Beyond Heaven (Dungeon Planet) (Inactive)

Game Master MCKhaos

For clarity, is/was that woman still in the diner or did she vanish through the crowd and out the door? If she's still inside panicking with everyone else I don't want to let her run off and leave this precious treasure of hers behind (mementos are kind of a big deal for Picket). But if she vanished and the place is surrounded I have more immediate things to worry about. Full disclosure, I'd kind of like to go ahead and catch back up to the present one way or another.

Jamee thumbs open his comms to the rest of his team now that the backpack he shot at has been blown to smithereens.

"Anyone still inside the diner that can hear me on this channel, we have 10 bogeys making for cover with their weapons trained on Toober. They're in for a surprise..."

Not waiting for their response, BoT keeps his eyes trained on Toober. Whenever the war machine "paints a target" by pointing his gun-fingers gesture at it, he'll light it up with as many blaster bolts as he can fire. His avian companion, RAE, flashes her eyes red as her Harrier Protocols take over. She dives from their highly-elevated perch and harasses his target.

Volley: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 4) + 3 = 8
RAE damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

In order to actually score a hit on the covered enemies, though, BoT has to expend a ton of ammo from his charge pack. A charge pack ejects itself automatically at the end of his salvo, empty. BoT slots in a new one, but notes that there are none left after this current charge pack is expired. (Only 1 Ammo remains)

Retzack peers at his glass. It's full of three ice cubes and a dark, amber fluid that promises courage and immortality, but only for a limited time. He motions to the bartender and a second glass of the same fluid is put next to it.

He nods at the successful businessman and full-bosomed doxy that had been preening for his attention most recently and rises from the chair. He doesn't bother to speak--his non-verbal language is enough for them, and they're honored for it.

He hefts his glass and it's brother and drifts over to where the kobold survivor sits contemplating his most recent gift and the quick exit of his hostess.

Retzack sits down easily in front of him and put the second glass within his reach. He feels inadequate bringing something a "mere" 15 years old, but he's in a re-building phase, so such bare bones survival must needs be tolerated.

"Hi friend. I'm afraid we might've got off to a bad start, but you're a special person, and I'd be a fool to stay on your bad side.
I was just admiring you and your new friend. You have quite the way with the ladies. Did she give you something? I have a penchant for odd antiquities. Mind if I take a look at it?"

From outside the sound of high-powered automatic fire sounds.

Retzack smiles and sips his drink.

Picket and Retzack:

As you speak, you watch the woman moving frantically towards the back of the store. As shots ring out from the front, the woman redoubles her effort to push through the crowd towards the rear exit. She is in sight, but will disappear into the rear alley in moments. You know your new crew is in a shootout in the front.

What do you do?

Outside:

Haephaestus taps furiously at his datapad, providing firing solutions to Sona. Sona's heads up display lights up with targeting information, providing a detailed analysis of the material behind which each Lodestar mercenary is taking cover.

Jules collapses to his knee as 2BR's stun blast hits him full in the chest. He'll need some time to recover, but his subordinates are quick to identify 2BR as the primary threat, and all bets are off. In the confusion caused by 2BR's efforts to hide BoT's presence, BoT drops one of the mercenaries with a head shot.

On cue Sona opens fire on the mercenaries hidden behind flimsy cover. Four drop immediately, screaming from their wounds.

But these are professionals, and four open fire on 2BR.

2BR, bullets are raining towards you, what do you?

You can hear the final mercenary screaming into a comm unit. Contact made at Louis Diner. Men down, send backup, repeat send backup!

What do you all do?

> Malevolentlaugh.wav
> Proceed above or below my firing line

Shields go up, claws come out and whatever is directly in front of 2BR is about to have a really bad day.

Oh, and a couple golden dice go click as the ante just exploded.

2d6 + 3 ⇒ (5, 1) + 3 = 9

Damage: 1d10 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 2 + (1) = 11

Sona winces as she sees men go down.
> The guns, Ensign, the guns! What are we, street thugs?

> We've got undesirable comm activity incoming.
> Let's show these ruffians what a jamming field looks like.

Sona scrambles for cover at a crouch. The orange sparks are replaced with purple crackling plasma as modules built to manipulate a wide range of metaphysical forces spin to speed for the first time. This operation was designed as an anti-magic protocol. Research had progressed quickly after the disappearances of Bonead and Omega. The modules pushed and tugged on the underpinnings of physics to reverse the warping of the cosmos that occurs during the use of magic, but they could easily be used to suppress more natural effects by increasing resistance or refraction constants over an area.
Operate Machines(Interference): 2d6 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (1, 6) + 3 - 1 = 9
I'd like to fork in the +1 Forward from my previous Probability Calculation to make that a 10. I think suppressing a call for reinforcements counts. If not, a called target from BoT would be cool. No Burnout this time. I'd like to squash signals so all communications falloff is in feet rather than miles, whatever it takes to keep communications from reaching base. I don't know if I can leave our comms open for Buckaneero, but I'll be taking an ongoing -1 to Operations while the jamming signal is up.

