Old School

1. Old School

   #1

   The walk back to Red-Tower was uneventful after the coyotes and school, with few if any real answers.  What had killed the coyotes? What was behind that door in the basement, and why the hell did Luc’s crossbow end up incinerated.
   
   Richards took their debriefing, and was quite interested to hear about the door in the basement.
   
   For now, they could take a short break, things seemed a little quiet.  Nothing appeared to have happened during their expedition.
   
   "Lets take a look at the junk we found," said Kredel. 
   
   ooc - returning characters, please decide how the last few items will be divvyed.  There will be a bit of time to allow for new characters to join, and for the love of Pete, for Shadoweagle to return :P 

2. Re: Old School

   #2

   
   She had eluded the damn Kings Marine for the third time today, though now she was holed up in an old factory of some kind. 
   
   
   She heard something behind her - how the hell did _that_ get there? She was bringing her weapon around when there was a bright flash, momentary agony, and then nothing.
   
   
   Where was she? Someplace far fancier. So much light, smooth floors. A bed? Restraints.
   
   Needles!
   
   Why can’t she remember his(?) face? Someone was here.
   
   ----
   
   The cloud passed.  She was herself again and they missed something.  The locks were not that good - which was good given the tools she had.
   
   That done, time to leave.
   
   Alarms, running feet, she ran left and right through a maze of corridors.  More flashes of light but they missed.
   
   
   It looked like a motorcycle though it lacked wheels, but it rose off the ground slightly at her approach - whining of some mechanism filling the air.  Lights near the handlebars glowed - they beaconed really - and she climbed on.  The exterior door appeared to open automatically - why? She was not really inclined to argue - the door to the hanger was being breached and she turned the throttle.  She did not expect the speed it put on as she blasted out into the open air.
   
   The structure behind her was huge - white and clean, with many towers and windows  - a story-book castle - she had looked back to see if she was being chased.  She was. Another door had opened and out came a pair of similar vehicles.
   
   Controlling the ‘bike’ was a bit challenging - it did not respond quite the same as motorbike, and her experience with _that_ had been minimal. 
   
   The two pursuers had blocked her from reaching Stonehammer, though that place really did not represent safety.  The ‘Marine would certainly notice her buzzing in on this thing. 
   Flying barely above treetops she took a random route - she had no idea where she was going. The occasional blast of energy nearby reminded her of her pursuit. 
   
   Then another one ended it.
   
   The Bike dropped out of the air like a stone - it had no surfaces to maintain lift - and she had little time to brace herself as she plummeted through the foliage.  It hit a heavy branch, spinning the bike and sending her on a different trajectory.
   
   Which was good, as the bike slammed solidly into a tree and promptly exploded.
   
   She slammed into the side of some wooden structure and smashed through.
   
   As she lay stunned, two hoverbikes flew overhead unseen.  They turned and went back the way they came.
   
   ......
   
   Some time after the division of spoils, such as they were..
   
   
   The blast of the bike’s power supply could be heard all over Redtower, and much of Kenebac.
   
   Kreadle looked up from the garden he was working on.
   
   Marcus was beating on the door-shield he was building.
   
   Carnegie was out on a walk with Elvis.  They had bonded even tighter thanks to their recent adventure.  Lucus had been keeping his distance, doubtless still put off by the destruction of his weapon, or was it something else?
   
   Anya was walking back from the town’s makeshift range - they had come onto a good amount of ammo through trade and she had had the rare opportunity to practice.
   
   The range was not far from Redtower and it was not long before the Mayor found her. “Anya, Get some people together and go see what’s up with that.“
   
   
   
   ------
   
   “Is she dead?”
   
   “Did you see the body? No? Then get the fuck back there and make sure. Bring me her teeth if thats all you find.”
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Re: Old School

   #3

   Asha sat up painfully, the feeling of something broken under her left hip giving her a pang of fear coupled with a flash of anger. Rolling gently to the side she risked a quick look and winced, closing her eyes at the tear inducing sight.
   
   Her violin, the antique Spruce and Maple wood cracked in multiple places, several strings curled in upon themselves, the tail piece broken entirely at the hilt.
   
   "Shit." She cursed under her breath listening to the sounds of the hover bikes as they swindled into the distance, the weight of her handgun reassuring under her left shoulder, and the leather hand grip of her sword still firmly sheathed at her belt.
   
   Time to move, put as much distance between here and the crash sight as possible, after the room stops spinning and I catch my breath.

4. Re: Old School

   #4

   _Ka-whoomph!_ The blast reverberated in the air around Anya, momentarily stunning her. there one moment, gone the next.. She shook her head, willing the image to subside. It wasn't every day that one heard such a blast. In fact, they hadn't had anything this large or close to them in quite a while.
   
