World War II - The Vanguard Issue #4 - The Battle Of Britain!

The Vanguard
Frostbite
Anyman
Saladin (Lionheart)
Guillotine (on V-Ship)
Boadicea (on V-Ship)
Spartan
P'ertaria
Where:Space!

Being only seconds away from the lift doors from opening, and not hearing any sounds of combat, Anyman waited for the doors instead of smashing through. Being in a fey mode, he shifted his form into that of Lionheart.

"Right! Where's the blighter I need to show the might of the British Empire too," he demanded in Lionheart's voice, stepping out of the opening doors, and holding up a clenched fist. "We will put this to right soonest and off to tea then!"

"He doesn't talk like that," Putty says inside Anyman's mind.

"Yes, he does," the demon inside laughed.

The Vanguard
Frostbite
Anyman
Saladin (Lionheart)
Guillotine (on V-Ship)
Boadicea (on V-Ship)
Spartan
P'ertaria
Where:Space!

Admin wrote:Spartan paused a moment, then nodded. "This way... Miss." he said, waving a hand for P'ertaria to board their ship. He turned to Saladin. "Coming? You heard the man, and technically he's 2nd in command only to Frostbite... not that I suppose rank means anything to you anyway!"

Saladin thought about his situation, as far as the Nazi's were concerned he could be aboard the V ship or this ship. If he stayed he increased the likelihood that Bentham would not use lethal force on any ship, unsure (he hoped) as to where exactly he was buying both ships some time. Smiling a wicked smile as he followed his own plan, he sped forward, flying up the shaft.

As he saw Anyman move up the shaft, he noted how he began to change. He growled something low as the man, also began to speak in a poor imitation of Lionheart's English accent and was mortified that he found himself bothered that Anyman should do that. But then swept it aside tactically he didn't have time for his 'friend's' vanity. "Nice!" Was all he said as he joined Anyman at the top of the shaft. There was no sign of Frostbite.

Meanwhile Frostbite stood in space, thinking about what was best to do. He saw the lift reach its destination and realised that taking on the creature, alone might not be wise. The Shadow Prince's warning gave him renewed reason for caution. Slipping further up the craft, he sought to come in where he might be able to find a way to gain the upper hand. He knew he didn't have long.

OOC:

So Frostbite will slip up a level, see if he can't get the measure of where the creature is presently fighting and then coming in from above, or behind. I'm 'coincidently' timing my arrival with the others. I might for instance pop my head through the floor above and look in just as Anyman and Saladin arrive. Saladin will remain in his present form, somewhat paranoid that if he releases the energy form of himself it will be distracting to see Lionheart present - especially with Anyman's version. But we'll see how things work out. If we get Initiative, I'll lead off with a Psi bolt to the brain, of this thing and then lead the attack with avoiding melee where possible for the present time.

Frostbite will fire his frost energy attack hopefully taking the creature by surprise. Whilst I am at it, what's happened with the rules changes, which ones are we implementing - its been a while since we've slung dice. Or are we going free form with using the power of a timely description to determine the power we muster ;-)

No worries about the airlock earlier, my bad!

Sj

The Vanguard
Frostbite
Anyman
Saladin (Lionheart)
Guillotine (on V-Ship)
Boadicea (on V-Ship)
Spartan
P'ertaria
Where:Space!



OOC Key:
1) Elevator - opens out towards the top of the map
2-8 ) Room - Contents Unknown (updated when you find out)
9) Helm control, weapons console, navigation, communications, sensors and engineering interface panel.
10) Monitoring panel - used to monitor other systems such as life support, engine control, repair systems, shields
11) Across the wall is a 10' viewscreen that curves around. Currently showing the blackness of space and the incoming Skrall Sci/Warships closing in. Various HUDs on the screen indicate the incoming missile

Frostbite popped his head out of the elevator tube wall, taking a look about.

He saw a number of grey puddles (OOC in the vicinity of (9) ) smeared across the floor. He also heard screaming from the direction of the largest room (OOC 5) but otherwise the bridge seemed deserted. Whatever was going on here was happening in that room!

Moving out towards the noise he turned as the elevator swished open behind him and Saladin/Anyman as Lionheart stepped out onto the deck as his heart skipped a beat. The lighting was dim/red in here, probably because the ship was on red alert. He turned back to the direction of the room and headed towards a wall to poke his head in...



And promptly ducked his head back out!

He'd caught a brief flash of the room - it looked like some kind of briefing area, save that there were no chairs, only plinths with what looked like glass cylinders atop them in row after row. They were unoccupied - the P'utinarian crew was in there, backed against a wall and reduced to quivering masses of grey ooze when confronted by the four dark red creatures, who were cackling and taunting the hapless crew! It was difficult to tell how many P'utinarians there were - they'd devolved into one huge shapeless mass, corralled and herded by the cruel K'atinarians!

Frostbite turned to see the others walking towards him as they looked about. Just then they heard a hissing sound over the tannoy...

"Well well, look what we have here... the outcast prince fools come to play hero, eh? Have you come to stop my new recruits, or stop me? I already have what I need - a means to get down to the planet and convert more of the weakling P'utinarians to be the perfect host for Shadow Demons! First though, I will leave you a parting gift! Oh, look! More company! And I see in your mind, little oozling, that you have come to rig the engines to explode! Why... great minds think alike! Oh no... don't be scared... I won't hurt you!"

There was a scream over the comms.

"Oops."

A pause then...

