Hold Back the Night. Chapter 1

Charles Dresden · Post by **Charles Dresden** » Sun Feb 12, 2023 5:21 pm

Perception 15%: d100: [35] = 35
JIC: d100: [73] = 73 , d20: [13] = 13

Myth and Jest wrote: ↑Fri Feb 10, 2023 5:52 pm December 27 – 16:05 Near the center of the ruins, Louisville.

Dresden breaks back to reality and looks around in confusion. He's standing on the stairs next to SPC King, heading down. In front of them, standing lower down, is P1C Wilcher, and further down, the group of civilians packed tightly together. Several of the civilians snap awake and fumble about in fear and confusion. Some grab their hypnotized companions to wake them, and two others run back up the stairs to try to rush by Wilcher. In a sudden jerk motion, Wilcher raises his rifle and shoots the closest escaping civilian. The laser bolt cleaves through the man's torso, almost splitting him apart, and hits two hypnotized bystanders, spraying the stairwell with bits of human gore. Dresden has a split second to react. The remaining wake civilians scream and flee down the steps.

As the body explodes and splatters gore on him Dresden startled awake and says “F**k.”. Instinctively Dresden attempts the knock the rifle off target (parry). He then right crosses Wilcher with a power punch. WTF is happening here.

Combat
Initiative: d20: [19] = 19
Action 1: Power Punch - To Strike: d20+1: [8]+1 = 9 | Damage: 3d4: [4, 2, 4] = 10 MD (2 Actions)
Action 2: —————————————
Action 3: Power Punch - To Strike: d20+1: [12]+1 = 13 | Damage: 3d4: [1, 1, 2] = 4 MD (2 Actions)
Action 4: —————————————-
Action 5: Dodge d20+5: [12]+5 = 17

Parry: d20+5: [18]+5 = 23 , d20+5: [18]+5 = 23 , d20+5: [20]+5 = 25 , d20+5: [20]+5 = 25 , d20+5: [10]+5 = 15 ,

Antithesis · Post by **Antithesis** » Fri Feb 17, 2023 3:28 pm

Perception: 15% / 1d100: 1d100: [99] = 99
JIC: 1d20: 1d20: [8] = 8 / 1d100: 1d100: [34] = 34

JIC Initiative: 1d20+1: 1d20+1: [16]+1 = 17

At the point of desperation, at the end of his speech Johnny is feeling down 2 scores, with little to no time left on the clock, and they don't even have possession. As everyone snaps out of the mind control & Butcher hears his voice suddenly kick in to the speakers and reverberate all over the walls & through all the speakers, his hopes are revitalized. "Hot Damn!" He exclaims in elation.

Listening in and watching his HUD and where everyone seems to be going, he takes in a second to think. After the events inside transpire, Butcher opens comms, "Good to have everyone back. Listen up for those who are confused. There is some kind of mind control happening. Some of Recon 5 might still be under the effects. Try and knock them out, but protect yourselves at all costs. Falcon has eyes with you guys down there. Form up and stay together, don't just go all ham down there as individuals, work together."

Butcher picks up all the commotion inside the building & the multiple pings on his HUD rushing toward him on the outside. He says to himself & Lunchbox, "Alright, The play is to stay alive and not get sacked. Its go time!" Opening up to everyone else, he follows up, "Alright, it's party time, grab the disco balls out of storage, tap the kegs, and lock up your sister's at home."

Butcher wont fire on the figures coming toward him until he determines they are hostile. They seem like small targets, so not something that's going to take down the robot, but collectively, (shrug). If they are humans under mind control he'll try to use non-lethal means to knock them down or jostle them. If hostile aliens or non humans show up, Butcher will fire immediately. If anything larger show's up he'll use Lunchbox's missiles.

# of Attacks: 6, (+5 to hit w/ HtH), (+7 energy weapons), dodge +7 standing

1. MR-44 Double-Barreled Laser Turret (dual shot): to hit; 1d20+7: [8]+7 = 15 ; damage; 1d4*10: [1]*10 = 10
2. MR-44 Double-Barreled Laser Turret (dual shot): to hit; 1d20+7: [18]+7 = 25 ; damage; 1d4*10: [4]*10 = 40
3. MR-44 Double-Barreled Laser Turret (dual shot): to hit; 1d20+7: [18]+7 = 25 ; damage; 1d4*10: [4]*10 = 40
4. MR-44 Double-Barreled Laser Turret: (dual shot) to hit; 1d20+7: [16]+7 = 23 ; damage; 1d4*10: [1]*10 = 10
5. MR-44 Double-Barreled Laser Turret: (dual shot) to hit; 1d20+7: [12]+7 = 19 ; damage; 1d4*10: [1]*10 = 10
6. MR-44 Double-Barreled Laser Turret: (dual shot) to hit; 1d20+7: [18]+7 = 25 ; damage; 1d4*10: [2]*10 = 20

Post by **Myth and Jest** » Sun Feb 19, 2023 3:27 pm

December 27 – 16:05 Near the center of the ruins, Louisville.

Dresden deflects P1C Wilcher's rifle from the line of sight of the hypnotized civilians and winds up a power punch hammering Wilcher back against the wall. As if stunned by the sudden attack, Wilcher stands there to take Dresden's second punch. Two fist size dents break the smooth glossy surface of Wilcher's chest plate. Wilcher brings his rifle down, like a club, attempting to bash Dresden over the head but it's a jerky, clumsy motion, and Dresden easily dodges the blow.

Dresden looks at the Private's face through the clear visor and sees a dead man looking back at him. Two milky white eyes sit within sunken eye sockets surrounded by the pale discolored skin of deceased flesh. The man's purplish lips frame a dark void of his open mouth as if in a silent scream. Streaks of dried congealed blood hang down his face from his forehead, hidden by the helmet.

OOC Comments

Marconi attempts to quickly get by SPC King and the tussle between Dresden and Wilcher. As he squeezes past King on the stairwell, King suddenly jerks his arms around him into a crushing bear hug, entangling him in a breath-stealing vice. Marconi is trapped face-to-face with King and stares into the cloudy eyes of King's corpse. The lower half of King's visor is splattered with blood, and his severed tongue flops against the inside of the helmet. It appears that King bit his own tongue off during his death throes.

