HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
Parker turns to Aebin. "What do you think about exploring for a couple hours? We can use this place as a base for the time being, as it appears relatively safe. We can poke around the area for a bit and get back before darkness falls. Maybe we can find a town or something."
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
Knowledge(local or geography) to determine if I recognize this place: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Parker looks around at the strange place. "Well, we have shelter here but no long-term supplies. I don't know about you, but those woods look pretty intimidating." What time of day does it appear to be? Anyone with ranks in Survival can automatically determine North, so we should be able to estimate the time based on the sun's position in the sky.
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
I probably should have asked this earlier, but can we get more specifics on the door? Does it open outward or inward (what side are the hinges on)? What material is it made of? Does it have a latch or handle? What about a keyhole or some other opening? Is the bottom flush with the floor, or is there a small gap that I could peer through? My previous Perception result was a 17 (or 24 if taking 20 is allowed).
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
"This is definitely the door mechanism. Let's go through the possible patterns...." We'll push down the pegs in the following orders. After all three pegs are down, we'll return them to the raised position before attempting the next set. Unless the correct combination involves simultaneous peg presses, these should be the only possible options. 1. white, grey, black
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
Parker detects magic over the area. Then, (assuming there are no auras) he'll give the pegs a closer look. Disable Device: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
I completely understand. February was that month for me, but things are slowly settling down. Once everyone's up, Parker and the Reverie carefully examine the door. Knowledge to identify the monster carving: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
If possible, we'll take20 on Perception for a total of 24
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
"Well, it looks like the only way out is up. My buddy here can carry us up, but you'll have to lose the armor first. I'll ride up while you get yourself ready, unless you have a better idea." If there's no objection, I'll ride the Reverie to the other room (should be medium encumbrance). Then the Reverie will carry up Aebin's armor, followed by Aebin himself.
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
"Nothing with fire, but my friend should be able to carry us up to that crack up top. How much do you weigh?" As he speaks, Parker signals the Reverie to fly to the crack and take a quick look around for potential threats. After all, they'll have to travel one-at-a-time and will be quite vulnerable.
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
How big is the crack? Could a medium-sized creature fit through it? "See if there's anything at ground level. Point out anything of possible interest - especially doors, windows, rope, or ladders."
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
"Okay, let me try something..." Parker concentrates for a minute, and a winged monkey beast with unnaturally-long forearms (looks kind of like the flying monkeys from Oz) materializes into being. "Hey there, buddy! Would you mind doing a little exploring for me? See if you can find a way for us to get out of here." The beast flies through the cage bars and begins to look around. Summoning my Reverie. If possible, it'll take20 on Perception for a 24.
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
"Well that's just lovely. I'd had plans for today, but I guess that's won't be happening now. I'm called Parker, by the way. Terrence Parker." He extends a hand. Can you give us some info about the cage? Size, material, height, visible doors, etc.
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
Terrence chuckles. "Well, if you won't do it, I guess I will." He pinches his arm and waits for himself to wake up. When nothing happens, he tries again, harder this time. Then he slaps himself in the face. Terrence's demeanor has completely changed, and he appears borderline panicked now. "You mean this is reality? Gods, what happened? I was dreaming I was in some kind of birdcage, then a giant appeared and shrank down to my size. Did that actually happen, or have I gone crazy?"
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
Terrence slowly blinks himself awake. I just had the strangest dream. Trapped in a birdcage, and then a giant picked me up... Woah! That's the guy from my dream! "Hey there, stranger! Would you mind pinching me?" Terrence's voice is calm and playful.
Yes, feedback is appreciated. @Tiasar, since it's just us at the moment, is there anything you'd like me to change with my character? I know he's a rather selfish Bard build, but I figured the enhanced survivability/trapfinding was more important than party buffing for this campaign. If that's an issue for you, I can lose the archetype. :-)
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
this guy doesn't make sense...what's really going on... Parker's figuring out how to respond when Lady Yuki enters the room. Seeing Zachary's left himself vulnerable, he goes for the wallet - hoping to figure out more of this guy's story. Pickpocket roll. Added +1 for crowded area. Does the distraction get me anything?
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
"Well, Zachary, it's nice to make your acquaintance. If it's a degree you're after, have you considered an online correspondence course of some sort? I hear some of them are quite good, and it's a decent way to get your foot in the door if you're looking for a practice of your own. Besides, there's a preponderance of people who don't care about certificates and whatnot as long as you know what you're doing. Any reason you're having difficulties - if that isn't too personal of a question?"
