Rifts Adventure IC

[Psychie]

Initiative roll for Terra

Total of 19

 

[Silanon]

Shaona, technowizard

And there it is - the storm after just a few calm moments, as if a fricking dragon is not enough for a day. Bad news, shown by the cyborg's drones, followed by heated words as diverse minds collide. The slayer - so bloody sure of himself and the values he stands for, too proud to listen to the others' words. The smuggler - trusting his long-trained instincts to avoid a danger when there's a chance. Just a moment ago, he was mindful enough to offer his coat to Kimberly - now, with a demon-threat instead of the cold wind to deal with, he certainly shows less effort to help. The blind warrior herself - certainly more aware of her surrounding than some who have proper eyesight from what Shaona just heard and, more importantly, saw - is quick to disagree with him, perhaps as thoughtful, but certainly as confident in her own take on the situation. And lastly, Terra; first cautious of this mission's success, then slowly convinced to follow her kin into battle, if only to have his back.

The techno-wizard watches silently, calmly expecting the impending outcome: One storms off, followed by two others, the last one retreats to safety - a single word escapes her lips. "Damn." They're all right, to some degree: There's danger, there's demons, and there's the actual mission. The first points once were avoidable - not any longer, with the others gone. The last one, the mission - there's little hope to succeed if the three out there do not return. Fools. And yet, she can't blame them. It's what feels right, isn't it? If the mission fails by just a few hours, it was meant to fail to begin with. She makes a few steps forward, follows Trent far enough to knock against the hatch. "They're on their way, the three of them." Perhaps, he still listens to the radio, who knows. "And fricking hell, they're your team on your mission, and you know damn well that there's not another slayer on your list of contacts." That's all there is to say, for now. Maybe, those people aren't innocent. Maybe, this is a stupidity that'll cost some people dearly, likely even herself. It's too late to think about that for now. She leaves, hurries back to the trailer where this entire mess began. Her hands grab the cover of one of the crates that once contained the drones, she gives Blake a short, apologetical look. Then, the sound of Shaona's boots can be heard as she begins to run, gathering speed with each step. Fricking hell, indeed. She jumps over the rail, and quickly rises once more as magic-soaked air leaves through the filters of her armor - carrying the improvised airboard underneath her feet. The others have a head start and move quicker as well - so be it. She won't stay back out of fear for the second time today.

Spoiler: Spells&Stuff

Casting Fly on the crate cover to improvise an air vehicle and follow the others. If I'm not mistaken, I'm a tad slower than Terra, though I don't know if the additional weight changes that. Either way, I'd like to roll initiative.

 

[Sherwood]

Current initiative order:

19 - Terra
8 - Shaona

 

[Epiphany]

Kimberly Finn​

Kimberly flies with Terra, grimly awaiting the battle to come. The conflict with Trent is unfortunate, perhaps unavoidable, and undoubtedly good to get out of the way now, before the team reaches Atlantis. Once they're on the continent, there will be no more room or time for surprises.

As they fly, Kimberly holds her sword in one hand and her shield in the other. One begins to gleam with a silver light, the other golden, as the instinctive magics of the Mystic Knights ready both objects of warfare for war. She hears Terra's orders, notes Shaona pursuing them at the edge of her senses, and waits patiently for land to come in sight. With a quarter of a mile sensory range, she's essentially flying blind here, in the hands of someone she's known for all of a day or two. Not ideal circumstances. But they'd already shed blood together. Another battle would further tighten the bonds of camaraderie. And hopefully save lives in the process.

And when they approach a target close enough for Kimberly to see, she calls out to Terra. "Drop me amongst them, or even on top of one. Most species never expect an attack from above."

Status

Location: The River Walker
Active Effects: Targeted Deflection, Battle Fury
MDC:

Head/Helmet: 60​

Arms: 42 each​

Legs: 66 each​

Main Body: 100​

Battle Fury MDC: 100​

PPE: 57 / 112
ISP: 140 / 140

 

[Sherwood]

Current initiative order:

Still need rolls from Purr and DraconianWarrior

26 - Kimberly
19 - Terra
8 - Shaona

 

[Purr]

Gradicus the Red Edge
Atlantean Undead Slayer​

Spoiler: Mood Music

"Times Like These" by Foo Fighters

Partial lyrics:
"I, I'm a new day rising
I'm a brand new sky
To hang the stars upon tonight
I am a little divided
Do I stay or run away
And leave it all behind?