"I LIED!!!"

There was cackling laughter then "Tick tick tick, times a ticking and its time to go. Poor little P'ertaria... her mission of mercy will turn out to be one of annihilation! Heee hehhee hhhehheheh haaaaaaahhahahahahaah!!!!"

Just then the door (OOC to room number 5) burst open and the four K'atinarians burst out!

OOC 1d10=2 Vanguard, 1d10=3 K'atinarians. They hold their frame. 4 frames to y'all. Frostbite is intangible, Anyman looks identical to Lionheart. There is a loud TICK TICK TICK over the tannoy system...

Admin wrote:OOC Combat map update. Red dots are bad guys, blue dots are Vanguard, gray sludge is the terrified P'utinarians...

Inwardly Frostbite was very angry, outwardly he showed no signs of his inner disposition. Having met, only that evening, with one of the Shadow Demons and hearing of their attempt at a truce to fight the oncoming devourer, he couldn't believe that they were already proving their true colours with what he saw.

He also fumed because he could evidently hear that the ship was going to go into full meltdown. Once again he and the team found themselves with the the unenviable task of trying to find a way to save the day. He had to wonder what it was that constantly put them in such danger that the inevitable question, that barrelled its way through every other thought, became; how to fend off the inevitable temptation to call on their dark power.

Though here there was less risk to the Earth if things got out of control, nonetheless there was always the ever present risk of loosing more than they gained, if they lost control regardless.

"An...Lionheart, its your call, do we split or face these down?"

So focused was he, that Frostbite, realising who Anyman had become, had nearly given away what was really going on. But seeing his lash out with his fists, he got the answer he was looking for. He too raised his hands and fired bringing a blast of frigid air so cold it almost felt like it burned the air around it, as he fired at the oncoming creatures.

Meanwhile Saladin, seeing what was happening, wondered if his abilities could penetrate the minds of these creatures at all. He toyed with the idea of stopping the engines from igniting, but assumed that his speed would be enough to get him there should he need to. For all he knew the other creature below....then his mind trailed off replaying the message,

I already have what I need - a means to get down to the planet and convert more of the weakling P'utinarians to be the perfect host for Shadow Demons!

"Its a trap! The real problem is on the plant, that thing is going to the camp to convert all the rounded up P'utinarians. Whatever happens here, is irrelevant next to stopping that thing infecting however many others are down there. If you've got powers to bear, I suggest you bring them quickly before that creature can escape."

Saladin then ran to the console, bringing up displays to try and set the teleport offline so the creature couldn't escape before he could infect the aliens below. He fumed that such a creature should be let loose.

OOC:

Man it would be nice, to have an easy fight with no complicated dilemmas and in which we could feel heroic without having to try too hard- that would feel like R&R.

Right onto some rolling, Dave has already stated his is going to stretch out and punch. So Frostbite will fire at the remaining creatures with my energy blast. I've completely forgotten what we are doing by way of the rules. So here are my lousy results on a d20 with no additional modifiers.

1d20=17, 1d20=6

And I am using maximum energy divided among both shots, if I can use hero points to reroll the last attack then I come up with Urh: 1d20=12 Not much better then.

I did state that when Saladin first came aboard he was using a mind attack v the first creature he sees so I will still do that if I can, before going to try and stop the creature teleporting. But if I cannot do the two in the time given, I will just try and stop the creature. Roll for PSi attack: 1d20+18=20 (if it weren't for my high ego, look at what that amounted to, 2!)

Ok Dave if you're reading this I do think player to player we've got to stop that creature getting to the base camp! But I know that means leaving these guys to fend for themselves unless we can speed things up and take them out with the dark power. Trouble is I might just be panicking. I might be over reacting to what Paul has put before us. Anyway its your call, I think Frostbite is really mad that he was told one thing only hours earlier and now this....

Sj

"Sod being tactical, time for a straight fight dont you agree?"

"You bet me lad but we need to keep Mary safe"
Jock replied pound his fist into the palm of his other hand.

"Right. Soon as we get in there lay her down, away from the walls...i dont trust anything in this devilish place,and we'll stay close to her and let the winged filth come to us. Hows that arm doing?"

"I'll live" he answered calmly

OOC: ok im doing as Steve says stand there in the 'cargo bay' with Mary at our feet ready to rip the wings off the tickers

The Vanguard
Frostbite (13HP, Htk 48*, Htc 60, 1 Dark Power XP Energy 5/15 round 1/5 going into 2/5)
Anyman (16HP, Htk 48*, Htc 60 1 Dark Power XP)
Saladin (Lionheart) (stats to update, PSI 12/22 round 1/5 going into 2/5)
Guillotine (on V-Ship)
Boadicea (on V-Ship)
Spartan (on V-Ship)
P'ertaria (on V-Ship)
Where:Space!

OOC Combat rules are relatively simple, though I'll admit it's been a while since there was a straight up 'GH Rules' fight, what with the power you guys toss about when using your Dark Side. Roll 1D20+WC (2 or 3 usually)+DC of target (this case:6). Every point over 17 is 1 point of accuracy. Energy blast, you decide how many of your energy points to use (from 1-5) in an action (1-2 if quick blast) and use that as a multiplier for every point over 17 as damage. One roll. Boom. Done. With melee attacks it's 1 point of accuracy per point over 17, +1 point damage per accuracy point up to weapons maximum, so 12 for for a punch, +strength bonus. Dave E, your Hero Point effectively treats your roll as a 20, in that it adds an extra D20 to your roll. Therefore your hit rolls were 17 (9 accuracy) and 18 (10 accuracy) doling out 50htc 45htk with -2DD That'll do it.