OOC Comments

Falcon is about to follow Marconi into the stairwell when Lt. Holt's helmet rolls softly by his foot. A warning from the combat dog Nora pops onto his HUD with a screen showing a motion-blurred something, about a foot in diameter, flying towards the back of his head. Its thermal signature matches whatever was in Lt. Holt's head on the previous scan leaving her body as cold as the surroundings. Nora's programming lists the flying object as Unknown and requests direction. He has a fraction of a second to react before the object impacts his helmet.

OOC Comments

Butcher communicates to the team about working together before the swarm of movement clashes against his robot vehicle, Lunchbox. Soft thuds vibrate through the hull followed by sharp scratches that sound like nails against a chalkboard. Minor damage warning pop on his display as more and more blurred objects, about a foot in diameter, leap from beneath the snow onto his robot. With the amount of movement on the motion detector, Lunchbox will soon be covered by the swarm. He can't get a good look at whatever is attacking, but if he waits any longer, he could be in a bad spot. He hits the firing trigger for the laser turret on the belly of Lunchbox. The turret fires lasers at the encroaching shapes bursting the heated air into streams of super-hot plasma splattering several of the moving lumps into dark greasy biological splotches. However, the swarm still approaches.

OOC Comments

Charles Dresden · Post by **Charles Dresden** » Sun Feb 19, 2023 3:55 pm

Perception 15%: d100: [89] = 89
JIC: d100: [86] = 86 , d20: [6] = 6
Save vs. Horror Factor: d20: [13] = 13

Myth and Jest wrote: ↑Sun Feb 19, 2023 3:27 pm December 27 – 16:05 Near the center of the ruins, Louisville.

Dresden deflects P1C Wilcher's rifle from the line of sight of the hypnotized civilians and winds up a power punch hammering Wilcher back against the wall. As if stunned by the sudden attack, Wilcher stands there to take Dresden's second punch. Two fist size dents break the smooth glossy surface of Wilcher's chest plate. Wilcher brings his rifle down, like a club, attempting to bash Dresden over the head but it's a jerky, clumsy motion, and Dresden easily dodges the blow.

Dresden looks at the Private's face through the clear visor and sees a dead man looking back at him. Two milky white eyes sit within sunken eye sockets surrounded by the pale discolored skin of deceased flesh. The man's purplish lips frame a dark void of his open mouth as if in a silent scream. Streaks of dried congealed blood hang down his face from his forehead, hidden by the helmet.
OOC Comments
Roll for Horror.

Radio Basic 60%: d100: [47] = 47

Dresden screams over the radio activating it instinctively. “They are animated corpses!!!! I repeat the rest Recon 5 are animated corpses. Using lethal force from this point forward.” What the f**k is going on.

Dresden draws his Vibro Fire Axe. He will strike Wilcher until he doesn’t move anymore. If he dies before his actions are done he will switch to King.

Initiative: d20: [10] = 10
Action 1: Strike - d20+1: [14]+1 = 15 | Damage: 3d6: [6, 6, 5] = 17 MD
Action 2: Strike - d20+1: [15]+1 = 16 | Damage: 3d6: [1, 6, 2] = 9 MD
Action 3: Strike - d20+1: [5]+1 = 6 | Damage: 3d6: [2, 5, 3] = 10 MD
Action 4: Strike - d20+1: [6]+1 = 7 | Damage: 3d6: [2, 3, 3] = 8 MD
Action 5: Strike - d20+1: [13]+1 = 14 | Damage: 3d6: [3, 4, 3] = 10 MD

Parries: d20+5: [18]+5 = 23 , d20+5: [16]+5 = 21 , d20+5: [19]+5 = 24 , d20+5: [1]+5 = 6 , d20+5: [17]+5 = 22 ,

Liam Marconi · Post by **Liam Marconi** » Sun Feb 19, 2023 4:29 pm

December 27 – 16:05 Near the center of the ruins, Louisville.

Perception (15%): 1d100: [82] = 82
JIC (d20/d%): 1d20: [19] = 19 1d100: [64] = 64

Horror Factor Roll: 1d20+2: [14]+2 = 16

Liam finds himself suddenly grabbed and gazing into the the face of a dead man who is, nevertheless, still moving and acting in a purposeful manner.

He somehow keeps it together enough to think, OK, so if this is like a horror movie, perhaps I need a horror movie solution. In those movies, you usually need to shoot the zombies in the head to deanimate them. Recon 5 is wearing helmets though, so those can deflect a normal head shot...unless...

He takes his energy rifle and thrusts the muzzle under the edge of the helmet of the zombie, firing up from below. He might hit himself a bit with the laser if this fails...

(I am not sure, but I suppose this calls for an aimed shot at -3 or something similar? Or rather, a called Aimed shot at +3 with a 12 needed to hit? )

Strength Check if needed: 1d20: [5] = 5
Strike Roll: 1d20: [11] = 11 , Damage Roll 2d6: [3, 3] = 6

Falcon · Post by **Falcon** » Mon Feb 20, 2023 9:48 am

Perception: 15% / 1d100: [77] = 77
JIC: 1d20: [19] = 19 / 1d100: [52] = 52
+2 v HF, +2 v Lethal/Non-lethal Toxins, +6% vs Coma/Death, +2 vs Magic, +2 vs Insanity, +2 vs Psionics

Dodge of flying object: 1d20+9: [14]+9 = 23

M&J wrote: warning from the combat dog Nora pops onto his HUD with a screen showing a motion-blurred something, about a foot in diameter, flying towards the back of his head. Nora's programming lists the flying object as Unknown and requests direction. He has a fraction of a second to react before the object impacts him.

Relying on training itself, before active thought, Falcon dives into a roll. Even as his back hits the ground, Falcon is giving instructions "Nora, kill" Don't know what it is, but if it is flying at my head... Completing his dodge, Falcon comes to a kneeling position, rifle aimed in the direction the projectile came from. A quick scan of the area shows Lt Holt, body cold as a polar bear in a speedo, as well as several civilians. Damn, too many civilians.. While this thought still rattles around in his head....