There is a blink of light inversion, colors bleeding toward red as a radio supression field settles over the area.

BoT's sensors light up when 4 more weapons devices are brought to bear on Toober. Taking careful aim at the officer flanking the war machine, with the best angle on him, BoT fires a precise trio of shots at his armor on his arm, aiming to make him drop the weapon.

If they're still unaware of my location I think I can do a Called Shot. Otherwise, just volley: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 5) + 3 = 12 to the arms... causing him to drop what he's holding if successful. Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Wew, max roll!

"You're not on my bad side, Retz. I don't know what side you're on yet," Picket answers absently as he scans the crowd, trying to find the fleeing woman.

After a moment, he spots her near the exit--but just as he's about to go after her, gunfire erupts outside where the rest of the crew has gone. He hesitates; it's either leave his new crew to the wolves, or go help them and rob a refugee of her last family heirloom.

Devil's choice. Snap decision. He turns to Retzack, pressing the amulet into his hand. "But if you want to give me a clue, look after this. I'm sure my 'lady friend' will be coming back for it once the smoke clears." He thinks for a moment, then adds "And watch yourself; I think it's dangerous."

He turns away, shouldering through the crowd and pushing his way out the door, eyes wide open and taking in the scene.

And now we get to see what an amulet that repels weird undead cyborgs does in the hands of a vampire! :D Not sure what the scene will look like after the retcon, which seems as good a reason as any to Discern Realities.

Discern Realities: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (3, 2) + 1 = 6
You're killin' me, Smalls.

Retzack nods an honest thanks at the kobold. Holding and gesturing with his drink for emphasis he promises, "Oh, I will do my -very- best to see that this does not fall into the wrong hands."

As the kobold rushes off toward the sound of gunfire, after he is out of earshot, Retzack is unable to suppress the urge to add a forshadow-y "Ever."

His fingers tingle in anticipation. The emotion is so long forgotten that for a full two heartbeats (as measured by mortals) he closes his eyes and shudders as he finally, FINALLY, just...feels something once again.

At last he opens his eyes and peers close, intently, cautiously, passionately, at the amulet. The possibilities are...endless. It could be a trifle he had come across before, or, indeed, he could have made it...O! long ago.

The sound of gunfire and men screaming brings him back to the present. There would be time enough to consult ancient lore about this trinket later. Above the din he hears one of the assailants calling for backup.

And he thought this would be a boring evening!

He puts the locket safely in his inner breast pocket and leisurely finishes his drink and rises. He approaches Simmons who has graciously taken on the burden of accepting the attention and drinks of those Retzack had left and instructs him to remain there.

Retzack slowly walks out of the establishment. Once out the door he just...stands there. Breathing in the chaos and tumult.

"Well this is just...neat."

Retconnicus, lord of errors, hear my plea! My last post now reads:

Picket and Retzack:

As you speak, you watch the woman moving frantically towards the back of the store. As shots ring out from the front, the woman redoubles her effort to push through the crowd towards the rear exit. She is in sight, but will disappear into the rear alley in moments. You know your new crew is in a shootout in the front.

What do you do?

Outside:

Haephaestus taps furiously at his datapad, providing firing solutions to Sona. Sona's heads up display lights up with targeting information, providing a detailed analysis of the material behind which each Lodestar mercenary is taking cover. The heat signatures of the mercenary weapons are also clearly outlined.

Jules collapses to his knee as 2BR's stun blast hits him full in the chest. He'll need some time to recover, but his subordinates are quick to identify 2BR as the primary threat, and all bets are off. In the confusion caused by 2BR's efforts to hide BoT's presence, BoT drops one of the mercenaries with a head shot.

On cue Sona opens fire on the mercenaries hidden behind flimsy cover. Four drop smoking guns, shouting at their burned hands.

But these are professionals, and four open fire on 2BR. The disarmed four pull vibroswords, and leap out of cover. Two charge towards Sona, while two move to Jules' aid.

2BR, bullets are raining towards you, what do you?

Sona, two sword wielding humans are closing quickly. What do you do?

You can hear the final mercenary screaming into a comm unit. Contact made at Louis Diner. Men down, send backup, repeat send backup!

What do you all do?

Sona, feel free to modify your last post as you see fit, and you can keep the 9 roll. I believe that everyone else's posts still work, but you are free to change if needed. I'll let Sona revise as needed, and then move forward.

Also Picket and Retzack, am I correct that you went out the front door?