Frostbite turned tangible, levelled his arms and angrily sprayed a fierce hail of ice daggers at his foe! The K'atinarian shrieked, throwing up forearms to protect itself.. but the follow up blast scythed through the thing and splattered it into a frozen mess across the wall behind! These four - now three - were here to slow the Vanguard down whilst the real villain of the piece was in the engine room, setting this shuttle to explode!

Saladin turned to one of the creatures, letting loose with his psychic lion! Unfortunately it came out as more of a Kitten than a great leaping cat!

OOC assumed he uses full power - 10 points - to get a multiplier of x2 on his PSI attack. Bad guys roll isn't brilliant 1d20+11=17 but still enough to blunt Saladins attack to just 6 points (man, those dice really hate you. A reasonable roll would've floored one of these things)

Saladin cursed, then sped over (OOC 1 frame) to a console. He looked over the alien controls and cursed again, turning "I need more time! These things weren't made for human hands! I can use my telekinesis maybe, but even so..." he growled, then looked up at the view screen. On one of the security camera feeds running along the bottom, a small square section showed the engine room, and the hapless P'utinarian P'ertaria had sent down there was being attacked by a larger,darker K'atinarian! As if knowing he was being watched, the creature grinned and open its gaping maw to the camera before biting the camera itself! The screen turned to static. Saladin knew that the creature was changing the P'utinarian into another like those they faced! He glanced back at the remaining three. They seemed only a shadow of that ones power though, and Frostbite had taken down one. Would Saladin be fast enough to disarm the bomb in the engine room? That thing down there would use the time to escape onto the V-Ship, and from there, get down to the planet surface - and all the while that missile was inbound, ready to destroy - or at least incapacitate - both vessels!

Anyman, still looking like Lionheart, stretched an arm out to deliver a jarring punch to one of the three remaining K'atinarians!

OOC 1d20+8=13, 1d20+8=16, 1d20+8=9, 1d20+8=13 Rendered null/void from fumble, would've missed anyway. Shocking. All miss. The curse of Frostbite strikes! You were looking for rolls over 17, nearest was 16 and one roll was a fumble...

The creatures dodged about with surprising agility causing Allard to mutter "Slippery little so and so's..." as his fists slammed into metal panels, pounding and twisting them, but otherwise causing no damage!

The K'atinarians took their chance, and stretched forwards to attack with razor sharp claws and spines on their arms!

OOC On Frostbite (tangible, remember) 1d20+7=24 Hit, 14htk+10 strength bonus /4=6Htk, 1d20+7=17 Miss, 1d20+7=27 CRITICAL plus 1d20=11. 21 accuracy +12htk +10 str=43 /4 =10htk. Puts him on 32/48htk. Any response?

One of the creatures moved (OOC 2 frames) to where Saladin was and swung a razor sharp fist at him!

OOC 1d20+7-17=-3 Missed

Saladin looked over his shoulder, waited for the blow to come at him, then stepped aside so it sliced air!

Anyman faced off against the stretching nightmare limbs of the enemy...

OOC 1d20+7-17=-1 Miss, 1d20+7-17=7 accuracy +7htk +10str = 24htk /4=6htk, 1d20+7-17=0 Missed. I assume he doesn't bother responding to just one hit of 6htk (puts him on 42/48htk)

Seeing the deadly thing slice his arm open, Anyman grunted and watched as the wound closed. Shame he couldn't heal his wounds as fast as he could reform his body!

OOC Any response from Dave E might affect things, but initiative 1d10=3 Heroes, 1d10=7 bad guys gives them 2 frames on you. I'll rattle through them then you'll have your four frames apiece. On Frostbite 1d20+7-17=8 accuracy +8htk +10 str = 26 /4 = 6htk, 1d20+7-17=7+7htk+10str = 24 /4 = 6htk. Another 12htk dropping Frosty from 32/48 to 20/48. Any response from last round or this comes from your four frames this round...? On Saladin 1d20+7-17=0 Miss, 1d20+7-17=2+2htk+10str = 14htk. Not enough to penetrate his force shield. No damage or response required.

Saladin stood and watched the creature rake his chest with its claws, then noted with some satisfaction how the things awful face dropped when Saladin crossed his arms in response, theatrically checking his nails!

OOC on Anyman 1d20+7-17=1 +1htk +10str = 12htk /4 =3htk, 1d20+7-17=-9 Critical miss, loses last frame Anyman is on 39/48htk, still no problems so I assume no response. That gives you guys 4 frames to act, and Frosty - any responses to those hits?

Frostbots voice rang out over the earpiece communicators the Vanguard wore "The missile is still incoming. Our railguns have proven ineffective so we have put all power to shields. Guillotine is trying to jury rig the defence to minimise the effect of the missile."

OOC *Htk scores if no responses Frostbite 20/48, Anyman 39/48. I appreciate that it might be messy to follow an involved multi-combatant fight in one post so I was thinking I'd separate the mechanics stuff up if you guys have trouble digesting all the gobbledigook. Just let me know, either way...