Dresden wrote: “They are animated corpses!!!! I repeat the rest Recon 5 are animated corpses. Using lethal force from this point forward.”

Upon hearing the radio transmission, Falcon puts 2+2 together and comes up with something less than 5. That’s right mom….all those hours watching The Walking Dead, playing Dead Reign, and State of Decay didn’t rot my brain. With a whoop of elation ”And it’s payin’ off now!!”

Falcon continues to scan the area, rifle at his shoulder. Should anyone advance on him or the hounds he will be certain to put a laser through their eye.

In case of violence:
Initiative: 1d20+4: 1d20+4: [3]+4 = 7

Actions not necessarily in order written.

Action 1: Dodge of Flying Object (Because of Sharpshooting - Dodge or roll and come up firing. No bonuses or penalties.)
Action 2: Strike- Called shot head: Rifle 1D20+10-4 1d20+6: [18]+6 = 24 , Damage - MDC (3D6): 3d6: [5, 3, 6] = 14
Action 3: Reserved for Parry or Dodge
Action 4: Strike- Called shot head: Rifle 1D20+10-4 1d20+6: [13]+6 = 19 , Damage - MDC (3D6): 3d6: [4, 2, 1] = 7
Action 5: Strike: Rifle 1d20+9: [20]+9 = 29 , Damage - MDC (3D6): 3d6: [6, 1, 5] = 12
Action 6: Strike: Rifle 1d20+9: [8]+9 = 17 , Damage - MDC (3D6): 3d6: [3, 4, 3] = 10

Parries (+8 included): 1d20+8: [4]+8 = 12 , 1d20+8: [7]+8 = 15 , 1d20+8: [4]+8 = 12 , 1d20+8: [11]+8 = 19 , 1d20+8: [13]+8 = 21
Dodges (+9 included): 1d20+9: [4]+9 = 13 , 1d20+9: [19]+9 = 28 , 1d20+9: [12]+9 = 21 , 1d20+9: [3]+9 = 12 , 1d20+9: [11]+9 = 20

Antithesis · Post by **Antithesis** » Wed Feb 22, 2023 5:09 pm

Perception: 15% / 1d100: 1d100: [30] = 30
JIC: 1d20: 1d20: [19] = 19 / 1d100: 1d100: [19] = 19

Initiative: 1d20+1: 1d20+1: [20]+1 = 21

"S&R 1; I don't know what the hell is going on up here, but the door is not open, I repeat, the door is not open. I'm being overrun by small, very fast... somethings. Cover your ass and bring the pain. I might be overrun up here, gonna try some things. I'll keep you informed, but don't come up here right now. Time to light these Bitches up." First, lets go his missiles and tries to hit whatever pockets of concentration he can determine. Trying not to bring down any buildings, especially the building the team is in, and trying not to singe himself. If there is an opening after launching some missiles, Butcher gets Lunchbox moving, stepping on as many of the swarm as he can, and stays continuously moving, to try and make it hard for them to swarm him too much, and keep his gears and limbs moving.

"NEMA, come in, this is Lt. Butcher, S&R 1, come in. We have found Recon 5, and they are all gone. We're encountering heavy resistance from various combatants. We could use some air support and support for an exit from our current position."

# of Attacks: 6, (+5 to hit w/ HtH), (+7 energy weapons), dodge +7 standing

1. MR-606 Mini-Missile Launcher (Chest) (volley of 6 plasma missiles): to hit: 1d20+7: [15]+7 = 22 Damage: 1d6*10*6: [5]*10*6 = 300
2. MR-606 Mini-Missile Launcher (Chest) (volley of 6 plasma missiles): to hit: 1d20+7: [10]+7 = 17 Damage: 1d6*10*6: [5]*10*6 = 300
3. MR-606 Mini-Missile Launcher (Chest) (volley of 6 fragmentation missiles): to hit: 1d20+7: [19]+7 = 26 Damage: 5d6*6: [1, 6, 1, 4, 4]*6 = 96
4. MR-606 Mini-Missile Launcher (Chest) (volley of 6 fragmentation missiles): to hit: 1d20+7: [17]+7 = 24 Damage: 5d6*6: [1, 3, 5, 1, 2]*6 = 72
5. MR-608 Mini-Missile Launcher (forearm) (high-explosive missiles): to hit: 1d20+7: [11]+7 = 18 Damage: 5d6: [1, 4, 1, 2, 5] = 13
6. MR-608 Mini-Missile Launcher (forearm) (high-explosive missiles): to hit: 1d20+7: [5]+7 = 12 Damage: 5d6: [5, 5, 3, 1, 2] = 16

Dodges:
1d20+7: [9]+7 = 16
1d20+7: [9]+7 = 16
1d20+7: [6]+7 = 13

Missile inventory:
Chest: 12 frag, 12 armor piercing, 22 plasma, 2 smoke.
Forearm: 8 per arm, 4 smoke, 6 frag, 6 high explosive

Missiles left:
Chest: 0 frag, 12 armor piercing, 10 plasma, 2 smoke.
Forearm: 8 per arm, 4 smoke, 6 frag, 4 high explosive

Post by **Myth and Jest** » Thu Feb 23, 2023 4:52 pm

December 27 – 16:06 Near the center of the ruins, Louisville.

Dresden, with a shudder, calls out a warning to the team about animated corpses and unslings his axe. He strikes Wilcher several times, leaving more dents and gouges. Wilcher swings his rifle wildly at Dresden, but it’s still slow and lumbering, and Dresden easily parries.

Marconi breaks away from King’s bear hug and shoves his rifle barrel into the neck seam of King’s armor. He pulls the trigger, and the laser tears into the helmet through the jugular and brain cavity, burning everything in its path. King’s head explodes within the confines of the helmet, smearing the visor with gore. The body slowly collapses at Marconi’s feet.

OOC Comments

*
Falcon dodges the surprise attack and rolls into a combat position at the ready.

// … Object = Unknown. Threat Status = Unknown. Request Threat Status verification from User Falcon… //

Falcon orders Nora to engage the object.

