Concussion's page

Okay guys, hopefully that'll be good enough for an exit for now and leave things open for C to show up again should things settle down enough for me to come back at some point. JZ, feel free to set C to inactive whenever it suits you. Everyone else, I hope you kick plenty of bad guy ass!

Concussion sighs. "Dammit, I feel like I'm being a quitter but maybe it'd be best if I did sit things out for a bit - at least until I get my head on straight. But at least I can still be handy doing some of this grunt work so you guys don't have to."

She smiles slightly. "And I'm sure it'll make SHIELD feel better too to be able to keep an eye on me, heh. I'll head back there and get started, alright? You three be careful out there."

"I...I'm not sure," Concussion responds quietly to Ebon's question. "But maybe that's an answer itself, you know? If you can't give something your all, then..." she lets her voice trail off, the rest of her thought unspoken.

Wha!? Can he read minds, too???

Normally Connie would've simply put forth her usual bluster and laughed off or waved away Daredevil's words. But she couldn't, not this time. All she can do is glance away, guiltily.

Maybe he's right. Maybe I should just go home...or see if SHIELD needs me around their offices. Just...just until I get more sure of myself and what I'm doing, what I *can* do...

As Concussion stands and listens to Daredevil walk them through the scene and shed some light on the Dragon and the Punisher's motivations, she shivers. Only now was she really beginning to understand just what sort of world she'd been dropped into.

This is real...we're not just playing here, this sh!t is real. I...I don't know if I'm ready for this...

Okay JZ, I'll see if I can kinda segue C out of the action based on how this encounter with DD goes!

Kn. Meta (DC 18): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

"H-holy sh!t...yeah, it's what he says, we got a tip about one of the disappearances and came here to see what we could find," Concussion adds hastily. "We're on the same side and all, not meaning to cause any trouble!"

Ohmanohmanohman this got real in a hurry!

Oh I have and I'll definitely still lurk in the thread to see what everyone gets up to! Do you need me to play C up until a certain point where it might be more convenient to write her out?

Hey folks, this isn't 100% related to the most recent happenings in my life (which have included catching the flu and losing my grandmother) but it *has* given me time to think on things a bit and I've come to the decision that I need to lighten my PbP load by a few games. It's been a slow process but I think I've taken on more than I can really handle right now and the stress of trying to keep up with them all is starting to have a negative impact on my mood and capability to write. Rather than have all of my games suffer for it, I'd rather let a few go so I can better focus on the ones that remain (and have a little more free time for other hobbies again, too).

It wasn't an easy decision to make (like picking among my non-existent children) but I believe this is one that I'm going to bow out of. It's been a fun game and my decision to bow out is in no way a reflection on the GM or the other players. I really have been enjoying the story and getting into the setting but I had to make some cuts somewhere and this is one of about 5 or 6 that I was 'willing' to let go. Hopefully we're early on enough that getting a new PC won't be too hard; lots of folks like superheroes and homebrew systems so you're bound to get plenty of interest in the event that you have to run a recruitment instead of simply extending a personal invite to someone.

No matter what, it's been a pleasure playing with everyone and I hope our paths will cross again in the future, hopefully under better circumstances for me. And there's a few of you that I'll still be seeing in other games too so I wouldn't be too sad. Feel free to use or kill off C as you see fit :)

Hey folks! Good news is that I should be back to more regular posting! The bad news is that I tested positive for the flu today! At least maybe I'll have plenty of time for PbP while I'm off work and recovering? :\

"Huh...I wonder if the other missing people used Metrocab too? It's not much but it could be a start if we don't find anything else in this dump." She crosses her arms and scowls at the small bags of drugs. "Or maybe they all bought or sold this sh!t and landed themselves in trouble with the wrong gang or cartel. You hear some scary stuff about what those people do to whoever crosses them," she shudders.

Hey guys, I'm going to be pulling 12s at work for the next three days so you may not see much in the way of posts from me during that time. I'll try to check in/keep up as much as I can but it may not be until Friday night or Saturday before I'll get caught up. As always, feel free to bot me for combat/skill checks as needed!

Sense Motive (DC 12): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12

"Heh...no wonder you guys were so interested in talking to us after what happened at the bank. You weren't just worried about us going all 'bad guy', were you? Us taking a leaf out of The Punisher's book was a worry too," Connie chuckles, though there's no actual mirth in her tone. "After all, if he gets away with it then why can't the rest of us, like Midnight said?"