The Vanguard
Frostbite (13HP, Htk 48*, Htc 60, 1 Dark Power XP Energy 5/15 round 1/5 going into 2/5)
Anyman (16HP, Htk 48*, Htc 60 1 Dark Power XP)
Saladin (Lionheart) (stats to update, PSI 12/22 round 1/5 going into 2/5)
Guillotine (on V-Ship)
Boadicea (on V-Ship)
Spartan (on V-Ship)
P'ertaria (on V-Ship)
Where:Space!

Admin wrote:OOC *Htk scores if no responses Frostbite 20/48, Anyman 39/48. I appreciate that it might be messy to follow an involved multi-combatant fight in one post so I was thinking I'd separate the mechanics stuff up if you guys have trouble digesting all the gobbledigook. Just let me know, either way...

OOC: First Frostbite will parry all incoming attacks, so as not to get taken so low straight off the bat. Saladin, like Lionheart will dodge where appropriate.

So Frostbite rolling for Parry's - assuming its still d20's Great 1d20=19, 1d20=3 So it looks like I'm taking the second blow whether I wanted to or not. Not sure where that leaves me in terms of combat and rounds left?

But basically since this thing is in striking range, I'll tear into it if I've got frames to use.

As for Saladin, he'll try his best to strike back, but I'm thinking two further things, first to warn the other ship, to undock and make whatever steps they need to to get away. At least that stops the K'atinarian having an escape route through the other ship and possibly gives them the chance to avoid the incoming missile.

I'm think if not this round, the next Saladin will head down to stop the bomb going off. But not sure, as things have a way of going badly for us, as a Player I don't want to split the party, but as a Character, I am not interested so much in selfless heroics as I am pragmatic decisions.

Anyway the narrative does get a bit awkward, with responses being allowed and what not. Always difficult given how its hard to plan to far ahead without knowing what twists and turns might come. Still this is the first real combat we've had in months - I mean I'm rolling virtual dice here ;-)

Sj

Silver Sentinel
+Anchor
+Fastback (hungry!)
Where: Qrii Scout Ship in Orbit
What: In a holding cell, being 'probed' by... the ship itself!

Spoiling for a fight, Anchor and Sentinel rounded the corner, heading towards the docking bay - and the mob of Qrii drones heading towards them!

OOC No real map needed - you are in a corridor heading to the docking bay and a group of 9 Qrii drones has seen you and flutters towards you, mandibles clacking and claws at the ready! 1d10=2 Heroes, 1d10=8 Bad Guys. 3 frames to the bad uns. Remember Silver Sentinel has no armour at the minute, so this might (will!) hurt!!!

The group came at the valiant pair who spat into knuckles and made ready to land hammer blows! they were somewhat surprised by the speed of the things though and the Qrii attacked first!

OOC on Anchor, he's biggest so gets 6 drones fluttering around him! They use 2 frames to get there and 1 frame apiece to attack physically, rather than mentally. 1d20+7-17=-2 miss, 1d20+7-17=2 hit for 9htc (with +5str), 1d20+7-17=2 for 9htc, 1d20+7-17=2 hit for 9htc, 1d20+7-17=1 hit for 7htc, 1d20+7-17=10 CRITICAL hit plus 1d20=10 so hit for 37htc. Total 71htc, reduced to 35 after dividers. Anchor is on 53/88htc. No problem yet (he has 22 Vigour if I recall correctly)

Anchor is lost in a flurry of bodies as the creatures lay into him! He struggles to bat them aside and reels from half a dozen blows, face puffy and a black eye forming! "Bloody hell! This lot dinnae mess around!" he gasped.

OOC on Sentinel. Same again, 2 frames to move, one to attack. 1d20+7-17=-2 miss, 1d20+7-17=7 hit, for 19htc, 1d20+7-17=10 CRITICAL hit plus 1d20=15. 42htc! OUUUUCCCCHHHH!!!! That's a total of 61htc and would drop Sentinel to 49/110 htc. Any response? You have four frames...Will resolve Anchors attacks when you respond...

The Vanguard
Frostbite (13HP, Htk 48*, Htc 60, 1 Dark Power XP Energy 5/15 round 1/5 going into 2/5)
Anyman (16HP, Htk 48*, Htc 60 1 Dark Power XP)
Saladin (Lionheart) (stats to update, PSI 12/22 round 1/5 going into 2/5)
Guillotine (on V-Ship)
Boadicea (on V-Ship)
Spartan (on V-Ship)
P'ertaria (on V-Ship)
Where:Space!


ooc: Putty is going to ignore Anyman's damage. He's used to bleeding a lot by now and continue pounding away at these things.

"Can we stop this ship from blowing up from here or do we need to get down below," Anyman/Lionheart yells out to his more technological-minded teammates.

The Vanguard
Frostbite (13HP, Htk 26/48, Htc 60, 1 Dark Power XP Energy 5/15 round 2/5)
Anyman (16HP, Htk 39/48, Htc 60 1 Dark Power XP)
Saladin (Lionheart) (stats to update, PSI 12/22 round 1/5 going into 2/5)
Guillotine (on V-Ship)
Boadicea (on V-Ship)
Spartan (on V-Ship)
P'ertaria (on V-Ship)
Where:Space!

OOC Frosty parried the first hit then (6htk) bumping him back up to 26/48htk. Second roll no good. Target was only 9 or more, every point above 8 is accuracy as per a normal attack. He has two frames to attack with in this round then the bad guys have 1 frame to act.

Frostbite, bleeding from dozens of lacerations, angrily struck back with his own hammer like blows!

OOC I will assume you punch. 1d20+8-17=-2 Miss, 1d20+8-17=-6 Miss. Frostbite is cursed, I swear...

