Ness "Gallowglass" MacDonnell's page

Ness claps with joy and Bear jumps up to lick Kayla's face.

"WELL THEN WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?!?!"

Oh, I should clarify, that was me shifting my own labels via the end of session move: "Grow into your own image of yourself.
Explain how you see yourself and why;
shift one Label up and another down."
.
I see I should shift yours too though. Maybe Freak +1, Superior -1?

”Thanks...but I...I don’t want anyone’s sympathy right now. I appreciate it, but...but it’s my fault they are gone. My fault and no one else’s. I...I wasn’t strong enough to stop save them. And I’ve sworn I’ll never let myself be in that position again,” she says seriously.

She gives Ness’ arm a squeeze and adds ”Thanks, by the way. For saving me. If it hadn’t been for you and the others, Dread would have won. I’d be dead. So...if you ever need anything, you just ask, okay?”

"Aww, come on, we're friends...and we're a super-team, right? Of course we were going to help.

"And Shin and Isaiah and Psyche and Rory blasting through, left and right. I got in a trick arrow or two but my real contribution was working undercover at InfiniCorp to discover your whereabouts. I'm proud to have done that--I know you might still be trapped there otherwise--and it helps me come to terms with that I'm a different kind of hero than you all are, and that's OK! Some of us have to have feet on the ground, and be able to hold down a job at a nefarious super-corp, eh?"

Grow into your own image of yourself. Explain how you see yourself and why. +1 Mundane, -1 Superior.

”I...I don’t wanna mope around,” she adds with a bit of a lighter tone. ”I...I wanna celebrate. Do something to...to remember them as well as be a step towards moving forward, and I have an idea...and I think you are the perfect person to join me...if you want to, that is?” she asks.

Ness squeezes Kayla's arm back. "Got it. Time to celebrate!

"What do you have in mind? I just found a new place that serves Metropolis-style pizza. Should we call for the others too, or are you in the mood for something quieter?"

Ness puts her arm through Kayla's arm (if she'll allow it) and walks in silence for a while, giving her friend some time to say anything on her mind.

When she doesn't, Ness says, "Kayla, I'm so sorry about your folks. I can't pretend to know what you're going through now. I just...I wanted to let you know I care, and that I'm ready to listen, if you're ready."

Bear takes the cue and rubs up against Kayla's other side.

Support: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 3) + 2 = 9

Bear happily leaps up on and licks you both Shin and Psyche (though he seems a bit confused when he licks the latter).

Ness shows no such ambivalence, and hugs you both...but when Bear looks quizzically at Psyche Ness makes a mental note. I agree Bear, I'm not sure I bought what she said when I was hear last either. We'll find her when she's free a little later and see if she's ready to dish.

When Praetoria squeezes her she laughs, and says "Oh it's good to see you again. You want to go for a walk?"

When the Sentinels Escaped From Hades, Gallowglass waved goodbye and quickly disappeared. It was SOOOOO good to see everyone again, and to wear my costume again, but I've got to double-down on my undercover work at Infini-Corp...right?!?

She told herself that night, as she brushed her teeth that is was for the best. And that the Sentinals have powerhouses like Psyche and Praetoria, they don't need a girl with a bow anyway.

Then in the morning she woke with a gasp, and shook her head.

Now, at Sentinels HQ

The doorbell rings, and in comes Ness and Bear. "Uh, hey guys. I...it was great to get to work alongside you yesterday.

"Would you mind if I re-activated? Maybe I can go to part-time with InfiniCorp so I can be around a little more often. You know, to help you all save the Universe!" She grins at her old teammates.

Hey gang, it was great fun to have a cameo return...so fun that I want to return! I know I'll still fall behind at times, but I think the pace of the game seems to have slowed a bit, and I just had a big game end...so I want to give this amazing game another go!!

Re Moments of Truth...they're so different from any mechanic you'd find in Pathfinder (or most RPGs I've played) that I can see why it would feel weird...but I have to say I love it. Stalwart, thanks for framing how we should expect others' (and our own) MoTs, and I look forward to more characters getting their own.

