The Gathering

#1

"So, ya won't tell me where you got em?", whined Kwell. "Shit, you can't even spare one?"

Leeroy grinned back the the scrawny Kwell, "No. I'm not gonna, and the last thing I'm gonna do is give you a taste for em.
If you want some, you're just going to go out and find some yerself. Now, keep your eyes out there where they belong, unless
ya want a Raider having his way with your momma."

Kwell looked back out over the wall, nervously gripping his rifle. "Well, I've caps, wonder if Sanjas' got any.."

"Her?" laughed Leeroy, "She calls 'em Devil Sticks. She burns any she gets, and not in a useful way. Tebac or MJ, she hates em both."

"Hey, there's someone comin', looks like a girl..."

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Only an hour earlier Carnagie had taken an unwelcome bath in ditch, compliments of the loud engines of a group of wheeled raiders running the long road.
While it offered the best walking, and the clearest sight lines, it still was relatively well travelled, and more than occasionally by a group of
raiders that liked hitting Stonehammer.

The ditch had been the closet cover, and served its purpose, for the raiders had not even slowed down. They were returning back to thier camp, and one of the ATVs was billowing smoke as it passed. There were half a dozen ATVs, and at least two raiders on each, so there was no thought of fighting them.

She had almost dried out when she got to the gate of Red-tower, passing by an ancient white sided gas station that had been stripped to the concrete.

The wall sentries had just noticed her, but not as soon as she had expected....

"Hey Luc! Someones coming up to the gate! "

---------------------

Luc had just left what passed for a bar drinking what passed for a beer. Marcus was there too - the two had patrolled the past day, uneventful apart from finding a lot of fresh Coyote spoor. That would need checked out again. Those were bad news, nearly as bad as the damn raiders...

---------------------

Anya was outside of the Mayors office, she had been asked to see him. She was only there a minute or so when the Mayor - more like a major in bearing, came to her.

"Going to need you to use yer rifle, Anya. Coyotes traces been seen, and we need them taken out, and soon. No idea how many there are yet - you can get that figured out
and then collect what help you can when you're ready. I've a short list of names. I've got some extra ammo for you before you go. Some .50's for your cannon there."

Re: The Gathering

#2

Carnegie kicked a rock and squinted towards the wall, she shaded her eyes with her left hand and waved with the right, knowing that rifles were probably trained on her always made her nervous. Not as much game this time as she'd hoped for. Hopefully "Auntie" Tilly would have a stew on, she thought as she meandered her way towards what served as the gates.

Elvis dogged her all the way with a wagging tail and tongue, happily oblivious to any rifles trained his way.

Re: The Gathering

#3

"So there was the two raiders - so @!#$ing pissed because i'd just knocked over the stewpot - The Psychomoose was gone but we could still hear the bloody thing bleating in the woods and all I could think about was how fast I could pull my d**n pants off because the stew was fast burning me jewels!"

Luc had found Marcus two hours ago and they had naturally decided to take five minutes for a drink. Now they were sauntering out of the 'pub', and Luc was retelling the story of how he was harassed by a mutant moose in the forests outside of Kenebec one winter.

"So the marauders were standing there - The only thing stopping them from killing me on the spot was the fact I had just run into their camp screaming like a madman and started revealing myself! So I -"

"Hey Luc! Someone's coming up to the gate!"

The voice of Kwell hollered over to the man. For a second, Luc's eyes narrowed, but then he relaxed - the tone of Kwells words didn't suggest raiders; perhaps just a vagrant.

"C'mon Mark, let's check it out!" Luc ran to the wall and swiftly climbed the ladder up to the top where Kwell and Leeroy stood - Leeroy had a rifle aimed down at the traveler. He peered down to the exterior just in time to see Carnegie emerge from the side of the old gas station. " Luc Alexzandr smiled and yelled down, "Well look at the little bee that's buzzing up to the gate; Hello there, Carnegie!"