I reduce Sona's Stock by 1 to draw a weapon with (Close, Stun, Forceful and Messy) I propose a Messy Stun be limb paralysis

Sona draws two weapon handles and twists them together. "That call can't go out, Thorne, this 0ne will be prepared to engage momentarily." with a snap, the two modules integrate and Sona is holding a paralytic baton. For now she must concentrate on the interference operation and depend on Thorne's defense.

Picket went out the front door, yes. Or whichever exit leads directly to the shootout, if I misinterpreted something and that's not the front door.

2BR:

Jules kneels helplessly before you onslaught, and you do not hesitate. With a singular focus, you gut the poor mercenary commander. However, your singular focus allows the two vibrosword wielding foes rushing to Jules' aid to stab deep into your chassis. They are supported by fire from two of the four mercenaries still in cover. Take 1d8+3 damage, plus an additional 1d6 from your up the ante move.

These two remain focused on you, seeking to slash at vulnerable parts.

What do you do?

Sona:

You get your jamming field into place before the call can reach the Lodestar assets in orbit and at their mobile HQ. However, you know that the call does reach a small heavy unit less than two blocks away. You redouble your efforts, and further Lodestar communication is impossible while you concentrate.

You draw your weapon and turn to face the oncoming soldiers. Defy danger to avoid their opening flurries.

Let me know whether Thorne is using sentry or intervene based on the circumstances.

BoT:

Given that 2BR was not very specific with his target, and your target has been eliminated, I'm going to change your target.

BoT's shots quickly disarm the third and fourth gun wielding soldier, and they are unable to join the barrage against 2BR. In fact, they are unable to do anything at all, as the pain from their plasma charred arms force them to the ground. However, you've given away your position and the last two gun wielding soldiers turn their fire towards you. You'd best defy danger.

What do you do?

Picket and Retzack:

As you exit the restaurant, you find Sona nearby bracing for two oncoming soldiers. What do you do?

Seeing the soldiers charging towards Sona, Picket flips his hoverboard out of its sling and onto the ground in front of him, where it comes to a shaky landing about six inches off the ground. Before it even stops moving, he gives the rear thruster a swift kick, sending the board barreling into the path of the soldiers to trip them up.

Aid on Sona's DD (or whatever she does): 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (3, 6) + 1 = 10

Rerzack calmly takes in the scene. Men dying, guns and swords clashing against armor, calls for aid, cries of battle...and a hoverboard sent careening into the bad guys.

The more things change....

Smiling, Retzqack casually walks toward the two men assaulting the gynoid. He dons a bad British accent because he's in a good mood. "I say there, old chaps, you must now cease thy attack, drops your weapons, and surrender. Do you yield?"
Of course they don't. They have swords out and are attacking a technical-based enemy. Easy money. "Ah, well, failure to yield and attacking an ally of mine counts as self-defense. Love and war and all that."

He drops the fake accent and nods. Seriously. "I'm sure you understand."

With speed almost to quick for the human eye to follow Retzack lunges for (whichever guard is least affected by Marty McFly Picket's charge) and grapples him. The blood calls, so he pays it's price.
spend 1 blood for +1 Str
Hack and Grapple: 2d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5, 2) + 2 + 1 = 10

He wraps one arm around the man's neck, holding the head back. The other arm grabs the man's wrist and holds it close, nullifying the weapon.
Only then does he bite the man's neck, draining his sweet, sweet lifeblood.

And Retzack drinks deep.

Jamee's reflexes are tested as fire comes his way; he hauls right on the controls and BoT ducks quickly behind the window frame.

Defy Danger: Dex: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 5) + 3 = 11

The diminutive technician turns the paralytic baton in her hands. Flywheels spin up and rotors loosen as Sona’s primary processor crunches through local comms data to complete the interference mask. A’gatha squares her stance and brings herself back to back with her commander, pulling the fit tight on her force disruptor gauntlet. When her fist clenches, the white electric hemisphere cracks to life around the cuff.

When the attackers close for combat, Sona’s waist clicks back once. Then, the flywheels lurch into gear. Sona leans forward into a parry as the first Lodestar swashbuckler brings his vibrosword to bear.
Defy Danger (STR): 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 3) + 1 = 10

The interference field reaches a sustainable level just as Sona’s right foot touches the pavement, and suddenly she is able to refocus on the combat at hand. Moment transmissions compensate for the impact of the vibrosword and the current arc of her own swing, and she kicks off with her left foot, pivoting on her right leg, and bringing the truncheon back around for a full force strike to the ribs.
Smack & Bash: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 4) + 1 = 7
Stun: 1d6 ⇒ 4 Forceful, Messy, Stun damage

With the trajectories involved, Sona is forced to leave the combatant behind her to Thorne, who is able to fend them off with her energy shield. She suffers some combination of technical or biological failure as chosen by MCKhaos, temporarily reducing her Defender level to 1, and increasing Sona’s armor to 3 for this exchange as per the Sentry move.

