Episode 2, Part 1 - Decisions [DONE] — Legacy Forums

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#81

"It happens, and yes, you are right, he sems to be doing exactly that. Stand aside, man, I wish only to get a look. But - Kiph seems able to handle himself. I do not wish to humiliate him by intervening..."

Observing the fight with a look of disapproval, she added towards Bevil: "... and, please, do not hand him any aggressivity inducing drugs, or, for that matter, any drugs at all. I will feel much obliged."

A brief pause followed, forced by the yelling and hollering of the crowd.

"Likewise, you will do me a favor by calling me Ceres. Horned one - it would be like calling the sky 'blue thing'."

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#82

"Very well, ceres."

Brevil's gaze slowly fell to the pit, from where only one would survive, the lines of his face serious and tense.

"And indeed, your friends seem quite capable of handling themselves. And so do you, I must say. I'm sure our fat acquaintance out there on the pavement would agree to that."

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#83

Wolf charged at Kiph seeing that the disturbing nomad leaned against the pit wall, readying for another spring. He dipped low and grabbed the previous opponent's carcass by the belt, hurling it with furious force at the Fatebringer Nomad.

**********************

"I WILL KILL YOU, RIV! I WILL TEAR THE FLESH FROM YOUR BONES AND I WILL PLUCK OUT YOUR EYES, ONE AFTER THE OTHER!"

Everywhere the faithful were coughing and cursing, while the less fortunate moaned pitifully, begging for death. Pastor Smith stumbled out the doorway, realizing the explosion had cost Phillip his life, while seriously hurting two other lads, good men that were strong in their faith.

None of the Smith triplets had been seriously hurt, though Carmine sported a fair number of cuts, and Oldboy silently praised the lord for his mercy. Lifting a bottle of whisky he whispered a silent prayer before gulping down a good amount of liquid, falling at ease as the spirits warmed his throat and chest.

"You got away this time, Riv, but you will never be safe. When you least expect it, I will come and I will deliver unto you to the good Lord's judgment" he whispered, but his brothers heard and they nodded in agreement, putting a hand each on the pastor's shoulders.

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#84

Kiph tried to get away, but he wasn't quick enough, and the corpse hit his right leg, slamming it into the wall. Pain shot through it, making him grit his teeth. His knee felt as if it had been jerked out of position, but Kiph easily untangled it from the mutilated corpse and was ready for Wolf, that was even now preparing to swing his mighty morning star.

"I am WOLF! Now you DIE!" he howled as held the morning star above his head, blood dripping down his chest from the gaping wound on his cheek.

Wolf throw roll: 07, a special success
Kiph dodge roll: 45, nearly, but still a failure
Wolf missile damage: 1D6 + 1D6(strength bonus) = 2 + 2 = 4 -> The corpse bounces into the floor before hitting Kiph. While not
Corpse hit location: 1D20 = 3 -> Right knee area
Kiph DEX balance check vs 4 damage on the "resistance table": 72 -> success. Kiph does not fall and easily slip his foot out of the mess.

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#85

Kiph screamed in unabashed pain, feeling his knee buckle and give way, as the corpse of Wolf's last opponent smashed into him. Fearful now of dying, Kiph rolled once more, rising slowly, blood still streaming from his chest and mouth, only to watch, as the brutal morningstar began swinging another arc over the giant's head.

Kiph screamed again now, yelling inanities and incomprehensible gibberish, as blood spurted out of the Fatebringer's mouth, in all directions. No more running, he found time to think, no more...running.

As the mornignstar was about to come down, once more, and probably for a final time, Kiph lunged headlong into the giant's chest, trying to dig his stiletto into Wolf's exposed belly, and without pausing, attempting to bite into whichever parcel of exposed flesh presented itself, as hard as his jaw could bite down. Lovehandle, thigh, hell, even his loin-clothed manhood...it didnt matter to the maniacal Kiph now. Only kill or be killed mattered.

"I am Ki-i-i-ipph!" he spouted in a lunatic state as he lunged, "And I have killed better than you!" he garbled through his blood-spewing mouth.

attempting to plunge stiletto into belly, and biting Wolf, wherever I can.

