Lucas Bartlett's page

Lucas spares a look over to Xander, then quickly looks back to Arthur and the crowd. He motions with his hands to "simmer down" a gets a pained expression on his face.

"Now now...lets not talk regime change and violent overthrow of one town to the other just yet. If you wanna rally Ashland against Aco Be, that'd be a damn fine way to do it. Lets handle things a bit more respectively and maybe a solution can be found that's a fair bit more peaceful. There's a lot of good folk over in Ashland, and there's no need to have Aco Be residents go over there and start some s++$ to make that change. I'll handle that myself, with hopefully nothin' more than a pistol whip's worth of bloodshed by the end of it."

That being said Lucas turns back to Arthur and nods.

"I have no reason to doubt you about the shrine we saw. I don't think you had anything to do with what happened or is happening. That being said...

Lucas raises his voice slightly to make sure everyone - Morgan included - can hear

"...I'm sure you wouldn't mind my Trivia there take a look at it and make sure that shrine is cleansed and disposed of in a proper manner. If there are folks, from Ashland or elsewhere, that are using this for some evil purpose then we need to stop it as quickly as possible."

Lucas then motions for his compatriots to give their attention.

"Now, we should unload that 1/3rd of food and then Trivia there can clean up the shrine. With that we can be on our way to Ashland, clean up that Alan mess and deliver the remaining food. That way both these communities can get along without any issue."

After the statements are processed Lucas motions that he's ready to head back to the truck and unload the food.

Just now noticed I aced my d4 notice roll...if you don't mind I'll explode the die here.

ace: 1d4 ⇒ 1

aaaand the result stands

Lucas gives Xander a weird look or two as he explains Trivia's voodoo theory, sparing a glance or two over his shoulder towards the leaders of Aco Be as the story unfolds. Once concluded he strides back over to Arthur with a bit of an attitude.

"Now Arthur, I'm willing to forgive and look past a lot. I know people have it hard nowadays, and sometimes people get desperate...but I'm hearin' that as we were brought into your compound one of my compatriots saw what looked like a voodoo shrine, bones and all, that could be used for all sorts of unpleasant stuff."

Lucas casts a glance around at the gathered townsfolk to see if he can identify any reaction on one of their faces indicating they might have had something to do with the altar.

notice: 1d4 ⇒ 4
wild die: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Total 5

"But if you know someone in this town has that sort of capability, please either let us know or implore them to stop whatever it is they summoned. Revenge based or not, these monsters aren't something folks just trying to survive should have to deal with."

Lucas nods in understanding towards Arthur.

"You're right, some of the folk in Ashland might not be worth savin'. But, I'm not one of those damned Templar passing judgement on every person living in a town because their leader is misguided. He'll come to justice soon enough, don't you worry 'bout that."

Lucas eyes the crowd, sizing up the population number in his head.

"...I tell you what. I need friendly faces in these parts, and I know Ashland probably did you wrong. I haven't heard the best things about Alan over there, and his due is comin' sooner than he realizes. Let me split up the food we've got. Yer town is smaller, so you get 1/3, the other 2/3 are goin' straight to the hands of Nadine Holt back in Ashland. She's good folk. Salt of the earth type. She'll make sure the food is handled fairly."

"As for these 'beasts most foul', anyone here seen one first hand? I'd like to at least have an idea of the kind of monstrosity that might be stalking us. Maybe let us know where you saw one last? The quicker you folk feel safe getting out and about in the world the better."

Lucas then turns to acknowledge Xander and nods.

"Just one moment, Arthur, my associates require my attention."

Lucas steps out of earshot of Arthur and turns to Xander.

"What's up?"

Lucas extends his hand for a friendly handshake to both Arthur and Morgan.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both."

Lucas hikes his thumb toward the other Ashland settlement.

"The folks living over yonder aren't half as hospitable as you lot. My name is Lucas Bartlett. I'm originally from just outside Tulsa, Oklahoma...not that that sorta thing really matters any more...But, to be honest with you, we're brand new to the area and we don't know which way is up at the moment. The reason we're out and about is that the other Ashland community is starvin', y'see, and we're bringing some food back to them."

