey.

A more simple mind than Starkey's still Carter could see that this was an extraordinarily disciplined army. Perhaps too disciplined.

"The two warriors are enemies of Rome. If you help subdue them, your village will be spared." said the officer on horseback to the warriors from the village standing behind Starkey and Carter! They in turn glanced at each other, wondering what to do!

Admin wrote:A more simple mind than Starkey's still Carter could see that this was an extraordinarily disciplined army. Perhaps too disciplined.

"The two warriors are enemies of Rome. If you help subdue them, your village will be spared." said the officer on horseback to the warriors from the village standing behind Starkey and Carter! They in turn glanced at each other, wondering what to do!

Starkey motioned with his head to the figure at the centre, and said to Carter, I smell smoke and I see where the source lies. This army is being controlled by that figure within. Get him and we get them all. But he looks too well guarded, with his control of the troops I think we will find it hard to get near. What do you think?

Starkey listened as Carter went to reply his own mind frustrated that he didn't have the means to make some sort of long-barrelled gun that might deliver a blow from such a distance that might throw off the man and mind, that was controlling the men.

OOC: Unless my powers mean I can? I'm thinking if I can time it right such that if we can throw his control and then we make a mad dash for him, we might be able to get to him before he can summon the sort of protection that would mean we'd be fighting a losing battle here.

Sj

"Hmmm ...." John Carter listened and then watched the hooded figure Starkey pointed out. He was trying to gauge if the man was in range of him leaping at him or not. If he was, then leaping in attack seemed like the best option. If he wasn't, another plan would have to be considered.

"I can reach him and might be able to strike him down before any of the legionnaires react," John Carter tells Starkey. "Anything you can do to improve my odds of attacking and surviving the next few seconds after the attack?"

Admin wrote:OOC Starkey could conjure up a handgun of some kind, or something more in keeping with the time period - a bow and arrow perhaps. Would take a heck of a short from 300' to hit one target in the middle of a crowd. From where the pair are standing the 'Druid' is about 300' away (100 yards) or 5APs of range. At his best range Carter can land there in a single leap and get hand to hand access to the guy... but he'd be surrounded by dozens of Roman soldiers!

The warriors around Starkey and Carter look terrified and at this point more likely to turn on the heroes rather than fight against the overwhelming odds arrayed against them!

OOC: Ugh sorry didn't see this post, I check but I don't seem to get notification of this list or it comes and goes unreliable and catches me out. Anyway, Starkey will try and manufacture some sort of "bocaster" and seek to use a projectile which he can infuse with some sort of limited ability to improve its range, like firing a delay firework that when its taper went off suddenly boasted its flight or some such.

Sj

Starkey knelt and fashioned some twine, sticks, handfuls of dirt and rocks and anything else he could grab from the floor.

Incredibly rather than garbage he came up with a firework launcher!

"Best I could do in the time I have." he admitted even as the Romans looked on in confusion. The man had seemingly knelt, scooped up handfuls of debris and sticks from the floor and fashioned them with his hands into ... well they didn't know what it did!

The tribesmen behind didn't want to make enemies of Rome but they knew full well what Starkey and Carter could do! With that in mind rather than turn on the heroic pair to save their own skins they turned tail... and started to run!

The Roman Optio snarled "Let them go! We'll catch up with them later and teach them what it means to defy Rome! Take these two! NOW!"

With a roar the dozen or so soldiers around the Optio charged forward, shields raised and swords bared!

OOC you two win initiative, no need to roll. To get to the mysterious hooded figure you'll have to fly, jump, or battle your way through a horde of Roman soldiers, your choice!

Admin wrote:OOC you two win initiative, no need to roll. To get to the mysterious hooded figure you'll have to fly, jump, or battle your way through a horde of Roman soldiers, your choice!

"I need to get closer if I am going to get a shot at that thing... I can leap over them with my spring-heeled boots, but then what?"

Starkey said looking for a way to overcome the wall of steel and flesh that was fast bearing down on them, to his friend and companion.

OOC: OK I might end up having to jump into the fray, but kinda hoping not, what do you think Dave?

Sj

"Let's leap over them and cut the head off of this Roman snake," John Carter said with a smile. "if we can kill him then the Romans might falter since they seem to be controlled by him. Then we can get away."

ooc: SO yeah, leap to him and attack with sword. Switching energy from leaping the to Dex with one point into Str when we get near him.