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#86

In the Pit
With blinding quickness, diving in under Wolf's swing, Kiph lunged headlong into the giant's chest, digging his stiletto into Wolf's exposed belly. The blade sunk deep, and Kiph could feel Wolf stiffen, yet the giant refused to die and the Fatebringer felt powerful hands close about his neck, as Kiph was too close for a morningstar swing. The frantic nomad managed to get one of Wolf's thumbs in his mouth, and even as the pit fighter choked him, he felt the warm blood of the giant flow into his mouth, for Kiph bit and he bit hard.

Wolf's brute strength was unquestionable, and Kiph was pushed down, his back now against the corpse beneath him. His opponent's eyes were blank, his pupils huge. They reminded Kiph of dying animals and his previous victims, as they always looked like that during their last seconds in this world.

Do I look like that now?

The world started to blur and tears came into Kiph's eyes. Then everything went black.

*******************

By the pit
Ceres and Brevil stood watching in silence. The chanting and screaming had stopped and everyone seemed to be gaping as they watched the blood drenched combatants below. It seemed like Wolf had the upper hand now, and the giant was choking Kiph, who had stopped moving a few seconds ago.

The crowd roared as Wolf lifted his hands, a gesture of victory.

"WOLF! WOLF! WOLF! WOLF!" the crowd chanted, their feet stomping with approval. Even the elderly man Kiph had talked to got up of his stool, starting to applaud the giant.

"Well done, Wolf!" he cried. The second after Wolf staggered, then fell, his body crashing unceremoniously to the floor.

Again there was silence, then Kiph stirred to life, slowly lifting his head. It took a while, but when it was clear that Wolf would not rise, the elderly man sighed, then said "Ladies and gentlemen, I believe Wolf, third fighter of the pit, is dead. All hail... Scorpion, our new third fighter of the pit!"

The crowd hesitated only a second before they started chanting once again, "Scorpion! Scorpion! Scorpion! Scorpion!"

*************************
In the back of the truck
Something was happening inside the tavern, that was for sure, but out on the street things seemed to have calmed down. Riv softly drummed his fingers on the shotgun.

"Sir! May I approach?" a thin voice called out to him.

Kiph wins initiative.
Kiph rolls 26, a hit.
He does 1D6+1 damage, which resulted in 5+1 = 6.
He has aimed at the belly, no D20 roll required.
Having spent one of his two allotted actions, Wolf spends his last one on a stranglehold and rolls a 13. With his grapple skill of 35 that is a hit. Kiph is grappled to the ground, but manages to bite for 2 points of damage.
Wolf has now taken 6 + 6 + 2 damage = 14. He still stands, but will die at the end of the round due to the poison Kiph has applied.
Kiph rolls 96 and fails his constition check against strangulation. He will die within 3 rounds. Fortunately, Wolf dies at the end of the round.

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#87

Leaning over the pit, Ceres eyed the beaten Kiph. "Now that he has proven his might and terrifying skill, would the mighty Scorpion stoop so low as to join with us mortals, and have his bruises tended to?"

More for herself, almost in a whisper she added: "And get something useful done. Perhaps. Once."

Seeing Kiph's sorry state, she reached out to the youngster to help him out of the pit.

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#88

Kiph's head throbbed as he slowly rose to his feet again. "Scorpion" they chanted now, though Kiph barely heard. Ceres was looking down into the pit now, he noticed, speaking to him, though he could not hear anything over the din in his head.

He realized then, that he had managed to bite off a small piece of his own tongue during the match, and now spat the fleshy glob out with even more congealing blood.

Rising and approaching the prone body of Wolf, Kiph tested the corpse with a slight kick, then managed to grin, a bloody, red smile.

"Scorpion" "Scorpion" "Scorpion" they were referring to him, Kiph suddenly realized and for a moment stared defiantly at the crowd, drinking in their attention like a drug.

".....would the mighty Scorpion stoop so low as to join with us mortals, and have his bruises tended to?"

He now heard Ceres' words through the chaos, and looked up at his muse, ignoring all else. She was reaching out to Kiph now, to help him out of the pit, and the fatebringer extended his spidery hand to clasp hers in turn.