Lucas eyes the two of them over, looking for any sort of hunch or intuition that these people aren't to be trusted.

notice: 1d4 ⇒ 3
wild die: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Feeling confident that this community is on the level he presses on.

"Y'see, there's talk of a demon haunting this area. Seems it likes to kill innocent folks real messy like. Also seems to be causing issues with the food stores over in Ashland. Well, maybe the two aren't related, but regardless..Stuff spoils quick and makes you sick. Have you folks had any issues with yer food 'round here? Any attacks by a monster/demon of some form?"

Lucas waits for a response from the two, then goes on.

"The real reason the four of us are up this way is Junkyard sent us up here. See if we can help you folk get things cleaned up and more civilized like. From what they tell us there's some warlord type named Suki Alvarez that lives over near Portland. She's carved...probably literally carved...a name for herself as some sorta damn shogun. Our thinking is that warlords and despots don't really help the spread of nice and civilized things, so she might have to change her ways...one way or th' other."

"Since you folks seem to have a level head set upon yer shoulders, I figure we could probably help you folk out with yer issues as well. You mentioned something about a betrayal...is that somethin' you'd care to speak about to us? Have you folks considered throwin' in with the lot over in the other Ashland community? Seems like it'd be wiser to have strength in numbers, right? Then again...that group is kinda hard to get along with at first, ain't they?"

Lucas motions back toward his truck.

"As far as trade goes, we don't have a lot either...just a little bit of food down there in the truck, and we can't give a ton of that up. But if you folks are in as bad a spot as they are we will just have to make it stretch. What does Aco Be have to offer?"

throwing in a persuasion roll in case it's needed for any of the chatting up above

Persuasion: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Wild die: 1d6 ⇒ 4
ace: 1d4 ⇒ 2

6 total, 8 if law dog bonus applies

Lucas gets out of the truck, shotgun in hand, but pointing to the ground and not held at attention. After giving a quick scan of the surroundings he calls out:

"Anybody hunkered down in there? We're friendly. Passin' through on our way back to the Ashland survivor settlement just up the way. We don't want to start any s%%&, just seein' if you folks are interested in trade or talkin' bout stuff that's going on around here."

Lucas eyes the horizon, and the rapidly setting sun, with a worried brow.

"Yeah...I'm with you, Adam. The circuit can wait for daylight. In fact, why don't we bed down here for the night. This farmhouse will be a fair bit more pleasant than camping out while on the road...and, a fair bit more defensible as well in case 'something' turns up."

Lucas then assists in loading the truck up with food. Once finished he heads into the house to give a quick search for pictures showing or old keepsakes that indicate what Maria's necklace looks like.

notice: 1d4 ⇒ 1
wild die: 1d6 ⇒ 6
ace: 1d6 ⇒ 2
8 total

Once the searching is done Lucas finds a suitable spot to lay down.

"I'll take second watch. Wake me when it's time."

Lucas follows around the side of the building with Adam and Xander, keeping his shotgun in hand, but lowered.

Once he sees that it's just Trivia digging he lowers the gun completely.

"Yeah, Adam. We'll do a sweep of the outlying area before heading back into town proper."

"I also agree that we should check out Ineptitude...though I wonder if it would be smarter to hit up the Mine first. If they have food and no weird s#&* to speak of that might be our best bet to keep Ashland from starving."

Lucas moves over and helps Trivia clear away some of the dirt.

"Triv, you think you'll actually find something useful down here? I'm afraid we're diggin' this poor girl up for nothin'."

"Then again, if she's dead and the husband has moved on, there ain't a whole lot of folks who'd care or know left in this world beyond us."

Lucas nods to Xander, then steps closer to the prone form of the mutant. He kicks him until the mutie starts to come to.

"Rise and shine, sleepy head...you've got some questions to answer."

Lucas makes a point to adjust the grip on his shotgun, so Jim is well aware that the barrel is pointed toward his head.