// … User Falcon verification received… //

// … Object = Unknown. Threat Status = Threat… //

Nora classifies the small unknown flying object as a threat and fires her back-mounted turret, obliterating the target.

// … Object = Targeted. Threat Status = Eliminated… //

// … !WARNING! Additional Object = Unknown Threats within Range. !ALERT User Falcon //

Her Threat Detection Warning pings on Falcon’s HUD, and several hundred thermal targets appear in the courtyard closing in on Lunchbox.

//… Defense Protocols = Engaged… //

Falcon and Nora shoot several of the closer targets with precision shots reducing them into biological smears.

*
Butcher warns the others to stay back, unleashing an explosive barrage of hellfire and brimstone from Lunchbox’s missile launchers and laser turret. The world reverberates from the massive explosions, and the shock wave punches into Falcon like a wall. The skyscraper’s glass entrance and windows shatter inwards in a fury of shards and debris. Luckily, some of the team and civilians are sheltered from the destruction within the stairwell.

Falcon’s sensors flare out from the overload, and a massive cloud of smoke, ash, and snow obscures the entire urban park. Slowly, the cloud and debris settle, revealing Lunchbox standing in a cratered moonscape clear of enemy targets but stained by biological puddles.
Butcher radios HQ but doesn’t receive a response.

*
Dresden’s axe shows a visible effect against Wilcher’s NEMA armor, but the Recon-5 member hardly notices the onslaught of blows. As the dust settles from the shock wave of Butcher’s assault outside, Wilcher yanks off his helmet. Dresden looks with horror at the top of Wilcher’s head. The cranium is missing above the eyebrows. In its place is the slick bulbous body of a giant spider sitting in the recess of the skull. The spindly legs hang over the edge of the head and puncture the exterior skin like a crown of thorns holding it in place. The giant spider dislodges itself from the skull with brain goo pulling away from its body and lands several feet away among the civilians. It quickly disappears down the stairs into the darkness below.

OOC Comments

The remaining civilians wake from their hypnotic states in a swell of chaos.

OOC Comments

The civilians are still in the stairwell but may disperse immediately, depending on their emotional state. Dresden and Marconi are standing over the gruesome dead bodies of fellow NEMA soldiers and blocking the main floor's doorway. The civilians were hypnotized and won't know what previously happened, such as you've saved them from the other NEMA team.

Antithesis · Post by **Antithesis** » Fri Feb 24, 2023 3:34 pm

Perception: 15% / 1d100: 1d100: [11] = 11
JIC: 1d20: 1d20: [13] = 13 / 1d100: 1d100: [100] = 100

JIC Initiative: 1d20+1: 1d20+1: [4]+1 = 5

That might have been a little overkill. But what the actually fuck is going on around here? What are those things?

"I think everything is clear up here, I lit the entire place up. I think the exit is clear, at least for now. How are you guys doing down there? Report the situation." Johnny rubs his face as he reaches out to his team.

I don't know why I thought to call out to NEMA command, the interference from before is probably still in effect. What are the odds a few aircraft would patrol around here and give us some overlap. Probably zippy.

Butcher stands at the ready, looking for anything else that moves, keeps and eye on his HUD and radar sensors.

oops, typo dice roll below.

Liam Marconi · Post by **Liam Marconi** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 5:11 am

Perception (15%): 1d100: [69] = 69
JIC (d20/d%): 1d20: [18] = 18 / 1d100: [21] = 21

December 27 – 16:06 Near the center of the ruins, Louisville.

Liam may only have destroyed a zombie, but it is still his first kill, and at extremely close range. Watching the enemy's skull explode from within as the laser weapon vaporized the brain matter and scattered it all over the inside of their helmet is disgusting and horrid. He is having trouble not vomiting inside his own helmet. Only knowing that doing so would mean having to take off his helmet and clean it so he could breathe gives him the strength to resist doing so.

Horror Factor Roll #1: 1d20+2: [5]+2 = 7 (loses an action keeping himself from throwing up)

Liam sees the other creature pull off it's helmet and sees the strange giant spider abandon the skull and scramble for the depths. Is that the thing that is turning people into zombies? Where would something like that come from?

Horror Factor Roll #2: 1d20+2: [17]+2 = 19

Liam manages to change horror into anger, these things have to be stopped, "Attention, S&R 1, the zombie bodies are being controlled by brain sucking spiders. Be extremely careful to keep your helmets on."

He thinks nervously, I hope these things do not start out small enough to crawl under my uniform, I do not have EBA. I am REALLY glad I did not throw up in my helmet.

He will step forward with determination, wishing he had grenades.

Falcon · Post by **Falcon** » Mon Feb 27, 2023 9:49 am

Perception: 18% / 1d100: [63] = 63
JIC: 1d20: [6] = 6 / 1d100: [28] = 28
+2 v HF, +2 v Lethal/Non-lethal Toxins, +6% vs Coma/Death, +2 vs Magic, +2 vs Insanity, +2 vs Psionics

M&J wrote: Falcon and Nora shoot several of the closer targets with precision shots reducing them into biological smears.

*
Butcher warns the others to stay back, unleashing an explosive barrage of hellfire and brimstone from Lunchbox’s missile launchers and laser turret. The world reverberates from the massive explosions, and the shock wave punches into Falcon like a wall. The skyscraper’s glass entrance and windows shatter inwards in a fury of shards and debris. Luckily, some of the team and civilians are sheltered from the destruction within the stairwell.

Falcon’s sensors flare out from the overload, and a massive cloud of smoke, ash, and snow obscures the entire urban park. Slowly, the cloud and debris settle, revealing Lunchbox standing in a cratered moonscape clear of enemy targets but stained by biological puddles.

Falcon reaches over and pats Nora on the head. ”Nice job girl.” He stands and quietly surveys the debris. What a waste of precious ammo.

As he turns towards the crowd of civilians, Falcon quietly mumbles, ”and that is the difference between a professional and a butcher…surgical precision.”

Marconi wrote: "Attention, S&R 1, the zombie bodies are being controlled by brain sucking spiders. Be extremely careful to keep your helmets on."

Sure, brain-eating spiders. Why not?