"How much ammo did I win us, Ceres?" he garbled, and nearly passed out again, as his goddess hoisted him out of the deathpit

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#89

Riv was focused now. This could easily be an ambush. Ah well, if it was, at least one more would join him in the Great Fire beyond.

"Sure, you can approach. As to whether or not you get shot depends on what you have to say. We're not too interested in shakedowns. " Riv cycled a new round into the chamber of his shotgun, an ominous mechanical sound.

"Make sure your hands are where I can see them. I don't generally hesitate on things."

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#90

"You won us quite a bit - none of the rats here believed you would last five seconds, less take the Wolf's fur to the market."
She let the barely standing Kiph lean against her, bearing no less than his full weight.
"Jon, please, ask the bookie to hand us our shells. I have to go and patch up our hero, before there's nothing left of him..."
Seeing Jon hesistate, she called directly to the bookie: "Give this boy what he deserves, and hurry!"
To the barkeep likewise she turned, her voice imperative - she was in her element, and felt her fire burn brighter with every mile she neared cursed Bleak Wood: "Hot water in a clean bowl - now!"

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#91

"Kiph, was it?" Said Brevil, Looking at the bloodied figure, barely seeing the man behind the gore.

Drawing a chair from a nearby table, he carefully added:

"Here, sit down while Ceres patches you up"

Eying the sustained wounds he added to no one in particular: "It looks worse than it is"

"Ceres, You look after him, I'll go get you what you need-Here, use my kit"

Unceremoniously, he dumped a small bundle of medical tools and bandages on the table in front of Ceres, and then turned around, going straight to the bar, looking for the barkeeper and the bowl of warm water which would be coming from the back at any moment.

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#92

By the truck:
"Make sure your hands are where I can see them. I don't generally hesitate on things."

The voice of the man hidden in the army truck was hard, almost murderous, and for a second the brown eyed boy known as Kid hesitated. His heart raced wildly in his chest as he stepped out from behind the corner, his arms above his head.

“Noble sir, please don’t shoot! I am only a messenger”, his voice was thin and clearly nervous. Kid didn’t even register the warm trickle of piss making its way down his legs. In the shanty town known as Neon there was no law except that found within establishments such as the Dragon Tavern, and only by his wits had Kid, as the other boys called him, survived the fall of Bleak Wood and the trek through the wastelands. Right now Kid wondered if his wits had finally come to an end, for this didn’t seem very smart after all.

Swallowing hard, he added “There is a man in the alley behind me, and he thinks you are just the sort of man he needs. He has a problem that he thinks you can solve, and he is willing to pay!”

*********************

Inside the Dragon Tavern
Kiph slumped into Ceres’ arms, his knees wobbling beneath him. In the corner of her eye, Ceres registered the elderly man, his head bald and his dress an anonymous green, approach her from the side. He waited patiently for a while, as Ceres, Jonathan and Brevil dressed Kiph’s wounds. Meanwhile the barkeeper bookie approached with a small bag, along with hot water in a bowl. “Your winnings, sir!” he said, handing the calf leather bag to Jonathan. Nodding he put the bowl of water on the same table Brevil had put his medical equipment.

Brevil helped Kiph onto a chair, and Ceres started working on the wounds of the lithe nomad. Finally the dressing had ended, and the cheering abated. The bald, elderly man in green approached. “Greetings, Scorpion, third fighter of the pit” he said, his voice full of respect. “I am Dragon, the owner of this establishment, and I must say that you just gave me a delightful surprise”. He looked at Kiph, the way a merchant appraises his wares, and finally he nodded.

“Wolf was good. He was to meet the second pit fighter in a week, but I guess she doesn’t have to worry about that now”, his smile was genuine as he handed a small cardboard box to Kiph.

“Within are your winnings, in addition to the morning star Wolf wielded” he said.

A man came out of the pit, carrying the morning star. The Dragon nodded, and then passed the morning star on, putting it on the floor beside Kiph. It was bloody and a flap of skin, from Kiph’s midsection, still hung on it.

“Also, let me present you with this”, the Dragon received a medallion, an iron cross, from a man behind him. “We found this in the ruins below. We think it once belonged to great warriors, from before the Great War”. “Some say it is magical…” his voice trailed off and he looked wistful for a moment.