"You're looking a wee bit soggy there, little bee! Why don't you buzz off and dry up before you come on in?" Luc's tone was light-hearted, of course, and as he jeered down to Carnegie he placed a hand on the barrel of Leeroy's rifle and gently pushed it down away from Carnegie's direction.

Re: The Gathering

#4

Carnegie looked up in time to see Luc. She pulled down her left eyelid and stuck her tongue out at him. "Nyeh! Raiders sent me swimming s'all. Open up!" She said and smiled at her friend, least there was a friendly face there to greet her. She didn't much care for the company Luc kept though.

Elvis barked a greeting as well.

Re: The Gathering

#5

When Marcus followed Luc up the ladder and gazed down at the arrival, he sighed. Casually plucking the "devilstick" from between Leroy's lips, he headed off to open the gate. Though Carnegie and he had a mutual distrust, there was no practical reason to keep someone capable of shooting an enemy outside their walls.

Marcus opened the gate just enough for Carnegie to enter, and said "Get anythin' good while you were out takin' a dip?"

Re: The Gathering

#6

Luc shrugged apologetically to Leeroy for Marcus's actions and bade the guards farewell with a wave before making his way to the duo at the gate. As Marcus asked his question to Carnegie, Luc dropped to one knee and beckoned to Elvis for a scratch behind the ears, "Hello pup! You know it's really you i'm glad to see, right!?"

Luc glanced up to Carnegie, his tone turning serious for a change, "Good that you made it back before dark Carnie; Mark an' I did the run yesterday - Spotted some fur an' fresh tracks. Mark nearly trod in some dung, too! Looks like Coyotes again. Can't say how many, but it's definitely more than just one stray." Luc sighed and stood, dusting his knees to remove the mud. "We let ol' Barry know an' he said he'll sort it out - he'll probably organize a party to go hunting - but you probably don't wanna leave the walls alone."

It was patronizing advice he gave; Of the three, Luc was probably the one least able to defend himself against Coyotes, but he had always felt that as the eldest he should be looking out for the best interests of his friends.

Re: The Gathering

#7

Carnegie startled and hesitated a second when Marcus's face peered out of the gate and spoke to her. Of all the guardsmen, this one ranked among the dregs. A violent, brutish and condescending sort. And she was pretty sure she had caught him leering at her one time too many to feel comfortable around him. But he hadn't done anything to her personnally(yet), it was just something about the man, that reminded her of a wild animal. Nevertheless it was a fair question and she had to reply.

"I...No. Jess some molerat." She looked away, shrugged and walked past him uneasily, she turned to Luc instead as he spoke. "Yeah. I did saw a lot of coyote tracks. ...Jess tracks though. Probly why there's so little game."

Elvis, ever happy to see a friend, wagged his tail and busied himself licking some grime off of Luc's face. Carnegie smiled crookedly at the sight and his words, crossing her arms, it was nice to be cared for, but if it came down to it, a few coyotes wouldn't be a problem. She gave a nod anyways.

"I'm off ta see Auntie once I've given my report with the Mayor. Hopefully I'll be right along time for lunch. Elvis, come." She raised her hand in parting, with a reluctant nod to Marcus and strode off towards the Mayor's compound.

Re: The Gathering

#8

"Sure thing, sir. Who's coming with me?" She passed an almost inaudible sigh after the mayor told her what she had to do. Coyotes, again.. Why am I still doing this shit, I shoulda moved outta here long ago..

She waited for him to give her the list. Wondering whether the trails had been cleared recently. A shudder ran down her spine as an image of Roy flickered through her mind, as he had been just moments before.. Put it outta your gorram mind girl.. now's not the darn time.

Re: The Gathering

#9

The mayor looked up at Anya. "You think you know how many you need? We can spare Kreadle Moore, Luc Alekzandr, Fred Mills, Leeroy Baker,Jane O'Francis and.."