The pain from his wounds causes him to lash out wildly, whilst the distracting voice in his head causes him to grind his teeth in frustration!

'Mortal! Are you trying to get us killed! A minor inconvenience for me, but after all we've been through I expected you to at least put up a reasonable show against these creatures! As for that abomination downstairs... Do not be too quick to discard the agreement you made with the Shadow Demons. They are treacherous and evil, but they see the 'bigger picture'. That thing, melded with some Shadow Priest or warrior I suspect, sounds mad! If the Shadow Demons knew it was acting of its own accord AND breaking the treaty you made with them, they would, I suspect, act to rein in their 'mad dog'. That's all well and good, but it's time, don't you think, to call on my power...?' said the voice in Frostbites' head.

=========

Saladin flexed his fists, rolled his neck and grinned...

Delivering hammer like blow after blow, he knew his opponent would prove durable to a point... He intended to find out what that point was!

OOC 1d20+9-17=10 hit +10htc (punch) +26 (str) = 46 /2 =23htc, 1d20+9-17=6 hit + 6htc (punch) +26 (str) = 38 /2 =19htc, 1d20+9-17=-7 Miss, critical, 1d20+9-17=0 lost last frame anyway

The first blow punch clean through the creatures body, making it howl! The second sprayed red ichor across the walls and it more or less collapsed, feebly wobbling its way to half its height and waiting for the coup de grace (OOC it's stunned, ready to finish off)

Satisfied, Saladin looked about, revelling in the sheer power he wielded! These others had unfathomable power but were reluctant to use it! Fools! He grinned at the alien in front of him. "I'll take this one alive. Mayhap we can get good information from it before we put it from its misery and toss it into space, eh?" he laughed, cruelly.

=========

Anyman rolled up his sleeves, muttered "Right, you blighter, have at thee!" and let loose with his twin hammers of justice!

OOC 1d20+8-17=-5 miss, 1d20+8-17=5 +5 htc (punch) + 25 (str) = 35 /2 =17htc, 1d20+8-17=5 +5 htc (punch) + 25 (str) = 35 /2 =17htc, 1d20+8-17=-4 Miss. Two from 4 isn't bad, but these things are slowing the Vanguard down...

Pounding the snot from the creatures face, Anyman still had time to be self critical (OOC he only needs 10 or more to land a hit, these dice suck tonight) as his blows swished wide at times.

The creature swung back, desperate now, as it felt time against it!

OOC 1d20+7-17=-7 Miss

=========

Frostbite, on shaky legs, faced off against the creature before him...

It slashed out with a hand shaped like a scythe!

OOC 1d20+7-17=2 hit +2htk +10 str = 14htk /4 = 3htk. Any response will be from next rounds frames...If he takes the hit he'll be on 23/48htk

=========

As the Vanguard battled valiantly, the Nazi missile came closer and closer, ignoring the flak cloud of the V-Ships railguns!

On board, Spartan ran through the corridors, finger touched to his ear and the communicator therein. "Frostbot! We need more time! There MUST be a way to stop that missile!"

On the bridge, Frostbot paused, looking at the eta of the missile on the screen. Without a word it marched towards the lift...

OOC Initiative for the Vanguard on board the P'utinarian ship 1d10=10 Heroes, 1d10=5 Bad guys. 2 frames then their frames. Saladins is as good as down, being stunned. Anymans is nearly there, Frostbites 2nd K'atinarian is in fine health thanks to these crazy dice. Over to you.

Anyman pounds away, switching to a new target if his goes down before he runs outs of frames.

The Vanguard
Frostbite (13HP, Htk 26/48, Htc 60, 1 Dark Power XP Energy 5/15 round 3/5)
Anyman (16HP, Htk 39/48, Htc 60 1 Dark Power XP)
Saladin (Lionheart) (HP to update, Htk 65, Htc 78 PSI 12/22 round 3/5)
Guillotine (on V-Ship)
Boadicea (on V-Ship)
Spartan (on V-Ship)
P'ertaria (on V-Ship)
Where:Space!

Anyman backhands his foe, splattering his head across the deck! The K'atinarian degenerates into a vile red puddle on the floor (OOC 1 frame). He looks about, then sees Frostbites foe taunting the hero. Stretching out he tries to slug the creature from behind!

OOC 1d20+8-17=9 hit, +9 htc (punch) and +25 (str) = 43 /2 =21htc

He gets the creatures' attention and sends its head reeling!

OOC Frostys frames now then the bad guys go... 2 down, 2 injured.

The Vanguard
Frostbite (13HP, Htk 26/48, Htc 60, 1 Dark Power XP Energy 5/15 round 3/5)
Anyman (16HP, Htk 39/48, Htc 60 1 Dark Power XP)
Saladin (Lionheart) (HP to update, Htk 65, Htc 78 PSI 12/22 round 3/5)
Guillotine (on V-Ship)
Boadicea (on V-Ship)
Spartan (on V-Ship)
P'ertaria (on V-Ship)
Where:Space!

Admin wrote:Anyman He gets the creatures' attention and sends its head reeling!

OOC Frostys frames now then the bad guys go... 2 down, 2 injured.

OOC: Frostbite will continue to valiantly suck up the blows so his other team mates can look good at what they do and him just suck and fighting completely. But I will also try to continue to parry incoming blows (Oh here we go again) 1d20=7 So I'll add a hero point to stop this sucking so bad it hurts. Ok so add 1d20=13 Wow even with hero points I barely get off the blocks. I think I might relinquish my die rolling to you Paul.