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
Parker takes a closer look at the familiar faces. where've I seen them before?
Redoing that discreet weapon check
"Well, whatever's about to happen, it must be important. There's a lot of higher-ups here by the looks of it." He extends his hand and offers a handshake. "My name's Stephen, by the way. And you are...?" I'm giving him my working name. Only a few people know my actual identity. Is this all right, or do I need to pick up the Second Identity merit? Also, does he have a number on his hand? And his mien?
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
Int + Politics: 3d10 ⇒ (2, 8, 1) = 11 1sux; do I recognize anyone? Parker whispers back to the creeper, "You're asking the wrong guy: they didn't even tell me there was a meeting tonight. Just found out like 20 minutes ago, so yeah, you probably know more than I do. Did I miss anything?" Noticing the scalpels, Parker unobtrusively checks to make sure his knife's close at hand. Stealth+Composure: 8d10 ⇒ (8, 7, 10, 8, 7, 6, 7, 2) = 55 Explosion: 1d10 ⇒ 2 3sux Am I rolling the right things? Feel free to edit or whatever if I'm using the wrong skills.
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
Parker wakes up to the sound of his phone buzzing. 9:15? Who would call at this ungodly hour? Figures...it's Amy...a meeting...meet her when?...s@@*! Text to Amy wrote: I'll get there as quick as I can. Might be a few minutes late. He throws on some clothes, hops on his motorcycle, and rushes to meet Amy. Arriving around 9:35-9:40, he (assuming she's still waiting for him) parks his cycle and asks, "I hope I am not too late - and yet the gentleman."
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
After being dropped off, Terrence skulks around the local funeral home for a while, feeding off the mourners' sorrow. Glamour Roll (composure + nothing): 3d10 ⇒ (8, 5, 4) = 17 1sux
He then goes home, checks his email one last time, and goes to sleep.
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
For awarding XP, I'm in favor of an equal split, but it's really whatever's easiest for you. Concerning the split party, I have to echo Amy's thoughts. Basically nothing's happened with our characters for something like a month real-time, and I feel quite out of the loop. While individual stuff's great and necessary on occasion, putting everyone together gives us more opportunities to interact.
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
@Amy/GM: "I live about a half hour from here, but I think there's a bus stop pretty close by if you don't want to drive that far." why's she crying? "Um..., is everything all right?"
No way for me to harvest Amy's sadness, is there? ;-) Was my meeting with REDKING tonight or tomorrow?
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
Okay, so I'm wanting to harvest someone's sorrow, then? Still not sure how to go about doing that. Eavesdropping on sad people or something? I'm just not sure how the whole thing works from a mechanical standpoint.
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
@GM/Amy: great, she's started crying again...what did I do this time...man, this girl is strange...
All right, let's go. I really appreciate the ride, by the way. Maybe we could meet up before the thing tomorrow? Give us a chance to compare notes if anything happens overnight. Plus," he gives a small smile, "it's been good working with you. Better than I'd expected, actually. It's always fun learning new things. Shall we be off? After you, milady." His tone is light as he gives a decent attempt at a courtly bow and indicates the door. maybe if i keep things light, she'll perk back up...actually kind of pleasant when she's not being so g~!$%! depressing...
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
GM/Amy: Parker stands up and stretches. "Well, it looks like everything's set up security-wise. Even if an outsider finds it, nobody's getting through your new security measures. We make a good team. Anyway, I've picked up a few leads regarding tomorrow's meeting that I need to follow up on. Would you mind dropping me off at a bus stop so I can get home?" wonder what REDKING wants....
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
@GM/Amy: "So, I've been doing some digging while you've been shoring up our security. That meeting tonight? Word on the street is it'll cover Summer stuff and might get into that group that's coming into town that I'll be shadowing. We going?"
As he talks, Parker replies to REDKING's email: interested but busy with another project at the moment. send me the information via the usual method and i'll see what i can do.
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
@GM/Amy: While Amy goes about adding more layers of security, Parker browses various messageboards looking for any hints concerning the upcoming Winter meeting.
Int+Investigation (+2 for using computer): 6d10 ⇒ (3, 10, 4, 2, 1, 6) = 26
He looks up at Amy's excited shouting and checks out her coding. "Hey, nice going. Not sure why I didn't think to add that. We make a good team."