At that moment, Carnegie entered the Mayor's office.
"Carnegie Roberts. " he said with a smile at Carnegie. "Fine timing. You'll want to clean up a bit before you go though, right?"
"Anyway, find anything interested out there today?" he asked, pointed not commenting on her somewhat damp appearance.

Re: The Gathering

#10

After she entered, Carnegie belatedly thought maybe she ought to have knocked first, but the guards did let her in after all. She did a quick sweep of the room, at least the Mayor's wife wasn't anywhere to be seen, but she was surprised to see Anya standing there. The two had met a few times before, and while mayhaps they were too far apart age wise to call eachother friends, they had bonded over their mutual interest in weapons. Carnegie being one of few people capable of repairing Anya's piece, here in Kenebac, they were bound to run into eachother. She gave an acknowledging nod to her and turned to the Mayor.

"Uh yes sir mister mayor... sir, I ran into at least 12 raiders on half as many ATVs. That's why I'm wet, uh I ended up hidin in a ditch ye see. And uh I saw some coyote tracks, hunting was bad, only got me the one molerat. And then uh...some really bad news, yer honor. The Thor has started moving again."

She finished and gave the Mayor a mixed look of anticipation and concearn.

Re: The Gathering

#11

"Ah, old Thor. Thats earlier than last year. Hope it stops early too or it will throw off Doc Sterlin' calculations.

You know he says that in a few years - maybe ten or so, that thing might chew its way here? Too bad we can't turn it around into those assholes at Stonehammer eh?"

Doc Sterling was the oldest man in Kenebac, and had a lab about 500 meters from Red Tower. Rumor was he had some actually running electronics, though he was loath to share. He was loath to talk to anyone, dreadfully cold and bitter.

"Dozen of them? They must have assimilated another group or they are breeding like fucking rabbits. We might have to do something about that one of these days. Thanks for the info - get a little rest and see whatcha can do about them coyotes."

Re: The Gathering

#12

"Well, i would venture a guess that we will be asked to go on a little coyote hunt before long, Marc; they'll no doubt want to start the search where we found the tracks. I'm gonna go have a chat to Sanja."
With that, he bade his friend farewell and made his way along the makeshift path to Sanja's dwelling. As a matter of courtesy, Luc knocked thrice before pushing the door open and walking in.

Sanja was sitting at a bench, a tidy pile of tools beside her as she worked studiously on a metallic object which Luc could not identify. Without raising her eyes she spoke, "Hello, Luc."

Though she wasn't looking, Luc flashed her a brilliant grin. "My dear Sanja! You may have heard the news; Coyotes have come to hunt around Kenebec! I can't help but feel that my name will be drawn out as one of the hunters."
Luc sighed, "You know me, Sanja; i can't argue my way out of a pack of wild dogs! Have you happened to acquire anything recently that might give me an edge out there? At the very least I'm sure I'll need soms clean bandages and alcohol in case one of us gets bitten!"

Re: The Gathering

#13

Sanja lookup up at Luc and gave him a half-smile.

"Richard's will likely lend you a medi-pack once you head out. I think we put a few stim-packs in em we bought from some traders last week. Got as many bandages as you can carry though.
But don't have anything beyond the usual stuff. Not today at least. Oh, if you get any scavenging done, I could use any batteries or cells you can find. "

If you have the caps, you can buy more equipment if you like. Having access to the bandages gives you a +1 bonus on Heal checks, not cumulative with better medical equipment.

Re: The Gathering

#14

Luc walked out of Sanja's with half a dozen bandages, and minus several caps. He made a beeline towards the sorry excuse for a pub - where he had some meagre quarters on the second floor. It was time to rest and relax, because he was fairly certain that if he was asked into the coyote hunt, he would want to be alert.

Re: The Gathering

#15

Early the next day, the group assembled to head out. The morning was a little cool, foreshadowing the fall which would come soon.

Kreadle had came out to join them, Richards having suggested him when Anya had asked his opinion. A sharp eye he said.

Richard also joined them, puffing on a cigarette as he came up, a small red bag in one hand. A medi-kit.