   

   
   The range was not far from Redtower and it was not long before the Mayor found her. “Anya, Get some people together and go see what’s up with that.“
   

   
   
   Glancing up as the Mayor arrived, she gave him a nod to show she'd understood. Tasking acknowledged.
   
   Before setting off, Anya made sure both her cannon and the Glock 20 had enough rounds to last in an extended firefight. The size and sound of that explosion was reason enough to believe that there would doubtless be follow-up elements en route. Possibly a SaR group, probably the opposite. They'd need the ammo.
   
   ----
   
   She made sure everything was strapped down and set off at a quick jog to gather her group. Heading first to Kreadle and Luc, before coming to Marcus - that banging could only be caused by one person - "Get your axe ready, we gotta get Carny and then go check out that blast!".
   
   

5. Re: Old School

   #5

   Marcus sighed heavily. All he wanted to do today was finish modifying this door. It seemed that both Anya and the Fates were conspiring against him. "Why the hurry?" He asked. "Threats wouldn't damn well announce there presence like that." Unless its a big threat, with lots of pointy bits and weapons, he added silently. He looked around for a moment, then dropped the shield and ripped a page put of his journal, scrawling the words 'Marcus Sauvage's Door- Thieves shall perish in agony' on it, adding a quick sketch of what would happen to thieves for the illiterate, and dropped it on the door. He then eyed his newly sharpened axe and followed Anya.
   
   "Though I do hope for a threat," he added confidentially. "Things have been pretty fucking boring since we got back from them coyotes."

6. Re: Old School

   #6

   Carnegie and Elvis were already outside the walls when Anya and Marcus came running. Their goal was clear, no explanation needed. Find out the source of the sound. With the gait of a hunter well familiar with her hunting grounds, Carny moved stealthily towards the unknown, Elvis and the rest by her side.
   
   (19:27:58) Minion: Gossamer rolls 1d20 and gets 12. 12 +10 for Stealth, total of 22.
   
   and Perception (19:35:30) Minion: Gossamer rolls 1d20 and gets 15. +4 Total of 19.

7. Re: Old School

   #7

   The small group found the epicenter fairly easily - a small column of smoke indicated a large tree blown in half by some type of explosion. Fragments of some metal vehical lay strewn about. The smell of something chemically filled the air, though none could identify it.
   
   A nearby shed showed signs of recently broken wood - the silver grey giving way to clearer wood on its edges.
   
   Have rolled for Marcus and Anya for their own stealth. Anya was not perfect, so Asha is aware of something out there.  Marcus and Carnegie were quiet.
   
   

8. Re: Old School

   #8

   Asha looked up in alarm, the sound of movement outside giving her a rush of adrenaline. The bikers? Back to make sure their kill was complete? Or predators drawn by the noise and smell of wreckage, the conflicts of man usually an indicator of food in some fashion for carrion eaters.
   
   Drawing her Glock she carefully retreated into the shadows deeper within the buildings interior, the rusted hulk of some long forgotten piece of machinery providing ample cover and giving her a clear line of sight at the entry points.
   
   Let it be just a curious animal, the last thing I need is combat, the soudn of gun fire will draw those hover bike goons back here in a hurry if they're still patrolling  anywhere  in sound of the gun shots.
   
   Stealth roll for concealing herself in the building: Minion: Asha rolls 1d20 and gets 13. (+8 stealth bonus for a total of 21 before factoring in any situational modifiers)

9. Re: Old School

   #9

   Marcus silently cursed under his breathe. The silence seemed to accent Anya's mistread, as well as the nearness. He eyed the shed warily. There was always the chance that if there was something in there, it hadn't heard them. Of course, there could be someone somewhere else, and waiting for the group to trap themselves in the shed. He sighed. However much he liked the idea of kicking down the wall, it wasn't practical.
   
   He waved to Carnegie to follow him in, and motioned to Anya to watch for enemies around the woods. Hoping they'd actually do that, Marcus continued to stalk forward, towards the shed, looking for a hole in the wall. In a practiced motion, he slung his shield out in front of him, holding his axe at the ready. Ears straining for the sound of an enemy, muscele's tensed to react to one, Marcus stealthily approached the shed.
   
   Perception: 19+5=24, Stealth: 15+2=17

10. Re: Old School

    #10

    Anya and Carnegie approached the shed carefully behind Marcus, when Elvis began sniffing loudly.
    
    A moment later, he began to bark and headed quickly to the shed...
    