"It's times like these you learn to live again
It's times like these you give and give again
It's times like these you learn to love again
It's times like these time and time again"

As Gradicus neared the town-become-battlefield, he prepared. Sparky would be his usual helpful self, but Glitch? Gradicus reached towards the Glinthawk tattoo and hesitated. That nutty avian would likely do what was required but what foolish or embarrassing action would he add to it? Glitch, after all, was aptly named for a metallic bird.

Remembering well his limit of six active tattoos, Gradicus called Sparky and Glitch forth. The magical tattoo-creatures came alive, literally leaping out of his skin. They turned to him, Glitch flapping in his wacky manner, Sparky casually cleaning himself before turning his attention to the Atlantean. "All right, you two," he ordered in a friendly manner. "This time, we've a town full of people and at least half a dozen demons trying to eat them all. Can you work together and guide the people to safety?" Glitch nodded emphatically but Sparky rolled his metallic self onto his back and looked at Gradicus. "You get belly-rubs after you've earned them! Go and travel safely!" Gradicus watched the crafty cat and the oversized-hawk-with-the-brain-of-a-parrot move off into the town.

Spoiler: Glitch and Sparky

(Image credit: Horizon Zero Dawn Wiki Fandom)

(Image credit: Horizon Zero Dawn Wiki Fandom)

Then he heard a familiar voice, not with his ears, but with his very mind!

Using her spell of Distant Voice, she calls out to Gradicus. "I've got Kimberly, and we are heading to intercept the three demons in town. At a guess, the others are being taken care of by the horsemen and the powered suit out there."

What? he thought in reply, his mental voice sounding genuinely surprised. You two are coming after all? Fantastic! We shall meet you with the trio! Unfortunately, Gradicus did not think to mention who "we" was, so close was he to his animal tattoo-friends.

He activated his Blind Warrior Talisman for the second time that day, drew Summertime, and launched himself in the direction of the three demons and the villagers they were attempting to prey upon.

Image credit: Atlantean by Chuck Walton)

STATUS

Location: On the water with the River Walker
Statblock: Self-M.D.C. (242/242) Self-P.P.E. (124/204). Blazing Comet M.D.C. (20/20). Talisman (100/100 M.D. 1/3 daily uses remaining).

 

[Sherwood]

Epiphany is up, along with Psychie

Initiative order:

26 - Kimberly <====
19 - Terra <====
17 - demon 1
12 - demon 2
8 - Shaona
6 - demon 3
4 - Gradicus

Once DraconianWarrior makes his roll, I'll add him to the fight

 

[Psychie]

When Kimberly tells her to use her as a living projectile, Terra smiles an evil grin. "Get ready for a rough landing! Here we go!" With that, she will do her best to drop the Blind Warrior Women on top of demon one. While she's at it, Terra will try to identify their opponents blow that she has a better look at them.

Spoiler

Activating my Tattoo of Flight for 20 PPE and Distant Voice for 10
Hit Points: 31
SDC: 125
PPE: 77 / 47

MDC: 135

Number of Attacks: 4
Strike: +8
Parry: +8
Dodge: +8
Roll: +9
Initiative: +3
Perception: +4, +1 vs Vampires and the Undead
Horror Factor: +4 to Save, +2 vs dragon
Critical Strike on a 19-20

 

[Sherwood]

While she is not a very aerodynamic projectile, Kimberly is at least cooperating as you try to drop her on top of the demon. Since the demon was not expecting a body to be dropped on his head, he is not defending himself against the unexpected attack.

Now that you have a better look at these three, Terra can tell that they are Broodkil demons; nasty bullies that have little in the way of magic or psy powers, but they can turn themselves invisible. They rarely fight to the death, and if it looks like they are losing, they will run.

Epiphany is up as you are dive bombing the demon.

26 - Kimberly <====
19 - Terra [1]
17 - demon 1
12 - demon 2
8 - Shaona
6 - demon 3
4 - Gradicus

 

[Epiphany]

Kimberly Finn​

Terra's warning is well received. Kimberly senses the demon well before the two come atop of it and she enjoys the momentarily feeling of vertigo as the Atlantean drops her, the sensation of weightlessness rather novel for someone who had never routinely been in the air. The Mystic Knight braces for impact, shield raised to minimize the hit to herself while her sword swings out, up and then down.