"Great morning for a hunt. This friends, is on loan. Return whats left when you get back.
Don't underestimate the bastards. They will eat people, and they know about guns. Have fun.", and Richards turned away and left.

Kreadle kneeled nearby Elvis and offered his hand and a small piece of dried meat to the dog. Elvis gratefully snatched up the treat and seemed quite happy with his new instant friend.

"Shall we go," said Kreadle, a smile for Carnagie and Anya.

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The road - dubbed Red-Tower road site ran northeast from Red Tower, past a ruined stripmall on the right - mostly burnt to the ground, and several small commercial buildings on the left. Little glass remained - most had been either broken or looted for use elsewhere.

It lead downhill from there, past commercial buildings half reclaimed by the forests which blanketed the region. Shortly after, they reached an intersection between this road - called Red-Tower road and Stonehammer road. This was a fairly wide road ,reasonably clear and well travelled - it was the main road to Bedmond. Red-tower roaded continued on, passing yet another ruined stripmall and many small houses, many burned or collapsed from the furies of winters past.

Another five minutes of careful walking brought them to the old train-bridge, which was still standing, but overgrown with plants like some great windowbox. The spoor had been found nearby. A large, once fine home still stood nearby, three stories high with gaping windows, and an old play-structure - sagging and decrepit, featured prominently in its front yard.

Cautious birdsong, and the far off noise of Thor grazing on bedrock was all that could be heard.

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First Aid Kit (1 lb, 80 caps)

Supplies provide up to 10 points of bonuses, with +4 being the most that can be used at any one time. Kit is useless once all 10 points used, except as a nice containers.
In addition, 2 stim packs are contained, and a pouch of Stitcher (doubles natural healing rate for 1 day, 3 doses)

Re: The Gathering

#16

Luc whistled along casually as the five people made their way to where he and Marcus had found the spoor the other day; though his eyes watched carefully along the treeline for any signs of danger. He watched Anya and Kreadle out of the corner of his eyes, too. Anya he had conversed with several times - she was pleasant enough, but her intensity and lack of humour put Luc on edge a bit; he felt like she had some serious shit going on in her head and wouldn't open up until she figured it out.
As for Kreadle, he was a friendly enough sort, and well equipped. Luc often has passing conversations with him on the way to visiting Tilly, since he's often out admiring the garden. Apparently the little gadget he wore in his ear made him hear better, but Luc had his suspicions that it was only for show.

Finally they arrived at the three story house that Luc was trying to get Marcus to explore with him when they found the tracks. "Ah yes, over here! Luc waved the group over to the far side of the dilapidated play structure, not far from the start of the forest overgrowth. There, on the ground was several canine footprints, and ten feet away lay a distinct pile of droppings, now dried.

"Carny! Your eyes are better than mine for this kind of shit; can you make anything of these tracks?"

Re: The Gathering

#17

It had been a hasty exodus for Carnegie, just fresh home from her latest hunting trip and reporting to the Mayor, she only got the one night back at the boarding house. Least she had gotten to wash up, eaten and done some basic gun maintenance. Still, she was a morning person and always ready for a field trip. This Kreadle fellow, had been living at Tilly's as well, but he never spoke much, still, Elvis seemed to like him, so he was probably a good sort. She scanned her surroundings as they marched, only pausing to reply when spoken to.

Perception check, got a 14 +3. Also assuming that Elvis keeps running perception checks.

She looked at the empty windows of the big house, watching for movement, when Luc called her over.

She hunkered down and poked the droppings to pieces with a stick(pausing to shove an overly interested Elvis away), and then examined the tracks.

Lesse, Knowledge(nature) I suppose? Got a 19 +5!

Re: The Gathering

#18

The scat turned up nothing interesting. No human teeth, which was a good thing. The tracks told a more interesting story.

There were a significant number of animals that passed by - that was clear even to Luc. What Carnegies' hunting experience told her was that there were different sized coyotes - some were quite a bit larger than she was used to seeing. At least two of the track sets were larger than the others - and significantly larger than Elvis's own prints.