“So, what are you gonna do now?... I could use some fighters, that’s for sure. If you stay with me, I will supply you with all the drugs and booze a man, or woman, could ever need!” he said, his eyes flickering eagerly from Kiph to Ceres and back.

Ceres first aid skill: 67. Dice roll: 28, a success. Even a failure would have dressed the wound, but on a success Ceres is able to patch him up, healing 1D3 damage = 2 points of healing.
(FYI: Medicine rolls are used during long periods of recreation, speeding up the natural rate of healing, while first aid is applied on the spot, like now)

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#93

The bet money:
Jonathan bet, on Ceres behalf, 50 rounds of .38 caliber. The rounds where his own.
The odds against Kiph (a small sickly looking nomad) vs Wolf (a muscle-ridden wastelander berserker) were 1 to 8. However, his winnings ain't the same currency he used, for only Jon bet with .38 caliber.

50 x .38 super caliber (Jonathan's bet money)
50 x .308 NATO caliber (7.62 x 51mm ammo)
1 x Military leather cartridge box
1 x Brown webbing cartridge belt with web loops for 30 cartridges
1 x Pair of police riot boots
1 x Smith & Wesson .38 super caliber pistol (Model SW1911 DK Pistol)

Kiph's prize:
1 x heavy morning star
1 x tin ring with dragon emblem (free meals and room at "The Dragon Tavern", as long you fight occasionally)
3 x amphetamine (In portion packs (powder))
1 x flask of medical morphine (for the wounds)
1 x Iron Cross medal

(The prize money seems geared towards future appearances in the pit, but is Kiph's to spend as he desire)

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#94

After pausing, perhaps longer then comfortable for the kid, Riv replied:

"Tell ya what, tell him I'll be over in a bit once more of my.. friends? .. team are back here. Or he can come to truck. He can pick. I prefer to see who we do business with."

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#95

Jonathan helped himself to the 50 rounds of .308 NATO caliber and 30 of his own .38 special. Noticing Ceres' frown he shrugged and stated "it was my cash, Ceres", and started walking to the bar. Nodding to Brevil he said "Brevil here needs a ride to Bleak Wood. We have some data and equipment there that we really want to get our hands on, but I have lost my appetite for that kind of work and would rather sit here, at the Dragon, and feel the relative comfort of the armed guards.

Sitting down on a bar stool he smiled, "You can keep those last 20 bullets and the pistol, plus that other stuff. If you need anything, Ceres, as long as it ain't about men with guns and mutated monstrosoties, you know where to find me!"

**********************

The kid ran off and after a short while a man in a black hoodie, with a black trenchcoat on top, exited the alley. He held his hands visible in the air, though his face was impossible to see beneath the deep hood.

"I got a job. A grisly one. I think you are the one for the job, but it requires that you kill someone in a place where law enforcement is way more strict than around here. You in, or out?" he said, his voice barely more than a whisper.

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#96

"Gotta hear the details before I say yay or nay. Sides, in case the kid had bad hearing, I gotta see who I do buisness with. Otherwise walk."

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#97

The man approached the truck, making sure he was not seen from the entryway to the Dragon Tavern as he slowly, carefully, pulled back the hood. Beneath was a scarred face, with myriad minute cuts marring every pockmarked feature on the face. His eyes were steel grey, making the scarred man look foreboding and sinister. There was something to this man that Riv definitely did not like. He had been near killers and psychopaths before, and this one was the worst possible kind.

"I pay well", he said, and Riv realized that he fully well understood what kind of impression he made on other people.

"In the town of Corona, there is an influential steel merchant named Henderson. He is active in the government of that town, and he has two or three personal guards hanging around his town house, but I need him DEAD!" the man looked agitated, and his steel grey eyes seemed to harden as they focused on the burning man effigy on Riv's breastplate, as if memorizing the pattern.

"I can give you lightweight body armour as a reward. I would gladly provide a vest and helmet to anyone who would accept the assignment"

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#98

Done stitching Kiph, Ceres examined her work. The boy would look like a puzzle, a veritable labyrinth of scars, before too long. A little poppy milk she gave him, to take the edge off the pain - a fair trade if there ever was one.