"Corporal Thorne, you may stand down. It would not be right to endanger you further."

You're so badass. Seriously.

Fictional positioning is everything. ;)

I think Apex Predator wouldn't be instant. In combat I would expect at least a moment of vulnerability as you feed. Happy to be persuaded otherwise though.

Sona parries the first oncoming mercenary with ease, and her riposte catches him in the temple. He stumbles back onto Picket's hoverboard and loses his footing. He is on the ground, about five feet in front of you Sona. You can choose to deal your damage to him again if you wish.

The second mercenary engages Thorne, who manages to fend him off for a moment, before a quick thrust catches her in the left thigh. The mercenary is about to press his advantage when Retzack latches himself firmly onto the merc's neck.

What ... what are you? Thorne shouts as she falls back. Retzack, are vampires common? Are they feared and reviled, or are they just another species that has benefited from the move past speciesism in this galaxy?

While the mercenaries do not acknowledge Retzack's words, they cannot help but notice that a refined looking goblin has latched itself onto the neck of one of their brethren. As the mercenary yells, the two gun wielding mercenaries that were pressing BoT turn towards Retzack. Incoming fire is imminent Retzack, what do you do?

BoT, you easily evade the oncoming fire, and are relieved when the mercenaries find a new target. As you peek back down below you, you see Sona standing over one mercenary, Retzack latched onto another, and your former harrassers about to engage Retzack at range. 2BR squares off against two sword wielding mercenaries.

What do you do?

What would I need to roll to jetpack down on top of one of the ones harassing Retzack for a hard landing? Whatever it is, I want to do that.

Naked roll, plus whatever modifier is appropriate, str or dex: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 1) = 7

Even in the throws of extasy that feeding brings, Retzack imagines an answer to the question Thorne posed. 'Alas! I seem to be driven mad by some illicit pharmaceutical. It could be Devil Dust. Or Brown-brown. Drugs are bad, kids.'

Retzack, aware that he now has some more unwanted attention, quite calmly continues his feeding, and maneuvers around so that the victim is between himself and the gun-wielding mercs.

'Ah! And now what a Trolley Problem we have!' Retzack thinks as he continues to drink. 'Do you fire, and take a chance at killing your comrade? Or do you withhold fire, and hope that I will spare him? Oh this is so deliciously interesting, both figuratively AND literally!'

That Retzack himself might be hit by gunfire really...doesn't enter his calculations. Feeding is the top priority. And seeing what choice the men make is the next one. Personal safety is plain outvoted.

Maintain grapple. +1 Blood. This plus last round puts him down 2 blood.

Retzack, can I have a defy danger with INT for your quick thinking in pivoting your body shield?

Defying Danger, kinda like in Total Recall. I mean the good one, with Arnie, which is about false memories and Mars. Not the recent one, which has neither false memories nor Mars. :) : 2d6 ⇒ (5, 3) = 8

I never understood the purpose of that remake.

Jumping off her right foot into a horizontal spin, Sona brings the truncheon down on the mercenary once more, both to solidify his unconcious state, and extend her trajectory out toward Pops.
Bamf: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Whether she can reach Pops or will have to run interferance for Retzack in the meantime, Sona lands in a defensive stance.
Defend: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 4) + 1 = 10
When I know how far she got out, and who she can defend, I'll figure out how to spend that hold.

Testing her own transmission through the suppression field, Sona will see if she can contact nearby targets.
> Yealin, keep Thorne behind cover, her wounds should be assessed.

I think that was one of those situations where the script got fully written, and then the marketing team realized their producers owned the rights to Total Recall, and the plot was slightly related, so they re-branded the movie to increase ticket sales.

First, 2BR takes his damage from the last volley.

Damage: 1d8 + 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + (2) + 3 = 9

2BR extends his chain sword and leaps towards the nearest sword wielding mercenary. The remaining mercenary sees an opportunity to bring her sword down onto 2BR's exposed back, but the blade is unable to penetrate the muderbots thick armor.

H&S: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 1) + 3 = 7
damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Retaliation damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

In total 2BR has taken 5+2=7 damage and is now at 20hp.

The bot turns towards the last sword wielding mercenary with a gleeful tint in his sensor lights.

-----------------------------------

Meanwhile, BoT lands hard on one of the shooters firing at Retzack, but somehow the mercenary sees the impact coming, and gets off a single round at you before you land. Take 1d6+1 damage and roll your melee damage against this sap.

-----------------------------------

Retzack, a difficult choice: Release your victim now or take 1d6+1 damage from his the now sole standing gun-toting mercenary.