The tracks lead towards the trainbridge, following another, lightly travelled road towards Bedmond. A harsh crow caw broke the relative silence.

Tracking is included in Survival, not knowledge (nature).

Re: The Gathering

#19

Carnegie straightened up and tossed the stick, and motioned harshly to Elvis to prevent him from retrieving it. "Whole pack. At least two of em might be mutated." She turned to Luc and flicked his ear. "When yer hunting, you don't go hollering like that. Tell the others to hush it from now on." She added sternly, hunkered and slowly started to stalk her way towards the trainbridge with her loaded rifle in her grasp. She looked back over her shoulder one last time and whispered to Luc. "And don't be cussing either."

Stealth check 13 +10.

If I've got clear sight to the trainbridge, I'd like to make another Perception check through my scope. ...Okay, 1, so clearly there were some dirt on the lens.

Re: The Gathering

#20

Marcus waited patiently as Carnegie checked the s**t, and looked and listened to the surrounding woodlands and (especially) the bridge.

Listening for lack of noise that signals predator (probably coyotes). Perception Roll:(16:10:20) Minion: caesar193 rolls 1d20 and gets 18, +4=22

Before he left, however, he looked down at the tracks, curious about how old they were.

Okay, since I'm not tracking, I'd assume its knowledge (nature). Though if its is survival, my bonus is the same, so whatever. Therefore: (16:22:04) Minion: caesar193 rolls 1d20 and gets 17, +4=21.

Marcus nodded to himself, shouldered his axe, looked nostalgically at the abandoned swings, and followed Carnegie off towards the bridge.

Re: The Gathering

#21

The tracks were quite visible from some distance - a recent rainfall had made the soil conducive to tracks.

This jived with Marcus' estimation of the tracks age - perhaps a day old at most. Carnegie was doing a fine job using the brush to hide her approach to the bridge, though it seemed there was nothing watching save crows.

The train bridge was very sturdy, and bore ancient, faded graffiti. "Have a Nice Day" was spray painted on the central post. The road beyond had a canopy of broad oaks which had grown in from either side. A large ruined house stood on the left, its once yellow plastic vinyl barely hanging on. The windows, glass long gone, appeared like the sockets of a skull.

Luc and Carnegie thought they heard something in the distance that seemed like a quick 'yip', and then no more... Successful Perception roll

Re: The Gathering

#22

Luc grumbled incoherently as he trailed along behind the others, after having been chastised by Carnegie. As they neared the train bridge he quietened down, however. He studied the ancient structure curiously, noting with a wry smile the up-beat message in graffiti.
Luc he blinked and peered around cautiously - did he hear a canine yipping? At first he dismissed it as his overactive imagination, but he then noticed Carnegie peering about as well - she had heard it also!

Luc plucked his crossbow from his back and loaded a bolt into it, pulling back the crank, "On your guard," he muttered to the group - for once, Luc's wearied expression was serious. He stayed behind Marcus and nudged the well-built man forward in the general direction of the 'yip', "I heard something..."

Re: The Gathering

#23

Marcus nodded quiety in response to Luc's nudge, and quietly drew his shield from behind his back. He readied his axe and shield in front of him, and quietly stalked towards the direction Luc had gestured.

"Carnegie, Luc, Anya, spread and cover me. Kreadle, support," he whispered to his companions.

He then quietly stalked forward, towards the noise of the coyotes.

Re: The Gathering

#24

Carnegie felt on edge now. They were close. Hardly hearing Marcus, she started lagging behind the others. She knew her role, and was determined to play it well. She continued slowly through the underbrush towards the source of the sound, with Marcus in front and the others fanning out, finding their own positions.

If you need me to make another Stealth check, 13 +10

Re: The Gathering

#25

Close, perhaps not.

After several minutes, the group had sat tense, but nothing further was heard. Then, now that every ear was straining to the task, another yip, more distant, could be heard. But no more.

