I am posting this to all of my games, so apologies if you see this multiple times:
Unfortunately, I have some bad news.
A combination of work-related stuff has lead to me having to take some time off from the forums. I am, in all honesty, going to need to be gone for several months, as I am going to be travelling for extended periods of time (weeks or more) and I'll likely not have good access to the internet.
As I am not someone who would want to have you all sit and wait for me here, I am going to be withdrawing/closing all of my open forum games.
I want to thank everyone who I have had the pleasure to game with over the last couple of years here, as I have immensely enjoyed my time on the forums, and hopefully, once my work stabilizes, I will be able to rejoin the community.
Thank you again for your time and energy, and I am sorry that I won't be able to keep things moving forward in any of the games that I am running.
Earlier:
"Very well. You know how to contact me."
Now:
Auriel was about to say something at Attie's intimidation, but when he sees him aim an empty weapon at the man, Auriel remains quiet.
"I'm surprised you're familiar with the concept." said Auriel with a flat tone.
Not really. Auriel knows we need help, but he can't stand this guy.
Think of it as having to ask the person you like least in the world for a huge favor, and that begins to cover it.
"Because I have actual intelligence that a Vampire Intelligence is gaining a foothold in this area; Or, perhaps, you care nothing for the vows our people have made?"
It was true, the situation was dire thought Auriel to himself for me to contact this one, who had clearly turned his back on his people and their mission.
I am back now if you want to go ahead and start the interaction between me and said "Coalition Officer".
Sorry, I had posted to all my games that I was without internet successfully, but it looks like that post was eaten!
I am back now, and reading through the gameplay thread. I should have something posted today (although given my number of games and the.....accumulated posting of them, it might take me a while).
I would normally agree with you Attie, but I have seen GMs do precisely that before: they put a mission like this on the table and then expect the group to leave part-way through it.
That's not what I'm saying is going on here, however.
I have the thief and woodsman edges from my rolls.
As I posted in the gameplay thread, between code of honor, heroic, loyal, and fighting vampires being his LITERAL calling, there is no way that Auriel can not go and attack the compound.
With that being said, I see one of two things happening for the game:
1) The group makes the decision to NOT go, in which case it would make sense for me to make a different character to keep playing the game;
2) the group does decide to go, in which case, game on.
So Auriel was actually my first Rifts character (in the actual palladium rpg days, not Savage Rifts). I have alot of attachment to the character; with that being said, however, I am enjoying the game, and character creation in the system is good enough that making another character is fun in and of itself, so please don't feel as you need to do something that doesn't make sense for your character for the sake of mine.
After hearing Shakti's description, Auriel says aloud "Yes, that pretty well sums up a Vampire Intelligence."
He pauses for a moment, then adds:
"Fortunately, I believe that the rift connects to the plane the Vampiric Intelligence exists on, as opposed to it being here; Unfortunately, this also means that I can not run. Among my people, I am a member of the order of Undead Slayers, and that is the focus of my training: to oppose these creatures whereever they arise. With that being said, I believe that we really just need to find whoever is keeping the rift open and end them."
"The problem with Vampires is that conventional weapons are completely inneffective against them; their other major issue is that they..."
Auriel completely stops for a second, then says to no one in particular "that's why they were here."
he then continues "All may not be as hopeless as it seems. The Coalition strike force we encountered recently included members of my people among them; they are from a different clan, but they said they were on a mission of importance. Given what we have learned, we are likely looking at attacking the same enemy, even if from different ends. If there is even a handful of Undead Slayers, the odds improve considerably."
"All of this is moot, however. I will not allow a companion to languish in the grip of such monsters, and I will not allow her to remain a monster, should she have been turned. All of this is a rather roundabout way of saying that I have no ability nor desire to turn away from this task, or to leave it to others. I can not make any of you come with me; in point of fact, running the other way makes alot more sense, and will probably buy you some time before this area, and then likely a good portion of the continent, is overrun with Vampires and undead. You may have a few good years before all is lost, and should you leave, I will wish you the best enjoyment of those years."