-----------------------------------

Sona crunches the downed mercenary's stomach as she wheels in the air towards the last mercenary facing off with 2BR. The swordsman is fast, and is poised to strike 2BR.

What do you do Sona?

-----------------------------------

Picket, the gun-fight has large devolved into melee combat. As the only combatant not intimately involved in the fracas, you are the only individual who notices three combat mechs in distinctive Lodestar colors emerge from an alley about 100 feet to the north.

What do you do?

Sorry for the long delay on this one, I wasn't sure what was happening with 2BR's player and he seems to be the centerpoint of this fight.

Bone'ead turns a corner, holding a large box of pizza in one hand, and his tree-club in the other. His eyes widen in shock as he notices the chaotic battle taking place in front of him.

Uhh...Need Bone'ead help? BONE'EAD CAN HELP!

He quickly chomps down on the large pizza, box and all, and stomps forward to join the melee

Retzack looks on with pleasure as BoT lands on one gunman. As the other takes aims, Retzack remains indifferent. It looks like his first big decision. This is a special moment. He doesn't want to ruin it for him. Retzack keeps drinking.

The crack of a beam means the guard has fired, and Retzack feels the blow, taking

BLAM! WHAM! DAMAGE! (-armor) : 1d6 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (1) + 1 - 3 = -1

damage. To miss his friend the guard aimed too safely. The bullet strikes almost tangentially on his shoulder, and skips harmlessly off the outdated chainmail. (Well, outdated, but made of molybdenum-infused neutronium micro-cable.)

Retzack, having drained two-thirds of the blood from the guard, let's the unconscious-yet-breathing body fall. He walks up, casually, to he that shot at him.

"I'd say that it's about time to surrender and tell us your agency's entire plan and resource distribution, as well as who you're after, why, and what we can do to stop them. Wouldn't you agree?"

Retzack just...stares. Deeply.

spend 1 blood for Mesmerize: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 5) + 2 = 13

Treats me as a friend until I prove otherwise. Also answer one question: Who gave the order for all of you to come here?

Retzack puts his arm around his new friend and declares, "None should harm this one. He is smarter than the rest. I know him of old and he is a friend of mine."

Gunshot wound to the chassis, minus armor: 1d6 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 - 1 = 6

Melee damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

BoT takes a serious lasrifle shot to the chest that leaves a smoking hole, but he gives almost as good as he gets, smashing his blaster arm into the merc's face.

As he is now at point-blank range, he simply aims his rifle arm at the merc right in front of him and fires again directly at his face.

Blaster Damage + RAE: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Sona is able to carry her momentum into range of 2BR's attackers. As he continues to defend himself from the first attacker's rapidly growing chest wound, the technician fends off further attacks, knocking vibroswords aside and sweeping legs.

"Please do not provoke this Theta 2 unit any further. It is no longer suported by Theta Securities, and by provoking it you take your life in your own hands. Repeat, this unit is unsafe and no one else is liable for damages incurred during a provoked attack. This unit is being escorted to Theta Securities for refurbishment."

Using my hold to halve the next damage to 2BR and deal Sona's level in damage to that attacker(stun, messy, forceful), then give him +1 against the next melee attacker.

Rotgut, you emerge into the street roughly between the melee and three combat mechs approaching the melee at high speed. Upon seeing you the mechs slow for a moment, about twenty feet from you, but are still approaching your position. They appear confused by the sudden appearance of a giant space ogre.

What do you do?

---------------------------------------------------

The lone standing swordsman attacking 2BR doesn't hesitate, once again attempting to strike deep into 2BR's innards.

2BR Defy Danger CON +1 from Sona's hold: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 6) + 3 = 13

As 2BR braces for impact, he is not surprised to see the sword deflected by Sona as the swordsman hits the ground hard. A quick jab from her baton renders the attacker unconscious.

---------------------------------------------------

Sona and BoT, you have dispatched your immediate targets with ease. At this point, you are surrounded by several unconscious bodies, a few dead bodies, and Retzack and his new friend. You look up the street at the sound of the space ogre's familiar voice, and notice the three combat mechs approaching Rotgut's position. The space ogre is about forty feet from you now.

What do you do? (At this moment the mechs are about sixty feet from your positions).

--------------------------------------------------

Retzack, you lead your new friend down the street away from the oncoming mechs. The mercenary speaks hesitantly at first, Artin Dere, err, I mean General Dere gave the direct order I think. Rumor has it you guys toasted one of his ships a few days ago. He is furious! I've never even heard of a personal job like this before. No client? I mean, I heard some guys talking but wow, you really kicked our asses, you know! Impressive stuff! Yeah, surrender, definitely. No hassles here buddy. Plans and resource dispositions though. I'm just a grunt, friend. I think the plan with you guys is to save face. Can't be embarrassed like that again ...