    Carnegie is closest to Elvis, and so first to act if she chooses to
    
    

11. Re: Old School

    #11

    Asha adjusted the grip on her Glock slightly as the barking began, listening intently for the shouted commands of the animals owner, or the barks of other dogs that would indicate a feral pack had caught her scent.
    
    She tensed slightly and readied herself for a quick evasion should the animal prove hostile, fervently hoping it's bark was an indication of discovery and not aggression.

12. Re: Old School

    #12

    Anya crouched low, bringing her cannon to bear on the entrance to the shed and clicked the safety off.
    
    "Marcus", she hissed, "don't do anything.. rash, when you go in there."

13. Re: Old School

    #13

    Carnegie's fingers failed to grasp Elvis's fur. She grimaced and flung herself to the side of the doorway, crouched down and drew her gun. Lousy mutt, some hunting dog you are. If this was your last mistake... God help me. Carny's heart pounded in her chest, but she wasn't soppy enough to risk human lives over a dog's.

14. Re: Old School

    #14

    Marcus had none of Carnegie's caution. He grinned at Anya, and said, "me? Do something rash? You have the wrong guy."
    
    So saying, he walked straight into the doorway, though he did look for threats. Marcus walked in with an easy lope, his shield in front and his axe non-threatening. He figured any dangers in there might only expect him; Carnegie and Anya might still surprise them. Plus, he knew he looked the type to be not stealthy and screw up the stealthy approach.
    
    The comparative darkness of the interior of the shed compared to outside it momentarily jarred his perception, but then he only really needed to look at Elvis. The dog would lead him right to whatever was in here. Even though it was probably only dog food.
    
    "Where is it boy?" Marcus asked in the tone people reserve for interactions with dogs. "Whaddya smell?"
    

15. Re: Old School

    #15

    Elvie ran straight through the door and quickly rounded the metal hulk contained within.  He stopped short of Asha, tail wagging, sniffing and panting at the occupant.
    
    She also caught the words spoken outside the doorway, "Me, do something rash?"  She caught the darkening of an approaching figure well before he breached the doorway.
    
    

16. Re: Old School

    #16

    Asha tensed as the dog padded into the interior and nosed at her, followed by what she presumed was it's owner, who seemed cautious, but not overly hostile.
    
    "Easy now," She said gently, stepping out from behind the rusted chunk of machinery, keeping her pistol held in both hands, but pointed down and to the side, her index finger up above the trigger alongside the weapons frame.
    
    "I'm not looking for trouble, that boom you heard earlier was my bike, it suffered a malfunction and I lost control. I bailed before it blew up and fell in here. If this is your land just point me to the closest piece of civilization and I'll be off it as quick as I can." She reassured him, keeping one eye on the dog just in case it decided to get over friendly, the last thing she needed was it rooting through her rucksack for rations.

17. Re: Old School

    #17

    "This ain't my land," Marcus said. "Close as I can figure it, this is the town of Kenebac's land. We'll have to bring you there, to clear up this whole explosion business."
    
    To make himself seem less threatening, he put away his shield and lowered his axe in an easy I'm-not-about-to-kill-you way, but still easy for him to raise and start chopping away of need be. He then called Carnegie and Anya in, telling them that it was safe.
    
    "So. Who are you, and what the fuck are you doing biking 'round here?"

18. Re: Old School

    #18

    Asha grinned at his ready display of profanity, smoothly holsting her glock in a well practiced motion, crossing her arms in a relaxed manner; one could tell a lot about someone's culture and a bit about themselves from the way they talked.
    
    She leaned against the wall comfortably, and held down a small piece of dried fish for the dog as she answered the mans questions. "I'm Asha, and I was running from a couple of bandits on hover bikes, this direction was the one I happened to be flying in when I crashed." She shrugged casually. "How far is Kenebac? An before we depart, I'd at least like to know the names of my escorts."

19. Re: Old School

    #19

    Marcus' shout telling them things were fine and an absence of combat noise, calmed Anya somewhat, but she wasn't going to let her guard down so easily. "I'd much prefer it if y'all came back out here, nice and slow and whoever you've found in there with their hands in plain sight!" Better to be overly cautious than dead.
    
    Switching from her cannon to the Glock 20, she stood up and moved the relative safety of a thick tree, holding the weapon ready. Just in case.

20. Re: Old School

    #20

    Marcus sighed at Anya's words. Caution was all well and good, but too much caution...
    
    "Here, come on. Let's get all the introductions done together," Marcus said to Asha. "Kenebac ain't far from here, but still, might as well keep the trip as, what's the word, ah, not-wary? As not-wary as possible."
    
    So saying, Marcus ducked out of the shed, slipping his axe away as well.