"For my part, I am going to go into their stronghold, marshal my power, and teach Graymane why becoming a Vampire is a terribly life decision."
Auriel returns to the group and says "Well, I think I have the offings of a plan: I spoke to the village leader and he has agreed to let us use a pump system they have to help deal with the vampires. now all we need is a water tank and we'll have an anti-vampire assault weapon. How goes the planning here?"
Auriel had been quietly mulling over the situation during the trip back to what passed for civilization.
He continued thinking while Shakti and Attie went back and forth.
As the group began to work up something resembling a strategy, Auriel abruptly got up and left the room.
Posting this to all my games, so sorry if you see it multiple times:
This week both my office and I personally are going to be moving. It's been crazy busy and I am not going to be able to post until Monday at the earliest. Please bot me if I am in your game, and if you are in a game I am running, I will get a post up as soon as possible.
Thank you for your patience.
I am assuming that we're going to pack up the camo and then head out.
"We can do that, but it's going to be a numbers game regardless. Does anyone know if there are any larger nearby settlements that we can get supplies at?"
"It does not need to be in the shape of a stake, but you do still have to ram it through a creature's chest and into the creature's heart, so the stake shape makes it easier; also, I should clarify that doing so does not kill the creature, merely incapacitate it indefintely. It is useful, however, to thin down the herd, so to speak."
"We are going to deal with both the Master Vampire and the necromancer, which may indeed be one and the same." explains Auriel. "I should also explain about the true nature of vampires. Most people believe that they are but natives that have been turned into the undead, but the truth is actually much worse than that: they are the pawns of a supernatural intelligence, a massive creature with tentacles that can drain life with a touch. Now, it is unlikely that such a creature is here, as if there was one here, the local area would be overrun with undead, but it is not outside the realm of possibility that it could just be hiding. As far as Vampires go, they are immune to non-magical weapons, even weapons of mass destruction. The only things that can permanently kill them are magical weapons, wooden stakes, and running water."
"There are three types of Vampires: Spawn, Secondary, Master, and the aforementioned vampire supernatural intelligence. Spawn are the most commonly seen: they are feral beasts that are easily dispatched; Secondary Vampires retain some measure of intelligence and many of their previous abilities, but they are subservient to the Master Vampire. Master Vampires have many rather potent powers, including the ability to command lesser vampires and animals, turn into mist, and control the hearts of men."
"Here is the situation, Attie. I know you're not going to like it..." Auriel then proceeds to explain what has happened with the group since Attie had left, doing his best to leave nothing out.
.....
"And that's where we stand now."
I figured you've probably read the thread, so that saves me some time from having to explain everything.
"Must you be so acerbic Shakti?" says Auriel as he pats Attie on the shoulder. "This is an old friend; Attie, this is Shakti, Shakti, this is Attie." Auriel then begins removing the camoflage netting from atop the vehicle.
"A little help would be nice."
"Not an option. I'll explain shortly. Let's hide the vehicle for now. says Auriel as he begins doing just that.
Stealth | Wild Die: 1d10 ⇒ 51d6 ⇒ 2
Is there anywhere nearby we can hide our vehicle?
"<<We have a vehicle in route to your position. We should be there shortly.>>"
Auriel gives Shakti a sideways glance, then says "<<What are your coordinates? We'll come pick you up. I'll explain everything when I see you again.>>"
"<<Attie, is that you?>>" asks Auriel through the radio.
"Perhaps we are just outside of range. Maybe if we get closer?"
"We should skirt around them and keep heading towards our objective."
"Those were mindless undead, not Vampires; Vampires, even spawn, carry the semblance of life, whereas those creatures did not."
"That is not to say, however, that they were not raised by a Vampire; many of them practice necromantic arts."
Auriel thinks for a moment, then adds "those undead seemed to have been raised in a wave; perhaps we can backtrack it to find the location of the necromancer."