The mercenary finally notices what is happening down the street. Holy shit! Is that a giant? Is that your giant? Awesome!

I finally got around to fixing up Bones sheet. He is now bigger and covered in bone protrusions. Must be due to all the good eating

Bone'head grunts as he notes the 3 combat mechs nearby. He blinks for a moment before stuffing the entire pizza box down his gullet

Bone'head think all you need GO WAY!

He reaches for the Mortar tube strapped to his back, and loads it with one of his Mortar rounds. He then swivels the large tube at the 3 mechs, aiming it as if it were some sort of overly large shotgun

Time for BOOM!

Bone'ead grins widely at the three mechs before he depresses a large red button on the mortar tube, and his ears fill with an explosive roar

Shoot Mechs with Mortar: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8

Mortar damage, +2 damage, explosive, 1 piecing: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Sona scoops up six weight of functional weapons from the unconscious guards, keeping an eye on the advancing mechs, and moving from cover to cover at a casual pace.
> Haephestus, we need some data on those machines. See if they have any security vulnerabilities or known manufacturing faults.
> If we're lucky we can infiltrate their digital systems and take control of their systems.
Spout Lore: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 5) + 3 = 9

Retzack grins and claps his new friend on the shoulder. "Yes, by Propoket, that IS our giant!"

Retzack has no idea who the hell the ogre is. But he just ate a pizza box and launched a mortar at a robot, so the assumption doesn't seem too far fetched. Sure. Why not!

Retzack pauses to shake the mans' hand. It's only polite. "I'm sorry, but it's been so long I don't recall your name? I seem to remember the boys (and the ladies) just called you 'Big Shooter'.

Well, you have been -most- helpful. Indeed, I was wondering if I might do you a favor? We can part ways here, but you might be killed by that ogre. Or that robot. Or the other robot. Or, um, by several other robots. And even if you make it back to base, it's no guarantee that the dear General Dere won't just kill you simply to keep you silent. (I mean, we know his reputation, don't we? ;)"

How Retzack slips an emoticon into common speech isn't entirely clear.

"Or...tell ya what. My talent agent, Simmons, is inside, and there's free drinks and food for the crew. I can always use a good gun hand. IF you want you could ship out with me and we could all get rich and famous, living out our early retirement sipping champagne from cups carved from the skulls of our enemies and eating rare steaks off the buttocks of super models. I mean, we did blow up General Dere's ship, so what can't we do, am I right?"

Retzack is starting to wish he had been there for that. It sounded fun.

"So if you want, go on inside and tell Simmons you're with me now and he'll fix you up.

Or you could leave and most certainly be killed by laser fire. Or vibro-stabs. Or laser fire AND vibro-stabs. Choice is yours, but those kill-mechs look like they're set on 'Eradicate' so choose quickly, Big Shooter."

Parlay: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 5) + 2 = 13

Retzack smiles.
'By Propoket it was GOOD to have minions again!'

Jamee has never seen battle-mechs of this specific configuration. But every design had a weak spot. Activating his RAB's jetpack and putting it on autopilot after commanding it to seek higher ground, Jamee turns in his command chair to one of his other monitors in his personal room aboard the Lucky Sixes, and begins to type with furious speed. His queries take him to every far corner of the darkweb, searching the 'Net for schematics, operational histories, personal witness accounts of victims, and other data that he can learn about these 3 threats. While this is going on, he has his RAB scan the approaching battle-mechs with every active scanner that he's got.

Spout Lore: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 4) + 1 = 11

Rotgut, as your mortar explodes within their midst, you see the telltale flash of reactive shielding encircle the mechs. As your eyesight returns from the flash of the explosion, you see that the right and left mechs have blasted themselves into the air, one to the left and one to the right, using some sort of jump jet systems. The center mech has boosted itself towards you, and has drawn a beam saber. It is closing at high speed and clearly has murder on its mind. Defy Danger to avoid being hit.

What do you do?

What do you choose for your volley 7-9 consequence?

------------------------------------------------------------

Sona and BoT, you see two mechs fly out from the explosion down the street. Each explodes through the second story windows of nearby buildings, taking snipers' perches behind walls. You hear high pitch whines coming from their positions.

Jamee, as BoT flies up towards the top of a nearby four story building, you quickly determine that these are Huntsman Mark 2's, built by Boyer Gyromantics. These are a newer model, equipped with reactive shielding that allow them to lessen the impact of most conventional weaponry. They are equipped with jet thrusters, railguns, beam sabers, and heavy armor. Sona is picking up most of the same information from visual cues, but your research indicates that a common complaint among new buyers is that the reactive shielding is weak on the rear side of the mech, which also happens to be where the shield generator is located. Despite this apparent weakness, even a single Huntsman Mark 2 can drastically affect a battlefield. You also read a few complaints about the railguns making a dreadful racket when warming up.