Ness (despite the sting in her rear end) grins ear to ear when she sees Kayla regain--and then grow way beyond--her former strength.

"Yeah! GO! GO! GO! GO!!"

When Kayla drops Dread in front of Ness, Bear growls and bears her teeth, while Ness aims her bow at Dread threateningly.

"Don't even think of trying anything!"

Defend+bear: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 1 = 10 +1 team

Riding on the back of a three-headed dog the size of a bison, Gallowglass appears.

"Praetoria, it's really you!!...and there's Dread!!

"Cerberus SIC HER!"

GG points Cerberus at Dread, and leaps off his back as the enormous three-headed hellhound lopes at her, slobbering and growling.

As she lands, she sees Kayla setting her up for the perfect shot, so she lets loose a bola arrow at the Erinyes that's assailing her long-lost friend.

Directly Engage: 2d6 - 1 ⇒ (1, 4) - 1 = 4 Oh dear. Maybe Ness needs to leave the Engaging to others. Not sure how that interracts with "create an opening"...but I suspect something painful's coming Ness' way.

Ness--unsure which to follow--decides, What the heck? Lets go toward the growl. Maybe that's Dread?

She scratches Cerberus behind his ear, and points to the left.

"Let's do this!"

Gallowglass pets the massive, three-headed, mythic dog.

"Good boy, Cerberus. Do you know how to get up to Dread and Praetoria?

"You do? Do you mind if I ride you?"

If Cerberus is willing, Gallowglass hops on his back and hold on tight (the spear still her hand).

"OK Cerberus, fetch!!"

Gallowglass gasps as she sees the spear in it's foot. "Oh, you poor thing, who did this to you?"

She steps forward slowly and then pulls it out, examining it.

She also--in the fading light of her arrow--looks around to try to assess if she can better help Kayla from in here or back outside.

Assess: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (1, 5) + 2 = 8 +1 if there's something there that Bear could help her assess...not really sure in this case.

Hmmm, just realized that I rolled a 9, not a 10 (since I forgot my Mundane is only +1 currently)

Ness's heart leaps into her throat. "Ulp!"

That's totally Cerberus, isn't it? Like, The Real Live guardian of Hades?

Trying to project a calm she doesn't feel, Gallowglass says "Gooooood doooooggie...friendly doggie..." in a low, slow voice, and throws one of Bear's treats at its feet.

Comfort+bear: 2d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3, 4) + 2 + 1 = 10

Ness sees Bear go charging in and hesitates only the briefest moment. "Here goes nothing!" she hollers.

As she runs into the building behind her beloved canine companion, she pulls on her mask, shrugs off her jacket to reach for her bow, and quickly looks left and right, wondering: what here can I use to help free Praetoria?

Assess+Bear: 2d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4, 1) + 2 + 1 = 8

Ness has an odd feeling in her stomach, as she goes out again with the Sentinels for the first time in more than a month.

She whispers to Bear with a mix of excitement and nervousness, "OK bud, here we go again..."

On the way to the Taenarum, she changes into her civvies (with her bow under her coat) and when they arrive, she says, "Give Bear and I a chance to sniff things out on the ground, casual-style, while Isaiah and Psyche do their scans."

She ducks out and starts what she hopes is a casual-seeming walk around the building.

We're just a regular woman walking a regular dog on a regular night, right? Nothing anyone should care about...

Straight. Up. Creepin': 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (3, 2) + 1 = 6 Whoops! "On a miss, you find yourself in over your head. The GM will tell you why this is a bad spot."
.
If only Praetoria hadn't shifted my Mundane down one! ;-)

Psyche, good to know that the change isn't meant to be visible.

I got a different impression from Stalwart (maybe my mistake). At any rate, I'll just play it off as concern about her. Ness is pretty good at reading folks.

Ness cocks her head at Psyche and thinks back at her: "Of course we want to go right away...but are you really OK, yourself?

"I don't know what it is but...if there's anything going on, you can talk about it."

Bear comes over and nuzzles up against her leg.