In case of violence:
Initiative: 1d20+4: 1d20+4: [4]+4 = 8

Actions performed not necessarily in this order

Action 1: Reserved for Dodge/Parry
Action 2: Reserved for Dodge/Parry
Action 3: Strike: Rifle 1d20+9: [20]+9 = 29 , Damage - SDC (5D6): 5d6: [6, 3, 3, 6, 5] = 23 , Damage - MDC (3D6): 3d6: [5, 6, 6] = 17
Action 4: Strike: Rifle 1d20+9: [3]+9 = 12 , Damage - SDC (5D6): 5d6: [6, 1, 3, 4, 5] = 19 , Damage - MDC (3D6): 3d6: [5, 2, 5] = 12
Action 5: Strike: Rifle 1d20+9: [12]+9 = 21 , Damage - SDC (5D6): 5d6: [5, 1, 4, 4, 3] = 17 , Damage - MDC (3D6): 3d6: [6, 4, 3] = 13
Action 6: Strike: Rifle 1d20+9: [2]+9 = 11 , Damage - SDC (5D6): 5d6: [4, 1, 2, 5, 6] = 18 , Damage - MDC (3D6): 3d6: [4, 3, 3] = 10

Parries (+8 included): 1d20+8: [8]+8 = 16 , 1d20+8: [2]+8 = 10 , 1d20+8: [7]+8 = 15 , 1d20+8: [8]+8 = 16 , 1d20+8: [4]+8 = 12
Dodges (+9 included): 1d20+9: [2]+9 = 11 , 1d20+9: [13]+9 = 22 , 1d20+9: [5]+9 = 14 , 1d20+9: [10]+9 = 19 , 1d20+9: [2]+9 = 11

Post by **Myth and Jest** » Tue Feb 28, 2023 8:48 am

Clarifications:
The whole group entered the stairwell. Marconi and Dresden stand between them and the entrance/exit of the stairwell. The civilians can either go further down or go up past your teammates to get to the exit.

Marconi and Dresden are standing over the dead bodies of two NEMA soldiers, and there are 3 dead civilians/bodies splattered among the remaining civilians. Three other civilians who broke the hypnosis panicked and ran further down the floors below.

The civilians are on the verge of full-scale panic once they fully recover from whatever spell they were under. You have a moment to react and control the situation. Please provide an action and a correlating roll. If you're unsure what to roll, let me know in Discord, and we'll work it out.

Charles Dresden · Post by **Charles Dresden** » Wed Mar 01, 2023 8:15 pm

Perception 15%: d100: [92] = 92
JIC: d100: [96] = 96 , d20: [18] = 18

Dresden says over comms. “Whoever you guys are thanks for the help. They are starting to come out of it. I am going to start trying to bring the civilians topside”

Dresden turns on his suits external lights to light the area and places his axe back in his holster. He grabs Wilcher’s gun and opens the bull horn comms on his suit.

Dresden says loudly. “Folks, please remain calm. I am Staff Sergent Dresden with Fire and Rescue. We are dealing with an unknown creature and need you to move up the stairs and wait at the exit. We have soldiers attending to the threat. Once it is safe we will move you to transports and rendezvous with convoy going to Chicago. Once in the convoy we will make sure you receive medical treatment for injuries. It is important we keep this orderly.”
Invoke Trust 20%: d100: [9] = 9

Now queue the pandemonium. Folks never do what you tell them to especially when it to remain calm.

Liam Marconi · Post by **Liam Marconi** » Thu Mar 02, 2023 3:20 am

(Rolls carried over)

Liam moves out of the way so as not to block the stairwell. He lets Dresden handle this, as he seems to be doing a good job.

In the meantime, he tries to be alert for spiders...

Falcon · Post by **Falcon** » Thu Mar 02, 2023 2:26 pm

Perception: 18% / 1d100: [96] = 96
JIC: 1d20: [17] = 17 / 1d100: [31] = 31
+2 v HF, +2 v Lethal/Non-lethal Toxins, +6% vs Coma/Death, +2 vs Magic, +2 vs Insanity, +2 vs Psionics

Dresden wrote: “Folks, please remain calm. I am Staff Sergent Dresden with Fire and Rescue. We are dealing with an unknown creature and need you to move up the stairs and wait at the exit. We have soldiers attending to the threat. Once it is safe we will move you to transports and rendezvous with convoy going to Chicago. Once in the convoy we will make sure you receive medical treatment for injuries. It is important we keep this orderly.”

Hearing Dresden’s loudspeaker enhanced voice come out of the stairwell, Falcon moves to the side of the stairwell door to await the stampede. ”Dresden, this is Falcon. I am on the main level next to the stairway door awaiting your exit. Will leave my combat hound, Nora, with instructions for primary patrol and defense, secondary commands from you.”

”Marconi, you still vertical? If so, reply and hold position. Once the path is clear I will be heading to your location so we can clear the lower level."

Falcon waits impatiently for the crowd to exit the stairwell, gesturing and providing guidance to any civilians who stray away from the group. Once Dresden exits the stairwell and Falcon confirms through visual and electronic ID, he will issue the following commands to Nora -Primary responsibility patrol and defense. Secondary commands from designation Dresden- and “ping” Dresden to ID him.

Once all civilians and Dresden are out of the way, Falcon rolls his shoulders and nods to Rex, ”you ready to go to work buddy?”, and warns Marconi, ”Marconi, hold fire. Rex and I are on our way.”

Falcon then leads Rex into the stairwell, stopping when they get to Marconi.