Sona, you are able to determine that these mechs are communicating through a local wireless network. The combined effect of the three mechs overwhelms your jamming systems in the local area, but long range communication remains inoperable. You do not sense any cyber attacks against your systems.

What do you each do? I'm also willing to allow anyone to act and roll as 2BR until he is able to return to play.

------------------------------------------------

Retzack, Big Shooter happily ducks into back into the restaurant. As you watch him go, you see Horvus stick his head out the door. Let's go people! He gestures for you to return to the restaurant.

Various bodies and weapons are strewn around you. What do you do?

Woops! I marked off 1 ammo used without thinking about it. I'll remember to let you know my choice next time.

Bone'ead stares dumbfounded at the mechs blast off from the explosion

No go boom? Why no go boom? BONE'HEAD SAY YOU GO BOOM!

Rage fills his mind as the mech races towards him. Growling in anger, he stows his mortar tube and rushes headlong towards the charging mech, determined to meet it's charge with one of hid own!

Defy Danger with brutish strength: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 5) + 3 = 10

Sona climbs onto BunkR BustR's shoulders, locking into the hand and footholds built into his chassis. "Damn Boyer trash. Alright Pops, just like New Moscow. Keep them busy, and this 0ne can disable that shield. They're going to rain down hell from above, and with those things active you aren't gonna get through, just throw on a song and show them some footwork. This won't take long."

2BR: Defend Tiny2BR: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 6) + 2 = 14
2BR's jets explode with heat as he hunkers down, ready to maneuver. Something from the archives begins to play.

Sona collects her processes, shutting down external systems, and pushes her avatar out into the WiFi. When she reaches the melee Huntsman's login gate, she knocks a rapid trill of binary, hoping the Mark II still hasn't patched out Heartbleed.
Tiny: Control Systems: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (5, 6) + 3 = 14

A very different voice from Sona's comes over BoT's comms. Her tone is much more warm and comfortable.
<< Petit Fils, 1 can let either you or Daerol into the ground unit without setting off the alarms. Do you think you can break one of the other mechs on your own?

"I can handle things on my own, Sona," Jamee responds with boyish confidence. "I know their weakspots now. Everyone! Their shield generators are mounted on their backs - hit them there and their reactive shielding will be weakest!"

BoT had a good view of each of the buildings the two Huntsmen jumped into, and he activates his own jetpack to reach the same level of the Huntsman on the right-hand side. Opening an unsecured window to break into the high-rise, Jamee engages stealth mode, creeping up on the Huntsman as quietly as he can from behind. If he's lucky and lines up a good shot, he might be able to take out its shield generator in one hit.

Creepin': 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 3) + 3 = 10

Called Shot will be in play if I successfully sneak up on a Huntsman, and I'll be Calling my Shot on the shield generator backpack.

Volley Called Shot, if I get the opportunity: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (6, 1) + 3 = 10

+3 Dex FTW!

So that will be 1 hold to block an alarm, 1 hold to grant Sona access, and 1 hold to grant Haephestus access. We don't need mechanics for him today, I just want him in on Sona's spy stuff.

Once inside, Sona begins checking the paths out of the network bus, looking for things like ejection triggers, targeting systems, or shield controls. Her avatar consists of a gently levitating dark elf clothed in moonlight, her bare feet just off what passes for a floor in the matrix. She watches for Daerol's entry, petting the login gate in slow circles to keep it calm.

BoT, can you roll your damage too?

RAE isn't helping this time, it's a sniper shot: 1d8 ⇒ 1

Not like this...not like this.

Rotgut, you catch the mech's sword arm by the wrist and twist the blade outward away from your body. However, it's off hand grabs you by the neck and begins pulling your face towards the barrel of its shoulder mounted railgun. The gun begins emitting a high pitched whine. What do you do? Please feel free to make multiple rolls during a single post.

-------------------------------------------------

2BR immediately enters defensive mode, raising shielding and seeking cover. Sounds like you are triggering Defend. Roll for hold. Hyper accelerated metal slugs begin raining down on your position from two angles.

-------------------------------------------------

Sona is blissfully unaware of the metal rain. Sona, you find yourself in what appears to be an ancient subway tunnel. The tracks beneath you hum with energy, and the walls have doors at roughly 20 foot intervals. The closest door to your left says "Gyroscopic Stabilizers: Maintenance Personnel Only." To the right, "Temperature Regulation." Your right hand rests on a rusted ladder that climbs up against the right wall towards a circular light high above. The light is obscured briefly as a small halfling slides down to land next to you. It speaks, Hurry Commander, I'm not sure how much of this 2BR can take.

You hear a sharp whistle behind you and you turn to see what appears to be a flashlight growing steadily larger down the dark subway tunnel behind you.

What do you do?