Jon deserved his share for risking, she did not doubt that. Well - sometimes, people mistook her normal facial expression for a frown, especially lately. "You have to work on your public relations skills, Ceres" she chastised herself, and packed up Kiph's trophies. "Come, young man, I'll help you to the truck. Enough glory for today, and if I have any say in the matter, for the rest of the week!" To Bevil, she nodded: "Thanks. If you want a ride to Bleak Wood, hop on board. A friend of Jon's is a friend of mine."

Personally, she had seen enough monsters too. Likewise, men with guns. Give a man a gun, and suddenly, he's all machismo and violence.

Outside of the sweaty alehouse she went, ready to move on from this filthy den, towards their truck that patiently waited in the street.

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#99

"How bout I talk it over with my crew - ain't my truck, so I gotta convince em. I'll be back in an hour or so with my answer. If I don't show, well, you'll have your answer. "

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#100

Kiph imbibed the poppy's milk, the painless sleep, like a baby suckling at a teat. Quiet now, unable even to answer the Pit Boss who had asked him to remain in Neon as "Scorpion", Kiph allowee Ceres to escort him, prop him really, as they walked outside into the dust-drenched streets and toward salavtion....the truck.

Though Kiph had heard the man through his splitting headache pangs, he chose not to answer, though visions of gladiatorial glory, briefly flashed in front of Kiph's pink eyes, he thought of Ceres and the ring of Abak Loett and to himself decided that moment, that his fate and destiny would rather be found back at Bleakwood.

His thoughts racing uncontrollably, Kiph succumbed to the poppy's sweet embrace. Nothing hurt now. If only he could lay down for a while, just a bit, everything would be right with the world.

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#101

By the truck, In Neon

"Okay, let me know then" the scarred man said, then turned around to leave.

Leaving Jonathan behind they arrived at the truck just in time to see a man pull up his hood and leave. Kiph was on his way into a morphine slumber, and was lifted gently into the passenger seat. Ceres considered using their last can of gas to fuel up the truck, meanwhile Brevil and Riv greeted each other.

Okay, we are back in the past, in Neon. Guys, it is your turn!

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#102

Riv heard the others come back from the bar, including a newcomer.
"Who the F%%k were you just talking to?" he was asked.

Shrugging, "Some ugly MF, really paranoid too - a bit of a pansy using a kid to open contact. Wanted someone took out in Corona. Steel merchant by the name of Henderson. Offered some armor to take the assignment. I told him I'd have to check with you folks, since it ain't my truck and would take us out of our way some. Payment up front is nice, and unusual. So that smells too. But, I figured I'd pass it by you. So waddya think? A bit of armor for a little wetworks? And maybe some fireworks Told 'em I give him his answer pretty quick. Oh, and who's that?"

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#103

"I'm a friend of Jonathan's. He added quickly, before Riv could level his shotgun again.

"Dr Brevil Cornell, or as much as a doctor counts in these times anyway"

"So you'd be Riv, then?"

"Ceres mentioned you might be going to Bleak Wood, so I asked if I could tag along... If you don't mind, that is"

"I used to be a scientist at the academy. Maybe I still am. It all depends on the state of Bleak Wood when we get there, of course..."

"On a sidenote, did the man you were talking to have scars on his face? I think I might have seen him lurking around recently. Unfortunately I can't tell you more than that. Not Someone I'd like to get close to, you understand... If anything comes up I'll let you know, of course..."

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#104

"Scarred, yeah, like he was stuck in a pretty bad sandstorm for too long. Or tried sucking on a sandblaster."

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#105

"Actually, I think I remember now...Hard to forget really."

"This guy came in fromn the wastes a few days after I arrived, his clothes torn and tattered, looking more like a starved dog than anything else. Apparently, five thugs decided to rob him-maybe they thought he'd be easy pickings. They turned up dead a few days later. People started calling him "Cancer" soon after that. From the talk I overheard, people seem to think him a technomancer."

"I personally doubt that. The technology of the spacers is extraordinary, and it would take a man of true science to understand it. Not some pathetic fugitive... or filthy murderer."

"He does seem to have a machine gun though, and some sort of personal shield. Possibly a host of other vile contraptions too. Wouldn't be surprised if he had killed to get them, either."