21. Re: Old School

    #21

    Asha sighed, concerns about walking out into an ambush or quick imprisonment by slavers springing to mind, but slavers didn;t usually have friendly dogs, or seem to friendly.
    
    She nodded slowly, after a moments consideration. "Fair enough, I'll wait for you to step out first and let your friends know you're not speaking under coercion and let them holster any weapons they might have trained on the door way, and then I'll be out with the dog here a few moments after."
    
    She watched Marcus step outside, reaching down to gently scratch behind the dogs ears, slipping him another piece of dried fish. "Let's hope your owner is as nice as you are boy."
    
    

22. Re: Old School

    #22

    Anya held her breath as Macus stepped back into the light, his curt nod and sheathed axe indicating to her indicating things were under control. She lowered her weapon back into its holster, keeping the clasp open just in case.
    
    While waiting for the unknown to exit the shed, Anya did a quick sweep of her perimeter, checking for any unusual activity.
    
    

23. Re: Old School

    #23

    Seeing Marcus come out alone, Carnegie asked worriedly. "Where's Elvis?" A quick explanation later, she too holstered her gun and took a few steps from the door. Curious about this new arrival, hoping she didn't try and use her dog as a hostage...

24. Re: Old School

    #24

    Asha peeked around the corner of the the opening briefly, noting the lack of readied weaponry and the over all dress of the arrivals indicated regular people, or at the least not slavers or mercenaries.
    
    With a friendly smile and slight limp she stepped out of the doorway, giving the dog a gentle pat on the head and the group a polite nod.
    
    "So, which way to Kenebec?"

25. Re: Old School

    #25

    Carny bent down and grabbed Elvis's head. "Bad dog..." She mumbled. She released him and glanced at the woman limping. "Umm, are you hurt?" She queried, quickly looking down and blushed when she achieved eye contact. "...I...I can take a look at that leg..." She lamely finished.

26. Re: Old School

    #26

    Asha grinned a little at the blush nodding, "I got a bit banged up in the crash, haven't really had the chance to patch it up yet." She leaned against the wall, lifting the hem of her skirt enough to get to the top of her thigh high leather boot, pulling it off slowly, wincing at the stab of pain from her calf. "So, are all of you from Kenebec? What's the place like?"

27. Re: Old School

    #27

    Carnegie brushed some hair out of her face and took a knee to study the woman's leg. It felt a bit strange to get so familiar so soon, but it would be wrong to not try to ease her apparent pain. She merely nodded at the question, letting someone else fill in the details, as she carefully felt around the foot and the leg, checking for any apparent damage.
    
    (22:17:07) Minion: Gossamer rolls 1d20 and gets 8. +6 I dunno if there's actually any damage to heal? But meh, story related check.

28. Re: Old School

    #28

    "Kenebac is a quiet town," Marcus replied. "A little too godda-" he looked down at Carnegie, and then said "darn," in the tone of an intrepid explorer scouting for hostile threats in undiscovered lands. "Godda-darn quiet," he continued, "if ya ask me."
    
    "Still, it probably doesn't have bikes, or bike explosions for that matter. What kinda bike was it to make such pretty fireworks?"

29. Re: Old School

    #29

    Asha braced herself against the wall to allow the self professed medic easier access to her leg, curling her tail a bit tighter around her waist, relaxing as the womans hands gently probed her injury, Marcus's question a welcome distraction from the pain. "A X-12 Hoverdyne, at least that's what was emblazoned across the side of it." She told him with a briefly wistful smile. "It's like being a bird, or a rocket, there's nothing that can compare to the feeling! The landings though leave a lot to be desired." She added with a wince.

30. Re: Old School

    #30

    Asha is down 3hp, but the Heal skill does not appear to provide any immediate restoration.  14 in any case is too low a roll to succeed at first aid. http://paizo.com/prd/skills/heal.html
    
    They all heard the crack of a far off gunshot, heavily muffled by the foliage, but no whine of a nearby bullet. 

31. Re: Old School

    #31

    A hoverbike? Haven't seen them since the old days.. Where did she get one? And why is she here? Anya looked on with suspicion as first Elvis, then Asha exited the shed.
    
    All further thoughts were instantly interrupted by the sound of the far off round. "We can continue this discussion later, we're going back to Kenebac - speak to Mayor - now. No arguments." Anya clipped closed her holster to unshoulder and make ready her cannon, she would provide the rearguard as they made their way back at double pace.
    
    They could come back later to scavenge what they could. For now they needed to get back, prepare defenses and hear this woman's story.

32. Re: Old School

    #32

    Gunshots always made Marcus prick his ears. He nodded at Anya's words, and then eyed Asha's wounded leg.
    