--------------------------------------------------

BoT, you are easily able to sneak up on your quarry. It seems entirely focused on the shells it is raining down upon 2BR. Your shot is perfect, and although the reactive shielding is raised, your plasma burns through it, reaching the relatively thin armor protecting the shield generator. It explodes in a bright flash, and the reactive shielding shorts out. The mech quickly turns on you, and ignites a beam saber. A distorted voice blares over a loudspeaker: There is no need for violence. Lay down your weapon. The railgun begins to whine menacingly.

What do you do?

2BR immediately enters defensive mode, raising shielding and seeking cover. Sounds like you are triggering Defend. Roll for hold. Hyper accelerated metal slugs begin raining down on your position from two angles.

[dice=2BR: Defend Tiny2BR]2d6+2 = 14

2BR's jets explode with heat as he hunkers down, ready to maneuver. Something from the archives begins to play.

Best option here appears to be to halve damage on each shot, and redirect to 2BR as necessary/possible.

Whoops, spaced that part of your post. I'll fix it momentarily.

2BR, the first hail of slugs begins impacting your chassis. Take best of 2d10+3 (pierce 2) damage.

Sona I'll let you roll and then apply your holds.

Bone'ead growls as his face draws closer to the Railgun. He quickly reaches out a hand to BREAK it!

BREAK: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 1) + 3 = 6

Uh oh. Well, the move says even on a failure it's still broken, so I'll just keep on trucking..

Once the Railgun is taken care of, Bone'ead will attempt to headbutt the mech in the face!

Headbutt and Smash: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 3) + 3 = 8

Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 3

Sona gestures toward the Mantenance Personel Only sign. "1 believe we've been invited." Bending and pushing off through the air, Sona reaches the door to the Gyroscopic Stabilizers, hoping to get through before the ICE passes. In any case, she scans the area to determine her best course of action.
Check Out Realities: 2d6 + 0 ⇒ (5, 1) + 0 = 6
Well, it's good to have that roll out of the way I guess.

Outside, 2BR jukes clear of the first volley, taking only surface damage.
Damage: 2d10 ⇒ (1, 9) = 10 (9+3)/2(defend) -4(armor) +2(piercing) = 4 damage 16/27HP
Is that just one hold for halving damage?

Thinking quickly, Jamee enters some commands into the custom module he added to his desktop since acquiring the jetpack. The unit's thrusters angle sideways, rotating 45 degrees. The BoT waves bye-bye before leaping left, assisted by the sudden burn of his thrusters.

The RAB bursts through the outer windows of the office he just flew through, ducking and rolling to preserve his momentum through the shattering glass. Extending his gyrostabilizer wing units, BoT arrests his momentum into a hover mode, scanning the battlefield below quickly as the Huntsman shouts at him from the building.

He sees Bonehead trying to grapple with his opponent, and despite the huge ogre's size he appears to be getting the worst of it. BoT gradually reduces his thrust, descending in the air as he lines up a shot on his assailant.

"Hey, stupid!" he calls out to the merc below, hoping that Bonehead doesn't think he's referring to him personally.

Aid Bonehead: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 5) + 1 = 7

Retzack looks longingly at the invitation to enter. Usually he accepts such acts simply out of keeping up old-fashioned appearances. But then he looks back to the battle and sees the good Samaritan ogre being handled rather roughly by the hunter-bot.

He sees the ogre reach up and, with a little help from a fly-by BoT, crush the ominous railgun. Out of danger, but still dangerous

"Hmmm. Out of the fire, but not the frying pan. One moment, dear, sweet Horvus. I would not leave a good heart to be killed so ignobly by something they could've easily avoided. And crushing an army now means there's less army looking for you later. Won't be a moment!"

Retzack manages to walk both with a dignified ease, and a disturbing quickness toward where the ogre grapples with the mech. As the ogre is bent by the mech's mighty hand of STEEL, Retzack pokes his head near the ogre. "I say, old chap, we haven't been properly introduced. My name is Retzack. You are a very large ogre, yes? And you seem to be a spot of bother? My goodneth it would be a VERY kind heart to help you out of this mess, what?"

The robot and the ogre continue their struggle as he sashays around to the bot's rear. He doubts the robot thinks him a threat, since his only weapon is but a sword. And not even a new-fangled vibro-blade at that. But he draws it all the same.

As he gets to the rear of the robot he pauses to gather himself for a single blow. When his breathing is ready, he draws his arm back to swing. His sword might not be vibro, but it is a carbonium alloy. Covered in Dikote.

He pays the price in blood.

Hack N' Slash!: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 4) + 2 = 11

Damage, +1 blood: Forceful, +1 Blood:+1d4: 1d8 + 1d4 ⇒ (1) + (1) = 2 + Forceful

2?!? Oh come on! :p