"All I know really..." And all I want to know too "...didn't exactly try to buy him a drink, you known how it is...The man has...this...Aura. I just didn't want to get too close."

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#106

"I got a similar feel from him. A rough one for sure. Good to know about the shield though. Machine gun eh?

So what do the rest of ya say? I've got a little bit before our 'deal' expires. "

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#107

Despite the heavy dosage, Kiph had a peculiar metabolism, and upon hearing "spacers", "cancer" and "flithy murderers" opened an eye, scanned the truck to determine who was speaking, then just as quickly shut his eye again, though now he was listening intently to the conversation. As intently as his warped, morphine-addled mind would allow him at the moment.

Soon, Ceres would speak, he surmised, and then our course of action would be determined.

In the meantime he tried to follow what was happening. He survived, that was one. Riv had met a shady character who wished to hire the group to retrieve something or other in dreaded Bleakwood. That was two. Brevil, the friend of that slimy scientist, Jonathan, seemed ok, to Kiph from first impressions. Ceres seemed to be ok with him, and that was right by Kiph. Wait, he thought, what was three?

Doctor Kiph thought to himself suddenly. Brevil Cornell had called himself a doctor. He seemed to know a great deal about the Spacers too. Perhaps....

"Lets talk to him again. Lets feel him out." Kiph muttered, and glanced toward Ceres out of habit.

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#108

"Before we discuss any further - we're no assassins for hire" Ceres interrupted with a grave tone. "Especially not in my hometown. Henderson has done some good to me, though not free of charge, and I value him: not his past, but the man he is today."

She turned to see where the hooded crook ran off, but he was nowhere around, the shadows having swalloved their own without trace.

"I fancy the thought of asking him a few questions, and perhaps ensuring that he doesn't find the thought of shooting up my people so appealing. Does anyone agree with me?"

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#109

"I, for one, Ceres Would very much like to talk to this man, But in all honesty, I do not wish to do so in an environment that he controls."

Actually, Brevil did not want to talk to this man at all, and wanted to go straight to Bleakwood to gather the remains of his research, but something stopped him from saying so...Perhaps it was the rumors of technomancy...Perhaps his pride would not rest until he had proved to himself that a petty murderer would never unlock the secrets of the spacers over which he had slaved all his life. Then again, the scientist inside him would not accept to leave any stone unturned in his quest to understand the spacers, and if this man was really a ...Technomancer, Brevil would have to know, and this was the occasion to do so safely, with superiority of numbers.

"In any case, we have to be careful. If we talk to him, it has to be on Our terms."

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#110

"Okay, that's why I asked. As I said before, I'm above table. Don't care for wetworks, I'm down with that.

Now as Brevil - right? Brevil here says, we need to be careful. He's paranoid and not above using others to help him. So he's apparently smart, has good equipment, and paranoid. So Brevil is d**n right we can't meet him on his own ground.

Based on my discussion with him, you have one way to dissuade him. He won't change his mind. Do you _really_ want to talk with him? Cause that 'complicates' things."

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#111

"I do not wish to endanger any of you - and the talking may take place after he is no longer a threat, yes. After all, he may be far more communicative if we are in a position of strength. I trust your tactical advice, Riv - and the notion that the madman may have a machine gun is disturbing. We should see to learning a bit about him, his hideout and associates, and proceed from there."

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#112

"We can start with that kid. He might know something useable about him. Someone other then me should get him though, he's a little scared of me." Riv said with a grin.

Riv then described the young kid who had originally approached him.

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#113

Ceres & Riv,
Half an hour later in a Neon alley,
behind "Barter Place" (a general store)

"Nooo! Leave me alone!" the brown eyed kid screamed, trying in vain to wrestle himself free from Ceres' iron grip. Then his screams died as a compact, well muscled man with sandy blond, close cropped hair, walked into view. Riv grinned at the kid and Ceres could hear him whimper, watched fear spread across his young features.

"No! No! Not you! Not you!" the boy cried, his thin voice nearly breaking, tears running down his cheeks.

"Please! Sir! Don't hurt me! Let me go! I won't do anything wrong, I promise! Just let me go!"