Status

Location: The River Walker
Active Effects: Targeted Deflection, Battle Fury
MDC:

Head/Helmet: 60​

Arms: 42 each​

Legs: 66 each​

Main Body: 100​

Battle Fury MDC: 100​

PPE: 57 / 112
ISP: 140 / 140

 

[Sherwood]

With a jarring impact, Kimberly slams into the demon and slices it good with her blade. The demon lets out a snarl of pain as its blood sprays out. It then levels off a nasty swing with its own vibro blade at Kimberly, and it will hit unless you dodge or parry.

Demon two raises up a energy rifle and fires off a burst at the Mystic Knight, not knowing that it won't hurt you at all.

Silanon is up and Epiphany has a defense to declare

26 - Kimberly [1]
19 - Terra [1]
17 - demon 1 [1]
12 - demon 2 [1]
8 - Shaona <====
6 - demon 3
4 - Gradicus

 

[Silanon]

Shaona, technowizard

The flight is shorter than expected - or perhaps her way of transportation helps Shaona pass the time. There is a distinct difference between a piece of scrap - one that tries to act like an aircraft thanks to her magic alone - and actual means of transport; most importantly, the latter get you safely from A to B, while the former seems inclined to toss you off its back at any moment. Oh well - sometimes, you have to work with what's available, and this is one of those moments. What matters is that her magic got her here, in the air right above the three demonic invaders, where she can watch the Atlantean Controller drop off her sword-wielding load of death.

Some part of her wishes to follow suit and drive her own knife through the next demon's hide - but she is not here to be the first casualty, rather the opposite, in fact. The left hand grabs the talisman around her neck, once more calling for its protection; around her, her armor comes to life to offer speed and its magical defenses. The right hand, however, carries what seems to be completely out of place - that little pocket distancer of hers, with an in-built laser to take the measurements. A light source, focused enough to blind a person; a suitable amplifier for the words she mumbles. For now, there is one ally on the ground, and a flash is the least of the knight's concerns; time to take advantage of that. "Eyes closed, y'all" is the only warning her allies get before a sudden eruption of blinding white light brightens the ground in-between the demons - hopefully catching them off-guard to weaken their senses for the upcoming fight.

Spoiler: Spell

Casting blinding light for 4 - save vs magic -1, otherwise blinded and -10 to strike, parry, dodge for 1-4 melee rounds, 10 ft radius.
Also activating armor of Ilthan, superhuman speed ont eh armor and the amulet.

Spoiler: Numbers

185 MDC protection
24 SDC
13 HP
61/92 PPE (+2D6 per level); recovery 4 per resting hour, 8 per meditation hour.
27 ISP (+1D4+1 per level)
12+ to save vs Psionics
+2 vs Horror
+2 vs possession&mind control
0 vs magic (+1 on level 3,7,10,13)
0 spell stregth (+1 on levels 4,8,12)
+3 Perception for machines&magic

4 Attacks
+2 Pull Punch
+1 to Strike with heavy weapons/vehicle weapons
+3 parry
+7 dodge
+3 roll with impact
Speed 44

with knives:
0 strike (+1 on 2, 4,7,10,13)
+1 parry (+1 on 3, 6,9,12)
+1 strike when thrown (+1 on 3,6,8,10,13)

1 activation of the talisman remaining.
Armor: Speed+Armor of Ilthan active, 10/50 ppe remaining

 

[Sherwood]

Demon 3 lets out an angry roar as Shaona fires off the Blinding Flash. In response, the monster raises up a wicked rifle and fires a burst at you. His aim, however, is very off target and he misses. You don't know if it was due to the spell or because I rolled a '3' to hit.

Purr is up, and Epiphany has a defense to declare

26 - Kimberly [1]
19 - Terra [1]
17 - demon 1 [1]
12 - demon 2 [1]
8 - Shaona [1]
6 - demon 3 [1]
4 - Gradicus <====

 

[Epiphany]

Kimberly Finn​

Landing in a spray of blood, the Mystic Knight braces her legs against the street as she senses the descending blade. Powered by supernaturally strong muscles, Kimberly is well aware she lacks the capacity to match the monster's raw strength. But her shield is mighty and, angled just so, it might save her life.

Status

Location: The River Walker
Active Effects: Targeted Deflection, Battle Fury
MDC:

Head/Helmet: 60​

Arms: 42 each​

Legs: 66 each​

Main Body: 100​

Battle Fury MDC: 100​

PPE: 57 / 112
ISP: 140 / 140

 

[DraconianWarrior]

Blake, Cyborg

i watch all of this from my drones, then decide to join and help with the battle myself, sending my drones in a little closer to give support fire

 

[Sherwood]

With as swing of her blade, Kimberly is able to block the attack by the demon.