In case of violence:
Initiative: 1d20+4: 1d20+4: [19]+4 = 23

Actions performed not necessarily in this order

Action 1: Reserved for Dodge
Action 2: Reserved for Dodge
Action 3: Strike: Rifle 1d20+9: [8]+9 = 17 , Damage - SDC (5D6): 5d6: [4, 1, 1, 4, 5] = 15 , Damage - MDC (3D6): 3d6: [2, 2, 2] = 6
Action 4: Strike: Rifle 1d20+9: [16]+9 = 25 , Damage - SDC (5D6): 5d6: [4, 2, 5, 6, 2] = 19 , Damage - MDC (3D6): 3d6: [4, 4, 2] = 10
Action 5: Strike: Rifle 1d20+9: [11]+9 = 20 , Damage - SDC (5D6): 5d6: [5, 5, 5, 3, 3] = 21 , Damage - MDC (3D6): 3d6: [4, 2, 6] = 12
Action 6: Strike: Rifle 1d20+9: [19]+9 = 28 , Damage - SDC (5D6): 5d6: [1, 1, 6, 2, 4] = 14 , Damage - MDC (3D6): 3d6: [3, 4, 6] = 13

Parries (+8 included): 1d20+8: [10]+8 = 18 , 1d20+8: [15]+8 = 23 , 1d20+8: [17]+8 = 25 , 1d20+8: [7]+8 = 15 , 1d20+8: [12]+8 = 20
Dodges (+9 included): 1d20+9: [17]+9 = 26 , 1d20+9: [2]+9 = 11 , 1d20+9: [3]+9 = 12 , 1d20+9: [15]+9 = 24 , 1d20+9: [13]+9 = 22

Antithesis · Post by **Antithesis** » Fri Mar 03, 2023 9:14 am

((Rolls carried))

Butcher listens to the comments made by his team and keeps his eyes open on the surrounding area and his HUD.

NO need to say anything right now, sometimes it's good to let the team handle things and work things out. They're taking care of business and doing the right things. If this was a normal mission he'd be proud and maybe even beaming from the display of leadership from the men, but this is no ordinary mission. Nothing feels right. Liam is talking about brain sucking spiders, that's crazy. We've been hearing crazy stories and rumors the last few days, but come on. This is real life, not some video game or movie. Either-way, we're in the thick of it right now, addressing the insanity isn't mission critical. Sometimes men do and say crazy things in the heat of the moment and in the face of death & mortal danger. It's part of the job, its part of war. Getting these civilians out of here, and getting us back to the convoy in one piece is the mission. If we can get some answers and gather some intel, that's just gravy.

Butcher monitors his HUD and the situation, waiting to see how things play out.

Liam Marconi · Post by **Liam Marconi** » Fri Mar 03, 2023 1:58 pm

Rolls carried over

Falcon wrote: ↑Thu Mar 02, 2023 2:26 pm ”Marconi, you still vertical? If so, reply and hold position. Once the path is clear I will be heading to your location so we can clear the lower level."

Once all civilians and Dresden are out of the way, Falcon rolls his shoulders and nods to Rex, ”you ready to go to work buddy?”, and warns Marconi, ”Marconi, hold fire. Rex and I are on our way.”

Falcon then leads Rex into the stairwell, stopping when they get to Marconi.

Liam reports, "Still vertical and still alive sir. Some of the civilians fled deeper into this place, apparently frightened by the two dead at the foot of the stairs."

Liam thinks, Whether or not they saw the spider, being frightened by two corpses one of which is missing the entire head, the other missing only part of the head, is a reasonable response. Fleeing deeper, however, may have made them targets for the spiders. Anyone we see other than each other will have to be suspected of animation bu the brain-suckers.

He keeps his light on and puts tries to keep the stairway open until reinforcements arrive.

In the event he sees anyone approaching from deeper within, he will command them to keep back and warn them he will shoot if they approach.

Should he have to shoot, and the person is wearing a helmet, he will switch his rifle to heavy damage mode and aim for the head (so he has a better chance of penetrating/destroying the helmet). Otherwise, he will leave it on standard damage. Same goes for if he sees any spiders of unusual size...smaller spiders he will try to stomp on.

Actions per Round: 4 Attack +3 Aimed, +1 Wild, Damage 4d6 MDC Heavy, 2d6 MDC Light
Action 1: Attack 1d20+3: [5]+3 = 8 damage 2d6: [5, 3] = 8 heavy 2d6: [1, 5] = 6 , Parry 1d20+1: [7]+1 = 8
Action 2: Attack 1d20+3: [18]+3 = 21 damage 2d6: [2, 2] = 4 heavy 2d6: [4, 4] = 8 , Parry 1d20+1: [9]+1 = 10
Action 3: Attack 1d20+3: [6]+3 = 9 damage 2d6: [1, 4] = 5 heavy 2d6: [5, 3] = 8 , Parry 1d20+1: [8]+1 = 9
Action 4: Attack 1d20+3: [19]+3 = 22 damage 2d6: [6, 1] = 7 heavy 2d6: [4, 2] = 6 , Parry 1d20+1: [1]+1 = 2

Post by **Myth and Jest** » Fri Mar 03, 2023 4:13 pm

December 27 – 16:10 Near the center of the ruins, Louisville.

The civilians start to look around at their surroundings in surprise. Several murmurs of “What happened,” “Where are we,” and “What’s going on” can be heard among the group until an older woman screams. She noticed the bloody body of the man fallen beside her. She sobs and almost falls with shock until a younger man grabs and turns her away from the gory sight, softly consoling her.

Before the group dissolves into a panicked stampede, Dresden calls out, instructing the group to ascend the stairs and exit to the foyer. The group flinches, almost in unison, when he calls out from his helmet speakers. Several more agitated individuals mumble, “Don’t use your mic” and “Turn off your radio!” as they pass by him. They appear disheveled, pale from the shock of stepping around the disturbing bodies of friends or loved ones, and most are without the proper attire for the freezing weather. Exhaustion and fear lay heavily on each face. They won’t last much longer without shelter and warmth.

An older man, followed by some of the more formidable-looking men and women, approaches Dresden and speaks.
“Excuse me, sir; I’m Earl Tompkins, retired Louisville PD. Please remove your helmet. Don’t use your radio. That’s how they daze you!”
The civilians appear ready to flee, depending on Dresden’s response.

*

Falcon meets up with Marconi in the stairwell. The kid looks a bit green but thankfully hasn’t vomited in his helmet. Coming up from the levels below, a man screams in fear, and they look at each other, settle their resolve, and descend the steps into the darkness. Marconi’s flashlight illuminates an open doorway and a sign reading Parking Level A. With the power out and the emergency batteries long dead, the entire structure is pitch black and utterly silent. Their footsteps echo loudly in the cavernous space betraying their presence.