EchoMirage (via pm), Murometz (in chat) and valadaar (in game) all have suggested that you track down the kid and/or the hooded scoundrel. I ruled that Ceres didn't leave Riv behind with a slumbering Kiph due to safety concerns for Kiph and not knowing Riv that well. Therefore Ceres caught the kid, holding him in an arm and now Riv has entered the scene. It is slightly less than half an hour until the hooded guy returns to the truck.

Again, if you have any objections, cry out loud a couple of times.

Note: Brevil is in the driver seat of the army truck, looking at the broken windshield (broken by a bullet), in the company of Kiph, who sits nodding his head, half asleep.

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#114

"You might want to lower your voice, kid. You don't want to let people know who you've been associating with. That could be ... dangerous.." a grin, a little more theatrical then necessary.

"The man who hired you to talk to me. Tell me everything you know about him. Everything. Do that, and things will go okay with you.
Don't, and well, we won't go there unless you do. There are a couple of rounds for you if I like what I hear.."

Riv looks at the kid expectantly.

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#115

His friends had scattered the second the huge woman had emerged from behind a corner and grabbed his arm. Looking around "Kid" saw no one that could help him. Swallowing hard he nodded to Riv, pointing down an alley with his free hand.

"I dunno much, sir! But 'e lives down there, in the home of the old fuel trader!" the kid screamed and grabbed Ceres' arm with his free hand, trying to distribute his weight on two arms.

"The old trader ain't coming out nowadays, nor his wife and them kids, so I think they are dead. It is Cancer, sir. He takes what he wants, when he wants! And that is all I know!" the boy let out a whimper, "just look for the building made of canvas, brick and tin roofing, you can't miss it!".

The kid is terrified of Riv and no dice rolls are necessary to convince him to yield info. No rolls are necessary to convince you he is speaking truthfully either. He is a terrified kid.

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#116

Brevil stared at Kiph, his eyes wide with disbelief. Kiph was still awake, in a sense, but the morphine flask had slipped between his fingers and now laid on the floor between his legs. A strong gust of wind blew through the broken windshield, the hot air rejuvenating the former Academy scientist. People had returned to the streets, but they gave the army truck a wide berth.

Suddenly Kiph began to sing, his voice drugged,
"Grampy loves her little Kiph,
son of Eva..."

Kiph whimpered, lifting his head from the dashboard for a second before crashing it forcefully back down.

"... and mommy left,
and grampy left,
the spacers taking,
them for a ride"

The song was off key, and Kiph repeatedly smashed his forehead into the dashboard as he sang and cried, cried and sang. A little boy walked by, pointing and giggling, but his mother took his hand and hurried off, not looking back.

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#117

"How did he 'recruit' you? Did he just grab you like our dear Ceres here? Did he offer you anything other then threats to approach me?
Have you seen him with anyone else? Ever?

Oh, and do you know the layout of the Old fuel Traders place? Was there fuel there last you know? " An evil grin crossed his face....

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#118

"Pretty much, yeah. He grabbed me 'n said I'd get some ammo if I told you all that stuff, but I got nuthin'! And I 'aven't seen him out much, nor with anyone. Though some of the other kids sometimes said they heard sounds at night, but people stay out of his business. He ain't good for your health, if you know what I mean..."

Kid mused for a second, his feet trying to find somewhere to stand.

"Let me go, alright? There is fuel everywhere. The fuel trader was hysterical that someone would steal his wares and kept it all indoors. Half the building is filled with the stuff, or so it smells anyhow. I was never in there!"

The skinny brown eyed boy looked at Riv, then Ceres. "Let me go, please... And if you value your lives, leave and never come back!"

while clumsily put, you are pretty sure the boy refers to Cancer being dangerous, which is why you should leave and never come back. He is probably not threatening you :)

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#119

"Okay, you can go unless Ceres has some of her own questions. But when you do, go that way - " pointing directly away from the alley and Cancer's home, "Or I'll use you for target practice. Here!", tossing the frightened lad a couple of .22 rounds.

The promise of the fuel caused Riv's eyes to light up with an intensity that made his earlier cold stare downright charming..

Re: Episode 2 - Decisions

#120

Kid's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as he amazingly caught both rounds mid air with his free hand. Eyeing Ceres like a puppy he whispered "Please ma'am, can I go now?"