Purr and DraconianWarrior are up

26 - Kimberly [1]
19 - Terra [1]
17 - demon 1 [1] damaged
12 - demon 2 [1]
8 - Shaona [1]
6 - demon 3 [1]
5 - Blake <====
4 - Gradicus <====

 

[DraconianWarrior]

Blake, Cyborg

i would like to have both of my drones focus on demon 2 and let loose a volley on it using their railguns.

 

[Sherwood]

With a chattering buzz, the two rail guns rip into the demon, causing a sizable amount of damage to target.

Purr is up

26 - Kimberly [1]
19 - Terra [1]
17 - demon 1 [1] damaged
12 - demon 2 [1] damaged
8 - Shaona [1]
6 - demon 3 [1]
5 - Blake [1]
4 - Gradicus <====

 

[Purr]

Gradicus the Red Edge
Atlantean Undead Slayer

Spoiler: Mood Music

"Times Like These" by Foo Fighters

Partial lyrics:
"I, I'm a new day rising
I'm a brand new sky
To hang the stars upon tonight
I am a little divided
Do I stay or run away
And leave it all behind?

"It's times like these you learn to live again
It's times like these you give and give again
It's times like these you learn to love again
It's times like these time and time again"

Gradicus heart swelled at the sight of Terra, Shaona, Kimberly, and Blake's drones taking the fight to the dwellers of Hell! He genuinely believed himself the only combatant from the River Walker present. How he was glad to be wrong! His youthful naivety struck him like a mental hammer - why did they come and risk their lives? Especially Terra? There would be time for questions later - now was the time singing blades, radiant spells, and badass guns to be blazing!

"Warrior woman!" His hearty grin was in his voice now. Again, he did not call Kimberly by name; some demons had memories longer than dragons. He taunted her in a playful manner as he had on the River Walker. "You have some catching up to do, but seeing your blade wet with that horror's blood is a fine start!"

Gradicus attempted to do the same to Summertime. Since Kimberly had already cut the third demon Shaona had blinded, Gradicus opened using Zanji Shinjinken Ryu sword technique, "Thunder and lightning."

Spoiler: Combat Details

Gradicus is using Combination Grab/Slash on Demon #1. It requires two Strike rolls. If successful, a Critical Strike results. It is best-used on opponents of low defensive ability.

The Atlantean flew down and attempted use his supernatural strength to grab hold of the wounded demon, preferably by the wrist, and forcefully yank him into a grueling belly-slash with Summertime between its ribs (if indeed it had any).

EDIT: His own speed was too great. Gradicus's misread the blinded demon's movements and missed him completely.

Meanwhile, Glitch and Sparky took off playfully together. They flapped and bounced along as if they were playing a game, gathering up villagers and moving them to safety at the edge of town as best they could. Sparky reliably bumped people with his hindquarters in the direction of safety or nipped their heels harmlessly as he helped them along. Glitch the parrot-brained was another story. Suddenly, the metal bird went wacky. Something in that funky featherhead's wiring jumped ship, and while he flew about heroically saving people, he started doing this (complete with the head motions)...

Spoiler: Here, have some silliness

"Bird Sings Popular Theme Song"

When Gradicus heard this, he gritted his teeth and face-palmed. "Just save the people, you dopey bird!"

Image credit: Atlantean by Chuck Walton)

STATUS

Location: On the water with the River Walker
Statblock: Self-M.D.C. (242/242) Self-P.P.E. (124/204). Blazing Comet M.D.C. (20/20). Talisman (100/100 M.D. 1/3 daily uses remaining).

 

[Sherwood]

With the sudden appearance of another target fighting them, the demons roar in rage, trying to instill some measure of fear into you. If you were not a bunch of skilled fighters, you might be cowed, but you are all able to continue to fight.

Off in the distance, there is another loud boom from the powered suit as it fires at the demons on the edge of the town.