"Now...we're gonna assume that you didn't kill the good folks who lived in this farmhouse. Cuz if you did, there's gonna be a mighty terrible reckonin' comin' yer way."

"Finally, what have you heard about Ashland? Good people live there? Or do they treat you muties like s*~*? Also, what have you heard about Suki Alvarez down in these parts? She as big and bad as they say she is?"

intimidate: 1d8 ⇒ 5
wild die: 1d6 ⇒ 5
note ace: 1d6 ⇒ 5
5 total

if you'd rather I roll persuasion...

persuasion: 1d4 ⇒ 3
wild die: 1d6 ⇒ 3
3 total

Lucas pulls the truck up to the house slowly and turns back to Xander.

"Man the big gun and give us some cover."

Lucas gets out of the cab with his shotgun drawn. He slowly makes his way to the front door of the house while scanning the scene down the barrel of his shotgun.

"Adam...you in there, bud? Everything ok? We're here to help."

When Adam materializes in front of Lucas he lurches back and gasps.

"Gosh darn that syker trick of yours...I'll never get used to it."

Lucas glances at the stuff scattered on the floor.

"Find what you were lookin' for out here?"

Lucas turns back to Xander and nods.

"Yeah, that's a good idea. Probably for the best that he doesn't stumble blind into that hornet nest we stirred up before we left. He said he was gonna go check on the Carter farm, right? Hopefully that's on the way to the next community."

Lucas climbs back into the truck and starts the engine. Assuming everyone is ready he drives off.

"Yeah, looking into other communities might not be a bad idea. Though, we should keep our association with Ashland on the down low...The fear is that we'll be out and about when night falls. Of course...maybe that's not such a bad idea. We can see if this demon thing is legit or not. If it is, and we kill it, problem solved right?"

Lucas scans the horizon, checking the sun and how late along the day is.

"All the same though, we should probably get moving. I'm not exactly itching to fight anything, demon or otherwise."

I'm gonna back track a bit on you, Jess.

Lucas spits on the ground where Alan stood not a moment before.

"I will not be cowed by some tactless cur! You hear me, little man?!"

Lucas then turns and marches with determination toward the group near his truck. He picks out the one he thinks is the 'leader' of the henchmen, and gets close to his face.

Then, with a guttural growl he says -"Back the fudge away from my truck or I'll show you how to use that peashooter you little pissant."

intimidation: 1d8 ⇒ 1
Wild die: 1d6 ⇒ 4
If the law dog bonus applies: 6, if not: 4

"Now...I'm takin' my truck with me. If you and yer boys have a problem with that you can take it up with me when we get back."

assuming they let me...Lucas then opens the door and gets in the cab while motioning for Trivia and Xander to get in. Then he drives away.

Neal, do my transponders convey any messages to groups other than law dogs? Like, could I try to notify the convoy of a need for supplies here?

Lucas huffs, then turns to Trivia.

"You all right? That outburst didn't sound like pleasant things are goin' on in yer head."

Lucas rests a reassuring hand on Trivia's shoulder.

"What do you say we meet up with Xander and go check out those animals?"

Lucas gives a glance over his shoulder towards the window and the troublemakers across the street.

"I'm also thinkin' we shouldnt walk around alone...at least for the next few days. I trust this town about as far as I can throw it. And as much as I hate to admit it, Nadine is right - I can't go bust a waster's head when he runs the town. We need to lead by example here. Show 'em there's a better way than gunnin' a man down for his last meal and the boots on his feet."

Lucas stands and walks to the front door.

"Maybe while we're out there we can see if we can scrounge up some clean food. Something to tide the folks over til we come up with a better solution. It's Oregon...there's gotta be a fishin' hole around here somewhere that has passably clean water."

Lucas steps out of the front door and walks towards Alan.

"Me and a couple of my folks are gonna head out to take a look at those weird animal killings...Trivia can make sense of that stuff pretty good. If it really is a curse on yer town, we'll find it out quick. While we're out there we're gonna do some scavenging in Ashland proper...see if we can't find something to help for the time being."