"Not that I wanna be like The Punisher or anything, but the point stands," she adds. "But ya know, there's probably gonna be someone who does, if there isn't already. Just letting him do what he wants is setting a pretty sh!t example for everybody else."

"I'm kinda hoping that that wasn't what Ebon meant either," Connie responds, fidgeting in her oversized sweatsuit. "But it sure seemed like the Dragon had an interest in him that was more than just, 'Oh sh!t, this guy is scary'. All those pictures and stuff, seemed like he was trying to get information on him - maybe the Dragon had a plan or had some friends he was wanting to team up with to take The Punisher down?"

Doing non-lethal in general would probably make the most sense for basically all of us, I agree. C doesn't take kindly to being pushed around and all that but she's neither sadistic nor a killer.

As far as impact goes, we'll probably need to have a general SOP on subduing and interrogating the people we pummel - I'm already assuming that we'll turn people over to the cops or whichever group seems appropriate afterwards. Not to mention there can always be some nuts that can't be cracked - henchman or villains too <insert emotion/reason here> to give us any information at all. That would allow for some investigative work at times instead of the group just sweet-talking or threatening everyone into spilling their guts :)

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

"Oh snap, he's right!" Concussion gasps. "If that's more of the Dragon's cronies we could be in trouble, even with him out of the picture!"

"Ugh...oh...oh my god, I think I might be sick..." Concussion moans as the true extent of the injuries to the body is uncovered. And for a moment, it seems as if she's right. The young woman's face turns pale...

Fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

...but amazingly, that seems to be the worst of her sickness. The threat of nausea quickly seems to abate, though she still avoids looking directly at the body as much as possible.

"Man...he has a point," Concussion frowns once the nausea passes. "We didn't exactly leave those guys alive and well for the cops to pick up. Probably a good idea for us to figure out what we wanna do about that sort of thing before trouble rears its ugly mug again."

*sigh* Got called in to work today, so just bot me as needed. I'll catch up when I get home tonight.

"Geeze...why would the Dragon think we were with that guy?" Concussion muses out loud. "Sounds like he's the type that likes working alone...and even if he didn't, there's plenty of other people that got more of a rep that he could team with than us, right?"

She peers at the broken laptop, looking a bit hesitant. "I know a little about computers and stuff like that, but if we got the time then it might be better to let the eggheads at SHIELD look it over."

Would it be a Techcraft roll to mess with the laptop?

"Oh wow, uh...so this is basically a 'wait and see' game with you then?" Concussion asks Midnight hesitantly. "Okay...I'll take your word for it for now..." she sighs.
___________________

Intelligence (DC 12): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

"Oh, uh...right, that's definitely what those are and not pictures for scoping out the best deals in Manhattan," Concussion agrees hastily.

Once her attention is drawn to the locked door, Concussion meanders over and kneels down to have a look. "Might as well finish poking around up here first, right? Then we can, uh...I guess go have another look at that body in the basement," she shudders.

Reaching out she touches the lock and focuses, willing the mechanism to break...

Disable Device (No Tools): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

"Aw geeze, it's no problem..." Concussion responds, looking a little embarrassed by Ebon's formality. "And I know you will, but let's hope it don't ever come to that okay?"

Hum...you're right, after double-checking it should only be a +1 boost to Fort but HeroLab is giving me a +2 for some reason. I'll try and figure it out but for now will manually adjust it down one!

Level Up!

HP +8 (Half HD + 1 + 2 Con + 1 FCB)
+1 BAB
+1 Fort, Reflex, Will
+1 Spell Per Day (Oracle; 1st)
+1 Spell Per Day (Bard; 1st)
+1 Orison Known (Oracle - Mending)
+1 Cantrip Known (Bard - Ghost Sound)
+1 Spell Known (Bard; 1st - Chord of Shards)
+9 Skill Points (Acrobatics, Diplomacy, Disable Device, Intimidate, Perception x2, Perform: Strings, Perform: Sing x2)
+2 Bardic Performance Rounds
Mystery Spell - Deathwatch
Add Enhance Healing from Songhealer archetype
Add Well-Versed from Bard Level 2

I think that's everything!

Okay, I think I'll add the Songhealer archetype to C; seems quite thematic paired with Sound Striker :)

For HP are we doing things PFS-style or just rolling?

It might! I'll play around with options in HeroLab and do some additional research :)

Huzzah for Levels! I'll get C's stuff posted a bit later (got a lot of catching up to do in my games today) but I'll answer the questions now:

(1) Having fun?