Surprisingly, Auriel is okay with it....well, not okay, but it seems appropriate for his background and people, many of whom sacrifice themselves to protect others.
Having seen the devastation of the boom gun up close, Auriel has no desire to be hit by a stray round. Running back towards the group, he says "Killing the zombies won't solve the bigger problem; We need to find the necromancer!"
"<<I'll handle these. You two find and deal with the necromancer.>>" whispers Auriel over the radio, before trying to attract as much attention as possible.
Notice | Wild Die: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 31d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Auriel also tracks the disk that Shakti points out, but likewise decides to remain focused on the task at hand.
Auriel again summons his blade and attacks one of the ones that haven't stood yet. "Does anyone see a magic user making them rise?" he asked aloud.
Fighting | Wild Die: 1d12 - 2 ⇒ (6) - 2 = 41d6 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1
Damage Roll: 1d6 + 3d10 ⇒ (1) + (5, 4, 6) = 16 MD
Notice | Wild Die: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 61d6 ⇒ 5 Looking to see if it's a vampire.
"Very well." Auriel removes the soldier's bonds and then says "You should try your luck in a different part of the world. You have lost your privileges to this one."
Taking one of the Wilk's Pistols and a single power pack of ammunition, he flings both in the direction the group came from and says "You should start walking now. Should we find you not walking away from here, I'll let her do what she wanted to you." As Auriel says the last sentence, he jerks his thumb at Shakti.
Auriel looks at Shakti and says "We're not killing prisoners." It's clear from his tone that he's this is not something he's willing to discuss.
Turning back to the prisoner, Auriel says "What would you do if we let you go?"
Is he a vampire?
Notice | Wild Die: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 31d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Auriel completes his surge forward, not dismissing his weapons until he investigates the bodies to see if any of them are healing or moving. He will also take a look at their gear to see if he can determine anything about them.
Notice | Wild Die: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 81d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Aces!: 1d6 ⇒ 51d6 ⇒ 3 Looks like 13.
Auriel continues moving towards the enemy.
Running: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Forgoing his attempts to power up, Auriel instead just focuses on rushing forward.
Runnin': 1d6 ⇒ 2
Auriel continues to move forward, this time attempting to summon his armor as he goes.
Running: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Tattoo Magic w/MAP | Wild Die: 1d4 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 01d6 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1
Between dodging their incoming fire and running, Auriel just can't get the focus he needs to summon his armor.
You have the right of it. I will spend a benny to soak.
Vigor | Wild Die: 1d8 ⇒ 11d6 ⇒ 5 Soaked.
Unfortunately, they are far away.
In response to the Vampire's taunts, Auriel will ignite his sword and shield and surge forward, clearly intending to make himself the target.
Runnin!: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Do I think they notice me?
Auriel will remain hidden, waiting to see what they do.
Notice | Wild Die: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 51d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Ace!: 1d4 ⇒ 2 That's a raise. Are they vampires?
Auriel finds a good hiding spot while observing the creatures.
Stealth | Wild Die: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 71d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
"We'll likely get there by mid day, so we might as well get started now." says Auriel. "I have an ability that can detect Vampires and their spawn, so when we get closer I should be able to pinpoint their location."
"Okay, I guess I'll take point then. We'll wait for Jonis to finish talking to the what passes for a guide here, then we'll set out. When we find the vampire next, if the vampire intelligence is here, we'll need to fall back as quickly as we can. As I told you before, it will look like a massive mound of flesh with a face and hundreds of tentacles. When the location of one is found, an army of Undead Slayers are usually called in to deal with it, as these creatures are incredibly hard to kill. If it is just a master vampire, then I'll engage it and I will rely on your assistance to kill it."
Auriel waves over Shakti and Burgurk while Jonis is working on the map and says "either of you particularly adept at tracking? I think I have their trail, but I'm far from a master hunter."
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