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
@GM/Amy: "Well, he wasn't exactly good..." Parker's voice trails off as the rush of memories momentarily overwhelms him. After a minute, he shakes his head slightly. "My time wasn't anything close to being all s*&+s and giggles, but it looks like yours was pretty bad too. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to; I know how hard it is to relive the experience."
back in the computer lab of awesomeness... okay, Parker, home stretch...let's finish strong... Parker's fingers fly as he resumes coding. He's clearly 'in the zone'. After a while, he leans back and grins. "I think we might be done...." Comp+Int: 4d10 ⇒ (7, 10, 10, 10) = 37 My God! Explosion: 3d10 ⇒ (7, 4, 7) = 18 So, 12 successes total
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
@GM/Amy: Parker glares at Amy's back, "Why would you - " hold on Parker...she's just making conversation...probably not an insult...there's no agenda...great, her hands are shaking...she's about to start crying again...sigh...
He resumes speaking in a calm voice. "No, it's all right. I've always had a hard life. Went willingly into the hedge. Learned a lot there - really enhanced my natural talents. Got sick of it after a while, though, so I left. Not hard to do, really, when you're as good as hiding as I am." Parker grins proudly. "Once I got out, I knew I couldn't go back to my old life, so I worked hard to better myself. Don't have a fancy diploma, but I am educated! People think I'm just some common street thug, but I'm so much more than that! After all, 'learning is but an adjunct to ourself, and where we are, learning likewise is'. I was really good before, and Faerie just made me better! Sometimes I miss it, but then I get a call from some Courtier wanting me to spy on some politician or swipe some blackmail material, and I remember just how nasty things can get." He pauses. great, Parker, you're talking too much...she seems harmless enough, but you never know, do you?..quick, change the subject... "But nevermind all that. What's your deal? Your contact info stunt was rather interesting. What else did you learn?" Mien Update: Parker's facial features have gradually become softer and more feminine over the last few hours. His hair's also slightly longer and darker. And the lines of his face kind of almost look like creases and folds of a piece of paper. Nothing particularly noticeable unless someone really studies him. @GM: Thanks, it's been updated.
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
@GM/Amy:
Amy's unsuccessful hack attempt pleases Parker. did she just compliment me? probably best to go along with it... "Thanks," Parker smiles, "Qubes is a fun system to work with." whew! i didn't screw up...maybe she's starting to respect me a little bit...most thieves are stupid, but i'm not like them...gotta make sure people realize that...
At Amy's offer of more food, he nods. "I'll have whatever you're having. Coding's hungry work! And if you don't mind the company, I could use another break." but we just ate a couple hours ago?...is she seriously hungry again?...well, i should probably go along with it...need to stay on her good side, and i really don't want to have to deal with her breaking down again...God! she's a strange one... @GM: So, I'm starting to realize that Parker's vice might actually be Pride. In his mind, he's intelligent, well-read, and extremely skilled at what he does. Much better than your average street rat. And he got this way all by himself! Worked his way up the criminal ranks, entered the Hedge to better himself, escaped to back here when he'd learned all he needed. Yeah, he's a pretty amazing person. So why don't people realize this about him??? ;-) Is it just a simple change on his character sheet, or is there some kind of in-game cost involved?
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
@GM/Amy: what's going on? things were going so well...i hope she doesn't start crying...i never know what to do when that happens...$#!t...think Parker! do something!
At Amy's sniffles, Parker stops typing and looks at her. "I'm good for right now; the sandwich filled me up. Thanks again. If you have a minute, could you check on my coding? I want to make sure what I'm doing works the way I think it does. You're more familiar with the system than I am, so I could really use your advice."
HP x/x | AC 10; T 10 FF 10; CMD 10 | Fort: +0; Ref: +0; Will: +0 | Init: +0; Perc: +0 Soaring Blade Armorist 1//Unseen Horror Thaumaturge 1
@GM/Amy: "Thanks for the snack!" After finishing his (hopefully) delicious sandwich, Parker returns to work. Now that the basic framework has been completed, he focuses on making the cloud hidden. Revitalized by the snack, he works quickly and makes major headway.
Int+Comp: 4d10 ⇒ (10, 9, 9, 4) = 32Explosion: 1d10 ⇒ 1 brings us up to 6 successes total
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