Yep! I'm still getting used to playing in a modern, real-world sort of setting (something that doesn't happen often for me) and feeling out C's character but I'm enjoying it :)

(2) What works?

Hmm...so far, it seems like everything is more or less working well. The 'bosss' enemies have been suitably challenging and the thugs too, when they get lucky with those guns.

(3) What needs improvement?

I can't really say at this point. I kinda figured that we were doing some 'basic' little jaunts to ease people into the setting and such, so everything seems to be panning out as intended.

(4) Changes?

We'll see! I think C's setup is one that may take a few levels before really catching fire, but hopefully she'll still be useful to the rest of the team until that happens.

"Holy hell! I'll never underestimate a goblin like that again!" Concussion gasps as the ruined theater falls silent. "Come on, these guys gotta had med kits or something on 'em - I'm all out of healing juice or I'd finish patching the other two up," she grumbles as they quickly check the Dragon and his two cronies for gear.

"Hah! I knew it!" she crows upon finding the two med kits. She hurriedly moves to first patch up Midnight as she looks the worse off out of herself and Ebon.

Med Kit (Midnight): 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

"Oh man...we thought you were a goner after that blast," she says with some relief as the strange woman seems to begin regaining consciousness. "Now to get Kwai Chang on his feet again too..."

Med Kit (Ebon): 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"Okay...I think that's the best we can hope for for the time being. I just hope the rest of the Dragon's cronies decided to go out for dinner or something. Not sure we can take another fight like that..."

Excellent, that should put Midnight and Ebon both above negatives!

"The bleeding's stopped but that's all I can do!" Concussion calls out as she manages to stabilize Ebon.

Sh!t, I'm almost out of juice and I don't have a weapon! Now what?

"Ummm...k-keep up the pressure! We've got this!"

She takes a deep breath and bolts for one of the fallen thugs, grabbing for the gun he'd dropped. Though she ceases her singing, the song still carries in the air thanks to the theater's acoustics.

I've kinda lost track of where I'm at on the map but C is ceasing her performance (which will linger for a bit thanks to Lingering Peformance) and making a dive for one of the thugs' guns.

Close to the street? Oh right, we're back above ground *somewhere*...

As things turn sour, Concussion quickly races forward and ducks into one of the rows of seats as she begins to sing...

C is going to head to L24 and start singing!

Haha, thanks! And yeah, I guess I was thinking more that it would be hard to cover ground quickly while trying to stay crouched down behind the seats :)

Moments Earlier...

"Whoa whoa whoa, hang on a second," Connie hisses as they pause just outside the door. She hesitates for a moment and then softly sings a few lines...

~You'll be swell! You'll be great!
Gonna have the whole world on the plate!
Starting here, starting now,
honey, everything's coming up roses!~

'Everything's Coming Up Roses' - Stephen Sondheim

"....What?" she whispers after a few seconds of silence. "It was the first thing that came to mind!"

Casting Moment of Greatness before we go in.

Now...

Kn. Local (DC 10): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

"Wait...he's a goblin?" Connie blinks as Midnight opens the door, revealing the interior of the crumbling theater. "Heh...hehehe...not sure what I expected, but this sure wasn't it!" But in spite of her chuckling, the two orcs have her worried - there was quite a lot of ground between them and the stage and not much in the way of cover.

"Anyway, you heard the man - you're comin' along with us. And it'd go easier for everyone if you did it peacefully," she continues, not really believing that her words would sway them but hoping they'd at least help distract.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

"Wait, what!?" Connie exclaims, her eyes growing wide. She steps forward and peers into the room, instantly recoiling both from the stench and the sight that greets her within. "Oh my god!" she gasps, nearly falling as she hastily backs away from the room. "Wh-what is this!? What have they been doing down here???"

Yes, I'll get it as soon as I get home this morning. Sorry!

"Hey...take a look at this," Connie calls, her blood running cold for a moment at the sight of the bloody handprint. "I think it's old, but...we might wanna have a look down that way too, once we take care of our other business..."

Is it old or does it look more recent?

"Heh...and have you guys show up to bust me like we busted Barracuda?" Concussion grins. "No thanks!" she laughs as she follows the others through the door.

As they have a look around the room, she nearly jumps out of her skin at the sight of the skeleton - which turns out to just be an old costume. "Jesus! Who just leaves this junk lying around? That nearly gave me a heart attack!" she gasps.