Frostbite gritted his teeth, "So we're talking about a rogue element within the Shadow deamons? It figures" He said to the Prince within himself, as he glancing imperceptibly in Saladin's direction.

Then turning to Anyman, he shouted, "These are just a distraction, we've got to stop that bomb and stop this ship and its remaining crew from being slaughtered."

Meanwhile Saladin took his time, smashing in the face of the creature, before him. He revelled in the power he found combined in himself. But with the creature falling to the ground, he heard Frostbites cry and sprang forward, not waiting for a lift, he shot through the whole he'd created earlier in the lift and straight down the shaft to the lowest level, before bursting forward, holding the two lift shaft doors as shields as he went.

OOC:

Ok so Saladin goes for the big bad below, or rather more to stop it from escaping and stop the bomb. He figures that the other two should be right behind him.

Frostbite will fire at the first available target he can after parrying and continue to pound away on these. I was thinking of using the Dark Power Blast, but that now seems unnecessary so can use it on the creature below if need be. For the sake of moving things along assume I will parry as best I can (vigour too low to just suck it up) and after using up the remainder of my energy will continue to tear at them with my fists etc.

Saladin will use the doors as shields to auto parry for the time being, and use his superior agility to run the creature silly, distracting it and hoping to get the others down here before it tries to escape.

Sj

The Vanguard
Frostbite (13HP, Htk 26/48, Htc 60, 1 Dark Power XP Energy 5/15 round 3/5)
Anyman (16HP, Htk 39/48, Htc 60 1 Dark Power XP)
Saladin (Lionheart) (HP to update, Htk 65, Htc 78 PSI 12/22 round 3/5)
Guillotine (on V-Ship)
Boadicea (on V-Ship)
Spartan (on V-Ship)
P'ertaria (on V-Ship)
Where:Space!

Then turning to Anyman, he shouted, "These are just a distraction, we've got to stop that bomb and stop this ship and its remaining crew from being slaughtered."

"Well, get down there and do it," Anyman yells back. "My future self isn't all that technologically advanced. He has huge gaps in his memories because of the future tortures he experienced ... will experience .. ARRGGGHHH!!! Hate future tenses! Just go! I can handle these guys!"

The Vanguard
Frostbite (13HP, Htk 26/48, Htc 60, 1 Dark Power XP Energy 5/15 round 3/5)
Anyman (16HP, Htk 39/48, Htc 60 1 Dark Power XP)
Saladin (Lionheart) (HP to update, Htk 65, Htc 78 PSI 12/22 round 3/5)
Guillotine (on V-Ship)
Boadicea (on V-Ship)
Spartan (on V-Ship)
P'ertaria (on V-Ship)
Where:Space!

DavidMcMahon wrote:"Well, get down there and do it," Anyman yells back. "My future self isn't all that technologically advanced. He has huge gaps in his memories because of the future tortures he experienced ... will experience .. ARRGGGHHH!!! Hate future tenses! Just go! I can handle these guys!"

With that Frostbite nods and turning intangible heads after Saladin to give him a hand.

OOC: Or just suck the enemy attacks with his main power of being a punching bag.

Sj

The Vanguard
Frostbite (12HP, Htk 26/48, Htc 60, 1 Dark Power XP Energy 5/15 round 3/5)
Anyman (16HP, Htk 39/48, Htc 60 1 Dark Power XP)
Saladin (Lionheart) (18HP, Htk 65, Htc 78 PSI 12/22 round 3/5)
Guillotine (on V-Ship)
Boadicea (on V-Ship)
Spartan (on V-Ship)
P'ertaria (on V-Ship)
Where:Space!

Frostbite turns another blow away with his superhuman strength, tiring but angry enough not to let it affect his fighting skills!

Meanwhile Saladin sprints straight at the closed lift door, dives through the metal as if it were paper and plummets down the hole in the floor into the darkness of the elevator shaft! Ice cool, he counts in his head the floors as he zips past them, adds a touch of flight to alter his descent angle and slams feet first into the engine room, sending the metal doors flying outwards! He sprang into the room, landing in a splayed crouch and ready for anything!

Senses straining, he cursed as he realised the engines would blunt his sense of hearing. Still, there was always the... The hairs stuck up on the back of his neck and Saladin lunged forward, rolling to his feet and spinning as the creature he hunted sprang from above and punched a hole clean through the metal floor!



"heeeheeee heeeeeeeee!" cackled the creature as it danced about, sizing Saladin up! "We never expected you... oh no... but you'll do as a starter. Tell me though... where's the main... ah! One's on his way down!" said the vile creature clapping his hands theatrically in glee!

"Do you like my handiwork?" hissed the possessed K'atinarian. He pointed behind Saladin across the room to where a large (3m across) tall (4m high) pulsing blue chamber had some kind of red stick goo over it. The stuff seemed to be moving, actively eating its way through the containment chamber of the pulse warp drive engines! Saladin hissed in alarm, and turned to the creature... GONE!

Looking about, he felt the hairs on his neck stand up again and threw himself backwards as the wall nearby came alive, the creature exhibiting some kind of chameleon like power to change its shape, texture and colour! It's claws scythed millimetres from Saladins face and he landed in an undignified heap on the floor before springing to his feet!

"My.. you're a fast one, eh? Fast... strong... What else can you do, little man?"