Comfort+Bear: 2d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4, 4) + 1 + 1 = 10 On a hit, they hear you: they mark potential, clear a condition, or shift Labels if they open up to you. On a 10+, you can also add a Team to the pool or clear a condition yourself.

Ness brightens to see Isaiah, Rory, and..."Psyche? Is that you? What happened?

"I'm..." she bites her lip, clearly torn about something. "I've worked my way into a spot within InfiniCorp where I might really be able to uncover more of what they're up to. At least I think so. I don't want to risk my cover...but if Praetoria's in danger, I think I have to help.

"At the very least, Bear and I can hang around the outskirts tonight, and see if we see anyone coming or going."

There's a knock, and the security camera reveal Gallowglass standing at the door (and Bear at her side).

Slipping in, she says, "Hi, good to see you! Is Praetoria really missing?? I watched the whole alien fight on Youtube. Do you have any idea where she is now? I've been trying not to break cover at InfiniCorp, but I felt like I had to, with all of this going on...plus I think I might've learned something useful.

"As I dug into the records, I see that the strange orders and renovations have almost always come from InfiniCorp subsidiaries, and...well there's been a flurry of activity since Praetoria has gone missing. I don't know if it means anything...but if it could help to get her back...well, I had to risk coming by again!!"

With a whisper, Gallowglass says to Holly, "Psst, Mosaic, it's been great to see you all...but I'm trying to keep a real low profile right now. I only put on my costume because I heard sounds of trouble. I should disappear before the police get here.

"With luck, it won't be too long til my undercover gig bears fruit."

With a hug, she adds, "Great to see you though!"

Bear gives Frostbite and Scorch a friendly lick, and then the duo duck out.

Ness continues mopping up the rest of the thugs. As she does, she turns casually to the Sentinels.

"Nice to see you guys! I've missed you." ...and then fires another arrow, knocking a heavy light fixture down on a fleeing thug.

Assume we're past needing to roll, but happy to if I misunderstood your post.

Seeing the Sphere turn toward Mosaic, Gallowglass tries to shoot it out of the sky before it can harm her friend.

Whole she does, Bear keeps watch before her.

2d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 3) + 3 = 10 +1 Team

"What's that, Bear? Rory's fallen down a well?!? You hear weapon-fire?"

Ness hesitates only the merest moment. I don't want to risk my cover with Infini-Corp right now...but how can I stand back if innocents might get hurt?

She quickly tucks her street clothes in her purse, and follows Bear toward the sounds of conflict, arriving just in time to see Frostbite, Scorch, and Mosaic engaged with some criminals.

Gallowglass sees Rory charge headlong into a group of thugs, and realizes he doesn't notice the guy with a gun right behind him. At the same moment she sees Scorch running toward a van, and realizes she's about to get a car door slammed shut on her hands--hard!

She draws two concussive arrows and fires.

"Look sharp, Frostbite!" she hollers, shooting the gun right out of the thug's hand, leaving Frostbite free to do what he does best.

+1 Team to Frostbite, getting his engage to 7

The second arrow smashes into the van's sliding door mechanism, attempting to jam it open so it won't smash Scorch's hand.

Defend: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 1) + 3 = 6 ...and of course I'm just bringing more low rolls to the table...unless someone's got a Team for this one. ;-)

hopping on r20...

/me sits here, feeling bad that the Great Team Player is fading away.

Deep cover definitely opens up more possibilities than anything else!

Thanks for all the kinds words.

...And it sounds like Gallowglass will live!

Stalwart, what do you think about her becoming a Halcyon City NPC, presumably in partnership with at least one other hero? Any suggestions as to who?

(And yeah, I hate seeing folks fade away. Even if I have to exit a campaign, I like to exit well.)

I want to be true to her, which means she doesn't just give up or develop other interests.

I'm 100% fine with her becoming an NPC on a different team. I'm also 100% fine with her dying heroically.

Hey gang, with great sadness, I'm going to have to leave this campaign.