"And yeah, I'm okay - thanks," she nods at Ebon. She glances around the room once more. "Wonder if they actually got anything useful packed away down here?"

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

"Hum...this one's tougher than your average lock," Concussion frowns as she tries again, brow furrowed in concentration...

Disable Device (DC 20): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

...and then the clasp on the lock simply seems to snap apart, clattering to the ground. Concussion looks up with a triumphant grin. "See? Found out about this little trick after I kept finding the lock on my door busted! I kept having it fixed, thinking maybe it was sh!tty quality or something but I guess I was the one doing it the whole time," she chuckles.

"There was one time I managed to lock myself outside at night without my phone or anything...since then I've always worried about doing it again," she adds, looking thoughtful. "Maybe that's what triggered the locks breaking."

"Heh...maybe I can help," Concussion grins as she cautiously moves up the planks towards the metal door. "Found out about this little trick at home the other day; no wonder I kept finding the door unlocked!"

Perception (Anything Fishy?): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12

Not noticing anything that seems out of the ordinary, Concussion simply reaches out and touches the metal padlock.

Disable Device (No Tools): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

C is making use of her Wrecker curse which lets her make DD checks without needing tools.

"Alrighty then, lemme just..." Concussion squints for a moment as she works on mending her own wounds...

Cure Light Wounds (Self): 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"...patch myself up a bit. Well hell, that didn't work as well as I hoped. Still gettin' the hang of these damn powers I guess..."

She shrugs. "Ah well, good enough for now. Let's get moving before they spring something else on us!"

"Dammit, this sucks - we're fighting them on their own turf so they know all the shortcuts and traps," Concussion grumbles as she wrings water out of her shirt. "Least these jokers here have some stuff on 'em we can use. One of you two probably needs to take that medpack," she says, indicating Ebon and Midnight. "I've still got some juice left to patch myself up with - and anyone else that wants it."

"...You're goin' d-oof!" Concussion exclaims as the blast of water hits her mid-song and very nearly bowls her over.

"Oh gawd, GROSS!" she gasps as she manages to keep her feet. However she notices out of the corner of her eye that Napalm didn't fare so well, lying sprawled in the water and not moving.

Sh!tsh!tsh!t he'll drown if we leave him there!

Still humming her song she ducks and makes a dash to where Napalm lays sprawled and tries to pull him up out of the water. "Come on man, don't let a little water get you down!" she cries as she gives his face a good slap.

Cure Light Wounds (Napalm): 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

"Damn...guess we made too much noise earlier or they got some kinda warning system set up down here," Concussion grimaces as she quickly stands up. As Ebon brings forth the light once more she smiles evilly as she begins to sing her battle song.

Starting up her performance as a standard action, she'll hold back to let Ebon and the others move up first.

Hmph. If they can move that quietly, so can I!

Concussion quickly extinguishes her own lights and crouches down, one hand on the nearby wall to help guide her as they creep along towards the source of the noise...

Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Orrrr maybe not.

"Hah! I'm glad you're on our side," Concussion laughs as the last few words of her song and echo and then fade away. "Damn, we're on a roll! Let's keep moving before the rest of the goon squad shows up!"

"We warned you..." Concussion sighs as she takes breath and begins to sing, her voice echoing eerily through the tunnels.

"I'm not runnin'
It's a little different now
'Cause one of us is goin'
One of us is goin' down..."

Standard action to begin Inspire Courage!

Kn. Local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

"Okay, look...we've got business with your boss and we're not leaving until we speak with him," Concussion sighs, her eyes narrowing. "You can either let us pass or we can do this the hard way."

Hey, I mean we came here expecting a fight anyway so I guess it's no skin off our nose if they aren't feeling reasonable.

No worries! The downside of catching up on posts at work is sometimes I check the thread, then get distracted and forget I need to post something and there aren't any new posts to remind me!

"Hey hey hey," Concussion exclaims, holding up her hands. "We're just uh...passing through, looking for someone - that's all," she says with a smile. "Wouldn't happen to know where we might find the Dragons, do ya?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

WHAT SORCERY IS THIS!? >:(

...I mean, Happy New Year! :3

"Hey, no worries here," Connie shrugs. "It'll be kinda like dumpster diving, right? Maybe a little more rank but nothing I can't handle!"

Huh...someone's been through here. Might be worth a look if we don't find anything else.

"That alleyway's a dead end," Connie reports as she jogs back around to the others. "But there's a manhole back there that's been opened at some point because they didn't put the lid back on the right way."