Epiphany is up

26 - Kimberly [1]
19 - Terra [1]
17 - demon 1 [1] damaged
12 - demon 2 [1] damaged
8 - Shaona [1]
6 - demon 3 [1]
5 - Blake [1]
4 - Gradicus [1]

 

[Epiphany]

Kimberly Finn​

Locked in life-and-death battle against a monster much bigger than she, Kimberly grits her teeth as she barely avoids dismemberment. The Atlantean's amused, casual tone makes a sport of this fighting. While the Mystic Knights of the Order of the White Rose always approached battle with incredible solemnity and seriousness, the Altarians she descended from approached Gradicus' level of irreverence, certainly sharing his honest joy in battle. He seemed much like her ancestors, if that was possible. As she regains her balance, Kimberly ponders the fact that she doesn't actually know much about him or his background.

And then the Mystic Knight brings up her shining silver sword once more and charges in, fully occupying the beast by slicing for its stomach. Meanwhile, her attention shifts slightly to note the other demon, the one that'd fired upon her already. Hopefully it would continue to do so, rather than turn that rifle upon more innocents. She had to be ready to lunge for it to draw its attention too, if the situation calls for it.

To Gradicus, Kimberly says only "The start matters less than the finish."

Status

Location: The River Walker
Active Effects: Targeted Deflection, Battle Fury
MDC:

Head/Helmet: 60​

Arms: 42 each​

Legs: 66 each​

Main Body: 100​

Battle Fury MDC: 100​

PPE: 57 / 112
ISP: 140 / 140

 

[Dano]

​

Trent Lockhart
Smuggler​

As Trent sat in his chair and sipped his scotch, he couldn't believe how foolish everyone had been, to just 'fly' off into a fight not knowing anything about the 'enemy' or whom they would even be 'saving'. He audibly scoffed at the thought. Part of him wanted to go over to Blake's monitors and watch the ridiculousness that was ensuing. He wasn't even sure if Captain Ramius had slowed up the River Walker or if they were just chugging on ahead. Letting out a deep sigh, he stood and tipped his head back to finish the remaining liquor from his glass before setting both glass and bottle on the counter. Grabbing his coat, he threw it on over his head and fixed the collar before opening the hatch and stepping out on deck once again.

The snow was falling but luckily for them, it wasn't quite cold enough for it to accumulate on deck. Surveying the scene, he could see that they were still a ways off from the canal, regardless of their current speed, so he walked over to Blake's trailer and peered in. "Do you still have those monitors setup?" he asked in an 'uncaring' manor, trying to maintain his decision to remain aboard the vessel. Taking another step forward, Trent spots the monitors and moves over to view them, ensuring that he is not in Blake's way. He watches as Kimberly is dropped by Terra and makes a nasty cut into one of the demonic beasts. Then there was a giant flash of light that even hurt his own eyes watching the monitor. Gradicus seemed a bit 'worn' and missed his first attack. Trent smiled at the misfortune of the arrogant Atlantian. Peering into the monitors he attempts to identify the villagers by their clothing as to what faction they might be loyal to. Information was the key to success in any business, and right now Trent knew that the others had very little. He studied the monitors knowing that his Total Recall would be able to pick up even the tiniest detail...

 

[Sherwood]

Kimberly swings, but the nasty creature is able to dance out of the way.

Psychie is up

26 - Kimberly [2]
19 - Terra [1] <====
17 - demon 1 [1] damaged
12 - demon 2 [1] damaged
8 - Shaona [1]
6 - demon 3 [1]
5 - Blake [1]
4 - Gradicus [1]

 

[Psychie]

Keeping airborne, Terra whips her Nova Rifle around and fires at demon 1.

Spoiler

Activating my Tattoo of Flight for 20 PPE and Distant Voice for 10
Hit Points: 31
SDC: 125
PPE: 77 / 47

MDC: 135
Nova Rifle: 1d4x10. Payload: 8 / 7

Number of Attacks: 4
Strike: +8
Parry: +8
Dodge: +8
Roll: +9
Initiative: +3
Perception: +4, +1 vs Vampires and the Undead
Horror Factor: +4 to Save, +2 vs dragon
Critical Strike on a 19-20

 

[Sherwood]

Terra's shot manages to hit for minor damage.

The two demons see the sword wielding combatants in front of them as the bigger threat, and they each take one swing on Gradicus and Kimberly with their heavy vibro blades. They will hit unless you Parry or Dodge.

Silanon Is up, and Epiphany and Purr have defense rolls to make

26 - Kimberly [2]
19 - Terra [2]
17 - demon 1 [2] injured
12 - demon 2 [2] injured
8 - Shaona [1] <====
6 - demon 3 [1]
5 - Blake [1]
4 - Gradicus [1]