I'm bummed because this is an AWESOME game...but it's just not one I'm able to keep up with. I'm just finding I can never catch up for more than a few hours.

I think it's the combo of how RP-rich it is (which is cool) and that we have an 8-player party with lots of great activity (which is rare, and awesome). The combo of them though means I can't imagine keeping up.

It's especially true because Gallowglass is someone who, really, should be in the thick of the downtime conversations: she's gregarious, a good listener, meant to be some of the social glue. Instead she's turning out to mostly hide in her room (or sit quietly in the corner) since I can't keep up. :(

NOTE, you all (Stalwart as DM and the rest of yall as players) have been great with me: I've never felt external pressure, and in fact several of you've tried ways to work me in later...but I think that my level of involvement in this game just won't be satisfying.

So...WHAT'S NEXT? Once we decide what's next for her, I'm happy to help RP the transition. I've been thinking about this. Some options:

a) She gets an offer to partner up with an established hero she's really into, and so continues to be a hero in Halcyon City...but as an NPC, and not as a Sentinel.

b) She gets killed in the line of duty (hopefully while making a successful dramatic sacrifice). This gives a darker RP opportunity to the party.

I'd rather not have her decide she's not up for it and retire on her own...that's just not who she is.

Thoughts? Other suggestions?

Are you sure you're reading that right? I thought you'd get a consensus (or majority vote) on subtracting 0 to 3 from your roll. In that case, you got a 10+ (even if we were thumbs down to all three Qs).

But I guess Stalwart can clarify.

I'd guess YYN

On the beach, Ness was a bit scarce. She'd come out for a few minutes at a time to swim but then hustle back under the veranda.

When pressed she replied "Do you SEE my complexion? I love swimming but the sun is my kryptonite. Yes, I've tried every SPF out there.I TrustI'd be better off sharing with Torch then lying out there."

In Rome

Rome was an entirely different story. As the Pegasus neared land she was positively bouncing with excitement.

Seeing others coupling up, she grabbed Isaiah and Holly by the arms and declared, "Ok, we're Team Low Drama today. Ready to go explore one of the Greatest Cities of All Time? I want to check out the Forum, the Baths of Caracalla, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. You?"

Catch-up RP: Truth Or Dare

When Mattie texts Praetoria's contact...seconds later Ness's phone buzzes. She looks at the text, cracks up, and then says, "Uhhhh, look gang. I have a Truth I need to get out there.

"All of you've been very open with the team about your real names. I know some of you don't even have secret identities. I just...I'm really nervous about my family. I don't want them ending up in the crosshairs because I piss off some villain."

She gives an awkward glance to Kayla. "I'm going to work hard to keep my identity secret, for my family's sake. I really need your help with it, OK? That said, you're risking your lives for me and I totally trust you with this. My real name is Ness MacDonnell. My mom's a professor at Halcyon U, out in the 'burbs."

Smiling at Mattie and Kayla, she adds, "If that means Mattie gets to text another of Kayla's contacts, that's your call."

Catch-up RP: text exchange with Kayla before the trip

PRATORIA
“Hey. I know you've been busy with stuff at home. But we are planning a trip for a week. Would love it if you could go!”

GALLOWGLASS
Trip, like a road trip? sure i'm in. sorry, i had an interview for a temp agency that places some of the security for infinicorp, and then my mom needed help getting ready for a big party. work thing for the U
how you holding up?????

PRATORIA
“Okay. Feels weird being so...I dunno. Vulnerable. But not a road trip. We’ll be flying. And I’m still not wild about this undercover thing you are planning...”

GALLOWGLASS
IT'LL BE FINE! relax, I'm a PRO LOLOLOL

PRATORIA
“Lol. Yeah you are. Makes me jealous sometimes.”
glad yr feeling a bit better anyway. are you sure you wanna leave town now? I hate to ask, but what if Dread does something sick with yr powers??

GALLOWGLASS
and RIGHT I make YOU jealous.

PRATORIA
“Nothing I can do about it if she does. I’d just be at risk of losing what I have left. And time away will give me time to maybe recover some.”
“Buuuuut there is something about the trip you need to be aware of...