Lucas' eyes narrow as he sizes up Alan

"Now, I know you see me as competition. I know you're the man of the town, and I respect that. But I'm askin' you to please play nice with me and my friends. We're here to help and nothin' more. Junkyard's lookin' for friendly towns up this way, and Junkyard is a good friend to have at yer back."

Lucas thinks briefly about bringing up Suki and the issues in Portland, but decides to save that Pandora's box for another time.

"We'll try to be back by nightfall. I'd mighty appreciate it if you opened those gates back up when we arrive."

Lucas then turns and walks away, headed off to collect Xander and Trivia to go check the animal carcasses.

Lucas scowls out of the window towards what he now knows to be a group of raiders standing across the road.

"I've gotta admit, Nadine, I'm not awful happy to hear your town leader kills and steals from his neighbors like that. I understand turning to desperate means when it comes to desperate times, but something tells me he had other options open to him..."

Lucas paces around the kitchen some more, idly inspecting the cabinets and surroundings.

"When you say Alan won't allow people to scavenge Ashland, what reason does he give? Is it just because it's unsafe? Because starvin' ain't exactly safe neither..."

"Did the food they bring back spoil at all? Is there a timeframe on how long food stays healthy?. Are they stealin' other things from these communities as well?"

Lucas turns back toward the table and looks Nadine directly in the eyes.

"Now, I want you to be 100% honest with me when I ask you this...have any of your folk eaten bodies after they've fallen? I'm not gonna judge if ya have, hunger can lead to some crazy desperation in a man. But, if this is the case then we need to think about taking action to fix this problem, and quickly."

notice to read nadine's reaction: 1d4 ⇒ 3
wild die: 1d6 ⇒ 6
note ace: 1d6 ⇒ 4
10 total

"...I'll let Trivia here ask you more about the demon situation...she's into that stuff."

Lucas stands with his arms crossed, looking out of the window of the home. He's keeping one eye on the group of discontents across the roadway.

"Thank you for the hospitality, Nadine...I can tell things are rough in your town. I heard a lot of murmurs about demons and monsters as we came into town. It sounds like there's quite a bit of s@@% piling up on your community. From what I've seen so far the top priority has to be food. Are these monsters and demons what is keeping you from collecting any food? We've got a truck...maybe we can scavenge Ashland proper for some food to feed the town for a few days while we deal with the other issues."

Lucas motions for Xander to hold up the body of the boy.

"This boy was found strung up with knife wounds and strange markings on 'em not more than a few miles out from town. I have a fear he may be one of your sons..We didn't want to leave him hang, and thought it be better to bring him home."

Lucas gestures towards Trivia.

"My friend here says those markings weren't exactly wholesome, and appeared to be trapped in some form. Now...did you folks have anything to do with stringing this poor sod up? And if not, who *did* perpetrate this act?"

Lucas steps out of the truck with his hands raised.

"I promise you we're bringin' no trouble your way. We're part of an envoy from Junkyard lookin' to set up a forward outpost of civilization...so to speak...we thought your town was a good candidate to be our hub."

Lucas lowers his hand slightly and flashes his badge.

"Now, I know it don't mean much these days, but I give you my solemn word that we're here to help yer town to the best of our ability. If you let us in we can see what we can do to fix what ails you."

persuasion: 1d4 ⇒ 2
wild die: 1d6 ⇒ 6

note ace: 1d6 ⇒ 6

note ace: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Total of 15

I'm the most unobservant mutha f&%%er in the history of sw

"Sorry for the gruesome request, fellas...but I think we should bring the body. Let's load it up in the bed and get moving."

Lucas dabs a bit of spook juice on strip of fabric and ties it over his mouth/nose, then proceeds to cut down the body and load it into the bed of the truck.

Then Lucas gets back into the cab of the truck and drives off towards Ashland.

"what's interesting...?"

dear Lord, if you still bother listening to the few sinners left down here, please don't let me die by being eaten by a demon some witch summoned by accident

Neal, how far away from Ashland are we?