As they enter the garage, Marconi hears something soft dragging across the floor to his right. He quickly turns the light’s beam to see a man’s body promptly dragged back into the darkness around a corner. As he peers around, he sees several spiders quickly pulling the man away. For such small creatures, they appear to be relatively strong.

Better equipped for such conditions with thermal and night vision, Falcon abruptly stops as he sees hundreds of people lined up in massive rows stretching back into the darkness. The whole level is filled with people standing silently and motionless in a daze. It’s as if they are waiting for a sold-out stadium show or booked flight at an airport.

Rex’s motion detection warning pings Falcon’s HUD, showing movement within the mass of people. All of the human bodies show typical living heat signatures, but within the crowd, several dozens of higher-temperature blobs weave over and around the people. Though everyone stands motionless, something is moving among them.

Falcon suddenly feels claustrophobic as the magnitude of the situation bears down on him. At closer inspection, he notices so many spiders covering the ground that identifying individuals is problematic. Any shot at the spiders within the crowd would cause collateral damage.

*

Butcher monitors his team from the comfort of Lunchbox’s interior. He notices Dresden talking to the civilians as Nora patrols the perimeter of the foyer. Once a three-story glass wall, the building’s entranceway now sits open to the elements after the missile barrage. Thankfully there isn’t anyone left to sue him for collateral damage. The entrance and the interior of the promenade are big enough for Lunchbox to enter, with plenty of room to spare.

Falcon had already disappeared into the stairwell to clear the sublevels with Marconi when various warning messages popped up on the displays. The atmospheric radar shows a massive storm front about to hit as the thermometer drops rapidly and the wind speed climbs. A rush of freezing air washes over Lunchbox like a waterfall and slams into the side of the building. The snow falls faster, bringing a haze of white that obscures his line of site. The whole area is about to be hit by a white-out blizzard.

A burst of blinding electricity hits Lunchbox with a crackling roar, and the robot’s power momentarily stutters. The interior lights dim, and the displays flicker with static before returning to normal. Lunchbox took a direct lightning strike. From the exterior cameras, Butcher sees another strike hit a nearby flag pole vaporizing the metal in an explosion of shrapnel. If he stays outside, Lunchbox will be the tallest lightning rod in the whole damn park. The robot won’t be able to withstand too many strikes before reduced operational status. If Butcher doesn’t find shelter soon or power down the robot, he could lose the hardest-hitting asset of Search and Rescue One.

Charles Dresden · Post by **Charles Dresden** » Fri Mar 03, 2023 5:00 pm

Myth and Jest wrote: ↑Fri Mar 03, 2023 4:13 pm December 27 – 16:10 Near the center of the ruins, Louisville.

An older man, followed by some of the more formidable-looking men and women, approaches Dresden and speaks.
“Excuse me, sir; I’m Earl Tompkins, retired Louisville PD. Please remove your helmet. Don’t use your radio. That’s how they daze you!” The civilians appear ready to flee, depending on Dresden’s response.

He quickly speaks over comms. “Going radio silent, suggest you guys do the same. Makes us vulnerable.” He looks at them and says “Give me 15 seconds. He runs as quickly as he can grabs his rifle where he dropped it, then immediately runs back.

”Officer Tompkins I am going to need the fastest sitrep you have ever given in your life. Then I am going to need you to find a shelter and get these folks there. Once we have cleared the hostiles we will get you guys to the convoy.”

Initiative: d20: [7] = 7
Action 1: Laser Rifle Heavy Shot - To Strike: d20: [20] = 20 | Damage: 4d6: [6, 4, 6, 4] = 20 MD Critical - 40 MD
Action 2: Laser Rifle Heavy Shot - To Strike: d20: [5] = 5 | Damage: 4d6: [6, 4, 5, 6] = 21 MD
Action 3: Laser Rifle Heavy Shot - To Strike: d20: [7] = 7 | Damage: 4d6: [1, 5, 1, 2] = 9 MD
Action 4: Laser Rifle Heavy Shot - To Strike: d20: [15] = 15 | Damage: 4d6: [2, 3, 5, 3] = 13 MD
Action 5: Laser Rifle Heavy Shot - To Strike: d20: [7] = 7 | Damage: 4d6: [3, 2, 6, 5] = 16 MD

Parries: d20+5: [4]+5 = 9 , d20+5: [12]+5 = 17 , d20+5: [9]+5 = 14 , d20+5: [15]+5 = 20 , d20+5: [19]+5 = 24

Falcon · Post by **Falcon** » Sat Mar 04, 2023 9:53 am

Perception: 18% / 1d100: [63] = 63
JIC: 1d20: [7] = 7 / 1d100: [23] = 23
+2 v HF, +2 v Lethal/Non-lethal Toxins, +6% vs Coma/Death, +2 vs Magic, +2 vs Insanity, +2 vs Psionics

M&J wrote: As they enter the garage, Marconi hears something soft dragging across the floor to his right. He quickly turns the light’s beam to see a man’s body promptly dragged back into the darkness around a corner. As he peers around, he sees several spiders quickly pulling the man away. For such small creatures, they appear to be relatively strong.

Better equipped for such conditions with thermal and night vision, Falcon abruptly stops as he sees hundreds of people lined up in massive rows stretching back into the darkness. The whole level is filled with people standing silently and motionless in a daze. It’s as if they are waiting for a sold-out stadium show or booked flight at an airport.

Rex’s motion detection warning pings Falcon’s HUD, showing movement within the mass of people. All of the human bodies show typical living heat signatures, but within the crowd, several dozens of higher-temperature blobs weave over and around the people. Though everyone stands motionless, something is moving among them.

Falcon suddenly feels claustrophobic as the magnitude of the situation bears down on him. At closer inspection, he notices so many spiders covering the ground that identifying individuals is problematic. Any shot at the spiders within the crowd would cause collateral damage.

A cold finger runs down Falcon’s spine and, in his best Indiana Jones voice, says softly, ”spiders. Why’d it have to be spiders?” Not a good option there. Better to follow the body and see if it leads to the leader. If we have to, we can come back and go all “LT Butcher” on this place, civilians or not.