    "Think you can run?" He asked. "Or move faster than a hobble?"

33. Re: Old School

    #33

    Asha nodded, "I've had worse in my time, I'll be able to keep up, but running could send us straight into an ambush, moving at a steady but cautious pace will be quieter than a full on run as well." She suggested with nod, pulling her boot back on and smoothing out her skirt. "One shot was likely a signal of some sort, the bandits probably found my bike wreckage and will fan out from there, but lets not stick around to find out."

34. Re: Old School

    #34

    Carny pricked up her ears at the mention of the bikes. She looked up at the woman with wonder, human flight? Was such a thing even possible?
    Hearing the gun shot, her immidiate instinct was to check it out. But she didn't dare to argue, especially not with a stranger among them. She nodded her consent and dusted off her knees as she rose. "Yer leg seems alrajt, it's probably a strain... Jes don't...y'know put too much weight on it...Or, yeah." She shook her head, flustered and adjusted her rifle's shoulderstrap. "Elvis, come." She said, and took the lead. Back to Kenebac.
    
    I just remembered she has an accent. :P Anyways, that's the last from me for a few days. Good luck and don't get Carny killed.

35. Re: Old School

    #35

    Marcus eyed Asha carefully as he began to follow Carnegie. This was both to make sure she wasn't a threat, and to make sure she could walk. He did believe her- if she were a threat, she wouldn't make up a story involving fantasy hoverbikes (and besides, he trusted Elvis' judgement)- but in this cruel world, one couldn't be too careful.
    
    He let Carnegie take point, as she had Elvis to keep an eye on, but prepared for combat. He ran simulations through his mind, situations. "Ok,' he thought, 'if a motherfucker pops up behind that bush, then charge and fucking cut him in two, and if there's an ambush on both sides, I'll...'
    
    Even so, Marcus kept his pace stealthly, and eyed Anya until she got the message: please, for fuck's sake, be goddamn quiet.

36. Re: Old School

    #36

    @!#$ does this brute think he is? Hulk here skull@!#$ing me.. Anya flashed Marcus a venomous look, before shaking her head and bringing up the rear.
    
    "No noise, that includes talking, until we reach Kenebac. Stick close, stay low and move fast."

37. Re: Old School

    #37

    Asha nodded, raising an eye brow at the exchange of looks between Marucs and Anya, but choosing to keep out of it.
    
    Lovers quarrel? Or sibling rivalry?
    
    She stuck towards the rear of the group, keeping a watchful eye on their six, wishing deeply there'd been time to cut a branch for a makeshift walking stick, but deciding not to make an issue of it, or reveal the true extent of her injuries to strangers.

38. Re: Old School

    #38

    While perhaps mildly injured, Asha was not clumsy, and her passage was easily as silent as Marcus’s.
    
    The trip back was uneventful, being only a few hundred meters from the start of Red Tower’s outermost ‘fortifications’.
    
    The fortifications were manned when they got there. And long arms were carried by those who had them. Something had the entire place up and at ‘em.
    
    Fred Mills saw them, said, “We got reports of Raiders.  They blew down the road towards Stonehammer then turned right. Would have put them close to you folks. My, she’s a pretty one - where’s she from?
    
    Oh, someone said there were things flyin’ too. Hard to believe that. Anyway, we’re at ‘red alert’, so come on in. 
    
    Watcher’ name darling?”  Fred leered at Asha.  This certainly was in character for him.
    
    Fred is physically imposing, 6’2”, 240 lbs and is known as an excellent tracker.  Type A, somewhat cruel. 
    
    
    Nearby, something saucer-shape flew silent and low over the trees, out of sight of those in Kenebac, but not from everyone.  Wisely those people kept quiet and didn't take pot-shots at flying machine. Some things were too reckless even for Raiders and they were spooked by it.  They didn't see the vehicle drop some container nearby, and certainly didn't see what came out...

39. Re: Old School

    #39

    "Asha," she told him simply, returning his leering gaze with a warm smile of her own, realizing quickly such an imposing figure and his desire to curry her favor would perhaps come in handy in the future should trouble find her in this new village, even if he wasn't even close to her type.
    
    "Raiders? Did they have any particular markings? I've had unpleasant run in with raider scum int he past, I may be able to tell you a bit about their tactics and disposition if I can identify them." She adjusted her sunglasses and let herself relax, the walls and guards a welcome buffer between her and the dangers outside Kenebac.

40. Re: Old School

    #40

    "Anything else we should be aware of Fred, anything on the inside?" she asked him as a smile played around her lips.
    
    Turning to her companions, she motioned them on, "y'all had best go see Mayor, I'll catch up with you."

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