Carefully, they moved up closer, stopping to listen, and again, the sound of something distant drew them on.

Marcus caught movement from the corner of his eye and looked towards it - a small feral cat had appeared, and froze with surprise.

Carnegie - Handle Animal check please, DC 12. You have better number's than your dog's willpower dave :) Outcome of failure is obvious...

Re: The Gathering

#26

Anya cursed under her breath as Marcus ploughed on ahead. We should engage them at range, not sneak up to them! Less chance of us getting it in the neck that way..

Unshouldering her .50 Anya flicked open the cap at the rear end of her scope, not wanting to release the forward one in case any light was reflected that would draw unnecessary attention to their wherabouts.

Whilst squatting down to minimize her frame she began to scan her surroundings intensely, alert after that second yip for any sign of unnatural movement.

Re: The Gathering

#27

Aww, that's evil! And I came 1 measly point short too! 7 +4=11! Uuuugh. Edit. Partial success.

Knowing what was coming, Carnegie whispered harshly to Elvis, who strained between his loyalty and his nature. But in the end, one stray bark and some whines escaped him.

Carnegie winced and hugged Elvis to try to shut him up. The cat raced off.

Re: The Gathering

#28

Elvis sang but briefly, and was joined in his chorus by a number of other barks and yowls - that were quickly cut to short yipes and silence.

Not from ahead, but about 200'behind a ruin to the Left

[img width=400 height=251]http://i.imgur.com/r4scQXk.png?1

Grey is buildings/ruins. Scale is 20' per square

Edit - the ruin is not 200' away, but the noise sounds like it was...

Re: The Gathering

#29

Marcus' head snapped to the left. It seemed the coyotes had moved. Tactics started racing through his mind.

He examined the ruin to the left for a moment. Mostly to see if its multi-story, and if it is, the likelihood of usable stairs

"Let's choose our battlefield, eh? Let tha mongrels find us for a change. How 'bout you two," Marcus began, pointing at Carnegie and Anya, "climb up that ruin there, and snipe the b*****ds, while the rest of us engage on the ground, eh? Elvis can protect you two if the coyotes sneak 'round back."

He paused a moment, and then continued. "When tha two o' you get up there, I'll bait the f***ers into coming, with Kreadle and Luc hiding. Unless one o' you got a better idea?"

Re: The Gathering

#30

Quick post due to having no time! :D

Luc nodded, "I have nothing better. I'll keep to the bushes and wait for you to draw 'em out. If they don't cooperate, Carny can always have Elvis bark up a storm to draw 'em over."
Luc slunk off to conceal himself in the scrub to the north, his crossbow at the ready. Adrenaline was pumping through his veins - fear and excitement driving him.

Unless stopped by Anya or Carnegie's opinion, Luc will use stealth now - Val needs to roll it for me! :D He will attempt to lie in wait until he has the opportunity for a stealthy sneak attack.

Re: The Gathering

#31

Carnegie stood up and shared a look with Anya and nodded her consent to Marcus, but with a frown as she didn't approve of such language. She was surprised to hear him of all people talk about tactics, but it sounded like a good plan to her, as long as there weren't any 'yotes inside the building... She blushed at Luc's Words, but at least Elvis's bark had seemingly done them a favour this time. She wasn't sure if Anya approved of the plan, but she gave her a nod anyways and gripping her rifle, Elvis at her heel, she started towards the leftmost building, slowly but surely.

Alright, requesting a Perception check (+6 mod), once I reach the building wall, see if I spot or hear anything inside. And a Stealth check (+10 mod). If Anya's got a better idea, feel free to stop me.

Re: The Gathering

#32

Like with the others, disregard this if Anya gets an idea that trumps Marcus's.

Marcus, with the others heading off to their assigned posts, walked to his spot.