OOC Saladin used his frames to get down there and dodge a couple of attacks. The thing he faces outstrips him in power, completely, just a heads up. His main advantage is his speed and dodging prowess, but this thing can pull powers from its hat like a magician. A bit like you guys do when using the Dark power.

Several floors above, Frostbite used the opportunity to move to the lift (OOC 1 frame) and down the shaft (OOC he needs two frames to turn intangible and used 1 to parry, 1 to move. Saw the updated intangible post otherwise would've had him quick blast a bad guy).

That left two creatures facing off against Anyman!

OOC this might sting a bit... 3 attacks from each on the Vanguardian. 1d20+7-17=8 hit +8htk +10 str = 26/4 =6htk, 1d20+7-17=2 hit +2htk +10str = 14/4 = 3htk , 1d20+7-17=10 hit CRITICAL plus 1d20=11 =12htk +10str = 43/4 =10htk, 1d20+7-17=9 hit +9htk +10str = 28/4 =7htk, 1d20+7-17=0 Miss, 1d20+7-17=3 hit =3htk +10str = 16/4 = 4htk. Ouch. That's 30htk from a multitude of scything claw like attacks, and will drop Anyman to 9htk unless he uses responses... Over to you!

In the lift shaft Frostbite winced as he heard the wounded aliens set to with Anyman, slashing and cutting! He knew his friend would be alright, but wondered if any of them would survive the coming minutes! He changed into his Intangible form on his way down to the engine room, counting the floors as he flew. (OOC which takes up his last two frames of this round)

Anyman staggered under the onslaught! The Dark Power inside was livid! 'Overconfident, foolish mortal! You risk all with your insane shows of bravado and 'derring do'! you think this is some kind of play, a make believe to entertain the masses? How entertained will they be when the Devourer wipes out all life on your miserable planet? The one consolation will be that the Shadow Demons will need to find another gateway into the universe, one where the misery and suffering matches this woeful planet, and that won't be easy!'

OOC Anyman has his remaining two frames then it's initiative time. Saladin is in the engine room with the Class 5 bad guy, proper clash of the titans stuff, and Frostbite is on his way down there. Anyman faces off against two wounded Aliens who are (finally) giving as good as they get against the Nazis number 1 enemy! All the while a missile approaches the pair of interlocked ships and the creature below has set a little piece of itself to eating its way through the engine room containment chamber! Things have looked better for the Vanguard, I'll admit... Over to you David M then it's 1d10=4 Heroes, 1d10=6 Bad guys 1 frame to the bad guys before you get to act next!

"OUFF"

OOC: Ouff try to parry the crit then knock the stuffing out of that little buggar. Chances are it wont work, if it doesnt (this sounds cooler and braver)

Steve Jenson swung furiously at the alien winged beasts with all his doesnt taking the damage on the chin and not even attempting to parry in his rage.

"IS THAT ALL YOU GOT?" the hero screamed as his crimson blood rolled out his torso

OOC Anyman has his remaining two frames then it's initiative time. Saladin is in the engine room with the Class 5 bad guy, proper clash of the titans stuff, and Frostbite is on his way down there. Anyman faces off against two wounded Aliens who are (finally) giving as good as they get against the Nazis number 1 enemy! All the while a missile approaches the pair of interlocked ships and the creature below has set a little piece of itself to eating its way through the engine room containment chamber! Things have looked better for the Vanguard, I'll admit... Over to you David M then it's 1d10=4 Heroes, 1d10=6 Bad guys 1 frame to the bad guys before you get to act next!


ooc: Anyman will use his remaining frames to dodge or block what attacks he can, whichever is his best shot, using Hero Points to avoid missing.

Silver Sentinel (HP14*, Htk 88/88 Htc 72/110 NO ARMOUR!)
+Anchor (Htc 53/88)
+Fastback (hungry!)
Where: Qrii Scout Ship in Orbit
What: In a holding cell, being 'probed' by... the ship itself!
*total to check

Throwing his arms up to block a blow, Sentinel realises that without his armour he's little more than a tough, super strong soldier! For sure, a good looking one, resourceful, brave, charismatic... He grins to himself as blood runs freely from his nose!

OOC Parry attempt... 1d20+2-1=8. Failed! Needs 9 or more! I will assume you use a Hero point (total updated above) which adds 1d20=4. Ugh. Looks like the curse of Frostbite strikes again! 4 points accuracy, +4htc from punch, + strength bonus (15) = 23 points. He still takes 19htc from the big hit! Htc updated...

Staggering from the multitude of blows raining down on him, Silver Sentinel clenches a fist and snarls "IS THAT ALL YOU GOT?" before hammering out with his own blows!

OOC 3 frames, punching. 1d20+2+6-17=9 hit +9htc (punch) +15htc (str) = 33htc /2 = 17htc, 1d20+2+6-17=-1 Miss, 1d20+2+6-17=6 +6 (punch) +15 (str) = 27 /2 = 14htc. Sentinel STAGGERS one of the three on him.

POW! He connects with a right cross that rattles the insectoids hard shell coated jaw! THWACK! He sends it flying back on unsteady legs!

Anchor grins "That's th' way, laddie!" and let's loose his own cannons of justice!