GALLOWGLASS
K???

PRATORIA
“Tan lines. Like, tan lines in weird places...like your face...from a mask...”
“You are the only one on the team who hasn’t told everyone who you are. And I get it. I just...I feel weird being the only one on the team you’ve told. Honored, but it’s a lot of pressure...”

GALLOWGLASS
hmmmmmmmmm

PRATORIA
“FYI, Psyche probably knows anyway...”

GALLOWGLASS
its not that i dont trust them...but what happens if villains come to assault my folks cuz theyre mad at me? they live in a real house not some fancy tower
OMG sorry i know your folks are missing
that wsnt how i meant it

PRATORIA
“...yeah. I get it. Just...when you get back you are gonna have a hard time hiding those tan lines. That’s what I’m concerned about. Harder to explain a mask tan line than it is to explain the need for secrecy to your team.”

GALLOWGLASS
i think yr right

PRATORIA
“Your call though. Don’t want YOUR parents to go missing too.”

GALLOWGLASS
really really sorry i said that. you know i'm doing everything i can to help find your folks

PRATORIA
“Sorry...that was rude. It’s...a touchy subject. Especially with Grammie and now Dr D.”

GALLOWGLASS
so where we flying anyway? it's one thing if the team sees my face. if paparazzi see me maskless with yall then EEEEEEVERYONE knows me
I mean, unless they decide I'm too goofy and weak to care bout writing about

PRATORIA
“My families private island in the Caribbean. We call it The Retreat. Nobody but us and the staff (who have been vetted with background checks and professionalism and their ability to keep secrets). No one who has visited with my folks there have had any pictures posted or ID’s revealed from going there.

GALLOWGLASS
!!!!!!!!
u cant be real

PRATORIA
Gift from...my parents on my birthday this year. Better now than never, right?

GALLOWGLASS
OK NO F'N WAY MASK LINES KEEP ME FROM COMING THERE!!!!

PRATORIA
“Well...that’s a bit forward...”
“;-P”

GALLOWGLASS
LOL
k mom needs my help making dip. I'll grab my suit while I'm here. later!

Gallowglass shakes her head at Holly's question. "It's tough for me to explain too.

"How're you? Seems like you got a nasty knock too!"

Seeing Psyche in the clutches of a Kraken, Gallowglass shoots three arrows in quick succession into the tentacle that's clutching her, attempting to get it to let go.

Waving (and with Bear woofing) she hollers "Psyche, it's Bear and Frostbite and me. The ship's on fire! Jump about our longboat!"

defend: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 3) + 2 = 10 Add +1 team to pool

Ha, I'm glad I'm not the only one getting lost here!

With eight PCs and multiple scenes and timelines going, this is a glorious game...and a tough one to keep up with.

That said, I got to do a bit of retroactive RP with Praetoria earlier. We did it over chat, and I'll post it once combat's over since I don't want to complicate things even further.

"Rory, noooo!! You were sooo close to a much better idea!"

Gallowglass and Bear work together, launching one of the longboats the pirates rowed to shore. As she rows past Rory she hollers, "Climb in. We'll get there faster if we row together."

Assuming Rory climbs on board, Bear will nuzzle up to the sopping hero.

From the boat, Ness sees the flames starting to spread on the pirate ship and hollers, "We're coming for ya, in case it's getting a little hot over there."

Will all the failed rolls (and waay to low for me to fix'm, even with +2 team) I think GG's logical action may well be some sort of defend.

Stal, do you want to describe what happens (or starts to) here (or on R20, if we catch each other there) and then I'll see if I can find a way to help out.

Gallowglass shakes her head, agreeing with Frostbite. "Totally not awesome, and they need us.

"Do you think you could freeze us a bridge out there? Maybe we could use it to evacuate our friends?"

Gallowglass sighs as she and Frostbite manage to take down the undead pirates. "Nice work, Frosty!

"And Scorch, are you feeling okay again?"