Though inside his emotions were in turmoil, he kept his face and body language calm and cool. The plan, he knew was a good one. The main problem with it was the key part- the baiting bit. He was the bait, like a worm on a fishhook, to be snapped up and devoured so as to get the catch. Yes, he had support on the ground with him, but he didn't know Kreadle well enough to know if he was worth s**t if things went south, and as for Luc, well, both he and Marcus acknowledged the fact that he was best at talking, not fighting. The only people of their group he could count on in a fight was Carnegie, though he would never admit such a thing to. She was pretty good with that rifle of hers. And then there was Anya. Luc had mentioned that she had some kind of mental problems, which cast a serious pall on her abilities as a fighter. Perhaps her demons would rise up and stop her from shooting.

Hell, Carnegie was a nice enuff lass. If Anya got demoned in the fight, Carnegie'd probably help her, and then where would they be. No ranged support, Kreadle maybe turning into a deserter, and him, no doubt enraged, unable to consider tactics! He wouldn't run then, and he'd get torn to shreds by the mutant, mongrel b*****ds.

Marcus shook his head vigorously, as if to shake these thoughts out of his head. This fight would go fine. Kreadle had a shotgun, and he'd be able to turn a couple of the f***ers into red mist before he could possibly get it in his head to run. And Luc would blindside them. This fight would go well. Hell, the fight would probably even make him mad, and a little rage always cleared his mind of doubts. All he had to do now was psyche himself up for this.

He scanned the treeline, Perception Check, +4 modalmost hoping to see the enemy so they could get this thing started, and then laid his shield on the ground where he could easily grab it, and readied one of his throwing daggers, though he kept his axe in hand. He'd need it to bait.

"Everyone ready?" Marcus called out to his allies, careful to keep his tone from revealing his misgivings.

Yeah! Marcus's Inner Monologue! Now you get to see what the meatshield thinks like, and what the meatshield thinks of you guys.

Re: The Gathering

#33

Anya, Carnegie and Elvis

Entry into the house was easy - the door apparently had been taken long ago by some scavenger. Old wrecked. mouldy furniture was all that was inside, apart from a family of mice that scattered when the two women entered.
The walls still had most of its drywall, though many holes were in it, either from vandals, copper scavengers or animals making lairs.

The second floor was sturdy as well, and the two quickly found good windows overlooking the backyard.

Luc & Kreadle

Luc found cover in the shrubs on the right, and found a large rock to put his back to. Kreadle had joined him as well, levelling his shotgun at the gap between the trees and the ruin.

Marcus sat tight, in position. He thought he heard something - pattering of feet....

It did not take any baiting to draw the coyotes' out. Anya and Carnegie had barely assumed their position when they saw a large group of canines of various configurations break from the treeline and barrel for the gap between their ruin and trees, directly towards where the others were waiting. They could see at least a half dozen animals..

Anya and Carnegie have a free shot now. Two of the dogs are substantially bigger than the others, perhaps the size of a Saint Bernard. Dogs are well within 1st range increment for both rifles. They will end the 'surprise' round 10' from the ruin, and not quite in line of sight for Marcus,Luc and Kreadle. At such point, Anya and Carnegie will need to shift windows to maintain line of sight. DC 11 to hit big dogs, DC 12 for the smaller ones (Flatfooted)

Re: The Gathering

#34

From her vantage point up by the second floor window, it didn't take long for Carnegie to spot the approaching 'yotes.

"They're comin!" She bellowed and lined up her shot in her scope. She knew from experience that this wasn't normal behavior for coyotes, a cowardly animal, perhaps the others would run if she took out the big uns. She aimed for one of the big mutant 'yotes who was missing half an ear, inhaled, held her breath, and squeezed the trigger.

Shooting at half-ear, 16 +7+1, and 8,5(13) damage.

A clean kill! The bullet went right through its head, it dropped dead in its step.

Re: The Gathering

#35

R1

A heartbeat later, Anya fired the cannon she called a rifle.

The .50 caliber shell slammed into the second large creature and down it dropped in a cloud of blood.