"Is it possible this could be a resident of the town? Or possibly posted by the town itself instead of Suki?"

"Either way, we should probably move on and get to
Ashland. Trivia, if you can 'defuse'...that, please do. After that lets leave this place behind."

Lucas walks back to the truck, gets in and starts the engine.

Question time!

Jess, A: do we know your character is a witch

And B: do you talk about circe or manual to us? Or have you mentioned those figures to us?

"I don't speak any Chinese...but I'm guessing this is a sign...maybe warning? That we're entering Alvarez's territory. It sure is some g*$*&%n despicable s&&!."

Lucas slowly steps towards the direction the dog went, reaching out his hand in a friendly manner.

"This reminds me of my neighbor's dog before the bombs dropped. She was smart as a whip. Real good with commands. C'mere girl...it is girl, right? We won't bite'cha. If that's yer owner hanging up there I don't think he'll be feeding you any time soon."

on the off chance I can coax the dog out I'll roll persuasion and survival...I dunno which skill is better for the situation.

survival: 1d6 ⇒ 2
wild die: 1d6 ⇒ 3

persuasion: 1d4 ⇒ 3
wild die: 1d6 ⇒ 4

yeah...the syker is probably right. This has ambush written all over it.

Lucas pulls out his binoculars, and gives a thorough scan of the surrounding terrain.

notice: 1d4 ⇒ 11d6 ⇒ 2

"It looks all clear to me. We should go check it out a little closer. All the same though, let's stay frosty."

Lucas then grabs his shotgun and climbs out of the cab of the truck and starts slowly making his way to the crucified body.

Lucas was injured pretty badly after the battle of Junkyard. He had to stay in a triage facility for weeks while he recovered. During that time Lucas spent a lot of time monitoring the comings and goings of criminals and law dogs via the Robocop tech spirit.

During his recovery, the tech spirit took notice of Lucas' drive and desire to bring justice to the wastes. At first it would give him bits of info it wouldn't forward to the average law dog/junker populace. As the weeks went on and Lucas proved his worth, the information became more juicy. The spirit started tipping Lucas off about supernatural evil to hunt.

Finally, the spirit had a favor of its own to ask. There is a facility, still mostly in tact, near Portland. This facility has a satellite array that could be used (and powered) by the spirit to truly connect the law dogs of the wastes. It wants Lucas to volunteer for councilman Wade's mission to Corvalis, and to restore the array back to working order.

dice test: 1d6 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -11d6 - 2 ⇒ (5) - 2 = 3

That's a sexy veteran draw. I'll need to find a good eyepatch image to use.

It makes me happy that Leviticus is being used for your example.

HOW TO MAKE WITH THE POSTING

Note that I'm using the conventions Brandon, Mark, and all them are using. I don't know if these are standard PbP things, or if they have their own methods, but it's all I know so it's what we're using.

Dialogue: "Bold and use quotation marks."
Thinking/inner dialogue: Use italics.
Out of character comments or questions: Use ooc.
Secret messages: ** spoiler omitted **

I'll go over how to roll dice and all that in another post.

Example post:

Approaching the wreckage, Leviticus slows the Caddy Fat Cat to a crawl, taking a moment to survey the surrounding landscape. Looks like an ambush. A wise man would keep on movin'. But I don't recall ever being called wise.

Easing the car into park, Leviticus grabs his shotgun and crowbar before stepping out. He pauses again, expecting bullets to spatter off the hood of his sweet, sweet ride at any moment, but all is silent. He moves toward the wrecked car, which is lying tilted on its roof. He awkwardly crouches down, stifling a twinge at a shooting pain in his bad leg, and looks inside. Hanging from his seatbelt is a young man, his head smeared with blood.

"Hey, buddy," he says, "you alright in there?"

If the guy doesn't respond, I'm going to give the car a once over, looking for traps or anything, and if I don't find anything I'm going to get down to looting.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday...

Gamez0rz!