Gallowglass looks out at the spectral-mana-vantablack swirl on the waters and scratches her head. "Now what can we do about that, Bear? Any ideas?"

2d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5, 3) + 2 + 1 = 11 -1 if Bear can't reasonably help here...but it looks like the same result either way.
.
Asking: how could we end this quickly? What can I use here to help save my friends?

"Rory, thanks for getting me outta that thing!

"Mattie, that's right! It's Bear! And me, and all the Sentinels. And you're a friggin' superhero who doesn't need to run away right now! And I think you want me to follow you but I don't speak Portuguese. And--oh crap, lemme deal with this--"

She turns to shoot at one of the pirates advancing toward Rory. Not sure what'll help, she uses a regular arrow, aiming right for the head, since she's pretty sure these things are already dead.

Engage pirates: 2d6 - 1 ⇒ (4, 6) - 1 = 9 Create an opening for Rory

Sigh.

I'm not dead, and I think this campaign is full of some amazing energy.

To be honest, the energy both makes me want to make this work..and makes me wonder if I'll ever be able to keep up with it.

(I've been a bit slow to keep up in my other games...but this one's turning out to be significantly harder than the others because there's always sooooo much more to catch up on.) ;-)

I'm going to keep trying for now since I'm still excited...but I'm not sure if I can match this group's amazing pace...and Ness isn't really supposed to be someone who just disappears (or fails to interract) for long stretches. We'll see.

In the meantime, thanks again for your understanding.

Gallowglass looks at the ghost ship and wonders, What could *I* do that could affect THAT?

She doesn't have long to ponder it though as she sees Mattie is still confused and is now running off.

She and Bear leap over a weathered wooden gate to cut her off.

Gallowglass wraps puts a hand on each of Mattie's shoulders and says, "Mattie, stop, breathe, take a look around. It's me, and your brother...and Bear!"

On cue, the lovable Aussie jumps up to lick her face.

Support: 2d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3, 4) + 1 + 1 = 9

As her teammates argued, Ness found herself torn. Finally she realized what she wanted to say.

Finding Shin at a moment after much of the heat had past, she puts her hand on his arm and says (gently, and trying not to attract too much attention from others), "Shin, I like that you believe in Hoshiko's offer to redeem herself. There's so much potential in all of us, no matter what! And it sure has happened before--just think of how Darkblade turned herself around, and all the good she does nowadays!

"Anyway...what I'm really trying to say is that you have my 100% promise to treat her with respect, and to be open to her changing...but I hope you'll be a little bit cautious too. Does that make sense? I'll be open to her redemption...and you be cautious enough to acknowledge the possibility that she may not be all the way there, until she's really proven it beyond a doubt. Deal?"

"Bear, out!" Gallowglass shouts, as she ducks and weaves through the falling debris.

They make it out moments before the roof collapses.

Looking over, she sees Isaiah offering Salamander a chance to surrender.

She nocks an arrow, aims for the fiery villain, and waits for his response.

Gallowglass's eyes go wide as Airfoil's grenade comes rolling toward her. She sighs visibly when Isaiah intercepts it...and looks around to consider how she can best help.

Realizing Praetoria has got Attraction off guard--and not wanting to let it go to waste--she shoots a concussion arrow, aiming right for her back as she rolls to a stop on the floor.

Stalwart, not sure what Praetoria's "creates an opportunity" does here. Does it preclude me needing to roll? In case it doesn't...

Engage: 2d6 - 1 ⇒ (3, 4) - 1 = 6 Ooops! I guess we'll see if I needed to roll or not..., and how it plays out ;-)

I'll post tonight. Stalwart, is you see this before I post, it'd be great to have you rule on Isaiah's post. In particular, did he successfully protect me from the grenade?

Thanks

Frostbite, I asked the same Q upthread and Stalwart confirmed you can take it now (or save it for a more thematic moment, if you prefer).

Posted my catch-up + current panel.

I chose another Beacon move:
□ Won't Let You Down:
When you help a teammate, you can spend 2 out of the team pool to add +2 to their roll.

I was wondering, do we know where Attraction is?