OOC 4 frames, 1d20+2+6-17=2 +2htc +35 (from his 50 Strength!) = 39 /2 =19htc, 1d20+2+6-17=-6 Miss, 1d20+2+6-17=7 Hit +7 htc (punch) +35 (str) = 49htc /2 = 25htc, 1d20+2+6-17=-4 Miss

BOOM! The deck shakes as a huge fist bludgeons an insectoid into a wall! The follow up isn't as accurate, but the next flurry is! THOOM! The resin of the wall smashes through, sending the stricken Qrii into an adjoining chamber...

And the Vanguardians gasp!

There is a large circular room that, aside from smelling vile, has a large (4m long, 2m across) proboscis pulsing and and quivering as it dangles from the curved roof! There are DOZENS of Qrii in here... tending eggs! Hundreds and thousands of fist sized blue eggs! Even as the astonished pair look on, the proboscis quivers and disgorges another torrent of slippery blue eggs that are collected into a slimy pile as some break, providing cushioning to those that follow!

"bloody hell..." mutters Anchor as blood runs from a cut to his eye. "We're knackered, laddie! We need tae get outta here unless there's a way tae threaten that egg pile an' get their attention!"

He turns back to the foes he faces, and notes with interest that two have broken off to gather up the fallen Qrii! That leaves him facing three, and Sentinel facing two and one staggered one!

"Now THAT'S interestin'..." he adds. "They got us on th' run an' break off tae help their own..."

OOC Initiative 1d10=6 heroes, 1d10=1 bad guys. 3 frames to you guys. You are stood in the corridor with one wall (to your left and towards the inner core of the ship) smashed through in a 3m x 3m hole, beyond which is a huge (relatively speaking, about half the size of a football pitch) room filled with eggs and Qrii tending them, and that living trunk from the ceiling that pumps out more of them! You face three Qrii (Anchor) and two (Sentinel, with one staggered) after one was K'od and the two with it broke off combat to help their companion. Things aren't cut and dried though - another round or so of pounding from the aliens will leave them out for the count! Fastback is on the floor, exhausted after trying to use her powers and sending her blood sugar level into a dangerously low level that K'od her! Over to you.

The Vanguard
Frostbite (12HP, Htk 26/48, Htc 60, 1 Dark Power XP Energy 5/15 round 4/5)
Anyman (16HP, Htk 26/48, Htc 60 1 Dark Power XP)
Saladin (Lionheart) (18HP, Htk 65, Htc 78 PSI 12/22 round 4/5)
Guillotine (on V-Ship)
Boadicea (on V-Ship)
Spartan (on V-Ship)
P'ertaria (on V-Ship)
Where:Space!

Anyman desperately fends off the sharp claws of the K'atinarians!

OOC two parries, first on the most damaging blow: 1d20+2-1=12 parries with 4 accuracy + 25 from strength, damaged avoided, 1d20+2-1=14 parries with 6 accuracy +25 from strength damage avoided . He loses 13htk from his total of last round (updated above) and is bleeding from a multitude of wounds!

The aliens, spurred on by their wounded foe, attack again!

OOC 1 frame each 1d20+1+6-17=3 hit +3htk +10 (str) = 16 /4 = 4htk , 1d20+1+6-17=9 hit +9htk +10 str = 28/4 = 7htk. That would be 11htk in total and drop Anyman to 15/48htk. you have 4 frames. Response and actions?

=========

The Dark Empowered K'atinarian cackles at Saladin...

"I will enjoy dancing with you!" it rasps, then stretches an arm out, jagged fingers ending in small jaws with dozens of tiny razor sharp teeth!

OOC Here we go: WC4 attack 70 strength claw attack that reduces dividers by -2... 1d20+4+6-17=13 CRITICAL HIT plus 1d20=18. That's 31 accuracy, +12htk (claws) +55 (strength) for 98htk! That will kill Saladin/Lionheart outright unless he parries or dodges! Hell of a roll, I'll admit though (38!) and I'm sure Frosty is jealous... So, response?

OOC Saladin has 5 frames, Frosty has four and needs 2 to fly to the engine room and into the fight. Anyman has 4 frames and may need to respond to two attacks. Over to y'all.

[quote="Admin"]Silver Sentinel (HP14*, Htk 88/88 Htc 72/110 NO ARMOUR!)
+Anchor (Htc 53/88)
+Fastback (hungry!)
Where: Qrii Scout Ship in Orbit
What: In a holding cell, being 'probed' by... the ship itself!
*total to check

OOC just to remind you all, from the updated House rules document...

Healing surge – a ‘second wind’ that allows the player to heal HTC damage up to their vigour score once per game hour at any time of their choosing. Usually accompanied with some dramatic sucking up of air and uttering “I say thee... NAY!” or some such...

I've also updated the following:

1) Having made an attack or parry, you can boost it by spending 1 hero point to roll an additional D20, as if you’d rolled 20 on your attack roll, and adding it to your attack/parry total. A hero point will boost a dodge roll by 1D6 should the character need it, too.

and

Dodging is changed - When a character uses a frame to dodge they roll 1D6+dodge mod - WC of attacker, and add that to the number required to hit them. So for instance Lionheart with +8 dodge mod is blasted at by a character with WC3. He rolls 3, +8 -3 = 8. This is added to the target number to exceed (17) to mean an attack against him needs to score 26 or more on the hit roll when he dodges on this occasion. A 6 ‘explodes’ and allows an additional D6 added to the dodge roll.

I will post the updated House Rules PDF when I've installed a PDF printer (still getting back up to speed with the applications on new setup, but it is like lightning - instant loading, no messing about! *bliss* )