The two went down nearly simultaneously, so quickly that the remainder did not even register they were gone. The twin gunshots, however, startled them.

They did, however, press their attack and four more of the smaller creatures emerged from the trees behind them. Moments later the first group of five smaller coyotes popped around the corner.

Kreadle did not wait, and fired the moment he had a clear shot, though apparently missing. He dropped it and drew his pistol.

Die roll 9+6 , damage 2d12 20 points (11+9). 4 'coyotes' at 80' from Anya/Carnegie. 5 small ones at 10'.

Due to concealment (Luc & Kreadle) and the recklessness of the coyote's, a surprise round can be taken before an initiative roll is required. Kreadle has already wasted his...

Re: The Gathering

#36

Marcus threw his dagger straight at the horde of coyotes, almost not carrying which of them it hit I got a: (22:00:39) Minion: caesar193 rolls 1d20 and gets 2. Yeah... Marcus is leaving the range stuff to Carnegie and Anya from now on.

Sighing, the warrior picked up his shield, readied his axe, and roared his defiance of both death and this new enemy, hoping to scare some of them off Intimidate check: (22:02:49) Minion: caesar193 rolls 1d20 and gets 6. +4 for mod, and I get 10.

With axe and shield readied, Marcus waited for Death to come, so he could snap Death's bony carapace in half with his bare hands.

Re: The Gathering

#37

Luc and Kreadle hunkered down in their hiding spot. The two exchanged anxious glances but did not talk to one another; they both knew that silence was paramount.
Luc tensed, flinching at the sound of gunshots but not daring to move and lose their cover. Finally the coyotes came into view! Kreadle shot first, the gun roaring loudly and leaving a ringing in Luc's ears. The shot whistled through the air but met no target. Luc wasted no time, his crossbow loosing its bolt a second after. Not having been noticed, he was able to take the time to aim straight for the flank of the frontmost canine. Straight after his shot Luc mimicked Kreadle and fell flat, breathing heavily. Softly, he whispered, "I think I tagged one!"

Dice app rolled an 18 +2=20
1d8 damage= 5+2 = 7
1d6 sneak attack = 3
Total damage = 10.

Another GM check to remain concealed please! -10 penalty I think I read somewhere?

Re: The Gathering

#38

The crossbow bolt flew straight and true, catching the coyote full in the torso. The small, but dangerous animal dropped with a yipe, lungs punctured and ribs shattered.

The four coyotes caught sight of Marcus and as one, charged towards him, seemingly oblivious to their losses.

Kreadle whispered, "I'd say ya did more than tagged it! Right F'ked it up."

Kreadle goes at 14. Coyotes go at 9... Anya and Carnegie need to roll if they move and shoot the close coyotes, no need if they fire at the new group.
Marcus 5, Carnegie 18.
And, luc at 16, Anya at 18 as well.

Re: The Gathering

#39

Shooting against the pack of 4; 80ft away, I'm gonna call this one spotty, 8 +7+1 (16), damage 2,6 (8)

Spotting more 'yotes a comin, Carnegie decided to focus her fire on the reinforcements. They were fewer and further away, so maybe they could be scared off, if one or two of em dropped. She lined up her sight and fired once more, but at the last second, the creature shifted slightly, she hit it in the chest rather than the head.

Re: The Gathering

#40

Carnegie's coyote took the round in the shoulder, and severely injured from the hit, turned from its change and disappeared into the nearby brush.

Nearly the same instant, Anya's rifle boomed and winged another - the round not punching deep, but cutting an inch-deep furrow along the creature.
Not fatal, the wound was still enough to stop its charge, and it joined its compatriot in fleeing into the nearby underbrush.

The other two nearcomers, not near enough to see their targets, and surprised by the sudden departure of their fellows, turned tail and followed the wounded coyotes.

Four coyotes still remained to fall upon Marcus, Kreadle and Luc..

Edit: Messed up which group was shot at...

Neither dead, but close. Luc next up..