Falcon doesn’t know if Marconi is familiar with military hand signals, so he keeps them to the basics. Without speaking he indicates to be silent (finger to “lips”), keep his eyes roaming, and to fall in behind him with his weapon ready.

This done, Falcon begins to creep ahead to follow the moving body, knowing Rex will fall in behind Marconi and cover their tail.

Prowl: 50%, 1d100: [16] = 16

Dresden wrote: He quickly speaks over comms. “Going radio silent, suggest you guys do the same. Makes us vulnerable.”

F@&k....not like I have a radio built into my skull Falcon looks over his shoulder to catch Marconi’s eye, taps the side of his helmet to indicate what Dresden just said, and gives a thumbs up to confirm if Marconi understands.

Falcon then puts all his effort into the hunt.

In case of violence:
Initiative: 1d20+4: 1d20+4: [18]+4 = 22

Actions performed not necessarily in this order

Action 1: Reserved for Dodge
Action 2: Reserved for Dodge
Action 3: Strike: Rifle 1d20+9: [9]+9 = 18 , Damage - SDC (5D6): 5d6: [3, 3, 2, 4, 2] = 14 , Damage - MDC (3D6): 3d6: [1, 1, 3] = 5
Action 4: Strike: Rifle 1d20+9: [18]+9 = 27 , Damage - SDC (5D6): 5d6: [1, 6, 6, 4, 6] = 23 , Damage - MDC (3D6): 3d6: [3, 4, 6] = 13
Action 5: Strike: Rifle 1d20+9: [8]+9 = 17 , Damage - SDC (5D6): 5d6: [2, 1, 6, 5, 2] = 16 , Damage - MDC (3D6): 3d6: [2, 2, 6] = 10
Action 6: Strike: Rifle 1d20+9: [16]+9 = 25 , Damage - SDC (5D6): 5d6: [3, 5, 6, 6, 1] = 21 , Damage - MDC (3D6): 3d6: [5, 4, 5] = 14

Parries (+8 included): 1d20+8: [12]+8 = 20 , 1d20+8: [1]+8 = 9 , 1d20+8: [20]+8 = 28 , 1d20+8: [8]+8 = 16 , 1d20+8: [20]+8 = 28
Dodges (+9 included): 1d20+9: [14]+9 = 23 , 1d20+9: [19]+9 = 28 , 1d20+9: [2]+9 = 11 , 1d20+9: [4]+9 = 13 , 1d20+9: [20]+9 = 29

Liam Marconi · Post by **Liam Marconi** » Mon Mar 06, 2023 12:03 pm

Perception (15%): 1d100: [51] = 51
JIC (d20/d%): 1d20: [2] = 2 / 1d100: [58] = 58
December 27 – 16:10 Near the center of the ruins, Louisville.

Charles Dresden wrote: ↑Fri Mar 03, 2023 5:00 pm He quickly speaks over comms. “Going radio silent, suggest you guys do the same. Makes us vulnerable.” He looks at them and says “Give me 15 seconds. He runs as quickly as he can grabs his rifle where he dropped it, then immediately runs back.

Marconi acknowledges, "Marconi, going silent."

Even as he turns off his radio he is thinking, Now how are we supposed to coordinate our actions?

He looks around him and thinks, How would one go about dealing with a horde of spiders? Wait, what we are in has to be a man-made structure of some kind. Not really sure what kind, but there has to be a fire suppression setup. If I can set it off, perhaps it can either flood the area with water or fill it with something cold or with chemicals the spiders are not going to like. That has to be a lot easier than trying to shoot them with my rifle.

Out loud, he says to Falcon, "Sir, can you see the fire system?"

He figures that will let the Sergent know what he is thinking.

Antithesis · Post by **Antithesis** » Fri Mar 10, 2023 9:57 am

Perception: 15% / 1d100: 1d100: [21] = 21
JIC: 1d20: 1d20: [5] = 5 / 1d100: 1d100: [74] = 74

JIC Initiative: 1d20+1: 1d20+1: [15]+1 = 16

Butcher quickly moves Lunchbox into the promenade of the interior of the skyscraper to avoid the lightning specifically, and the storm in general. "Holy shit that storm came in quick, damn unnatural lightning, this place was pissing me off before, and things just keep getting worse." Johnny places his hand gently on the interior console of Lunchbox, "you'll be okay, I wont let that lightning hurt you anymore."

He places Lunchbox in as much a manner, as it is facing out to the elements, and where it can create some sort of buffer from the elements. If there is anyway to create some warmth or defense against the cold, rain and whatever is coming at them, he will do that.

Johnny exits the robot vehicle and puts on his NEMA body armor. He stays top side and as the civilians come up, greets them, trys to keep them calm and organized, as much as one can do in this situation.

I sure wish we could get some backup from the convoy. What idiot only sent the handful of us, and not a larger group?

"Ladies & Gentlemen, I'm Lt. Johnny Butcher, of NEMA Search & Rescue 1. We're here to get you to safety. Please stay calm." He points to the safest place he can determine, and the warmest, if there is such a thing, somewhere away from the exposed rain, cold & lighting, and calmly directs the civilians there.

Post by **Myth and Jest** » Sat Mar 11, 2023 4:03 pm

16:10 December 27 – Near the center of the ruins, Louisville.
Sawyer Skyscraper – Interior Promenade.

Dresden asks Earl to wait momentarily for the sitrep while he grabs his previously dropped rife. He’s now carrying two rifles, his and Wilchers.
Lunchbox enters the building from the swirling snow cloud like a frost giant from mythology. The white-out blizzard has hit with full force and started to build large snow drifts inside the entrance. If the storm continues for some time, it could bury the hall in a snowbank. Butcher parks the giant robot inside the promenade, facing the foyer, and steps down to meet the civilians.

Dresden and Butcher gather the civilians to a nearby dinner off the side of the foyer. It’s an enclosed space away from the freezing wind and chaos of the storm. An older couple steps around the bar to ignite the stoves, and you get the feeling it's their daily routine. Several others cluster around tables and booths to rest.

Earl turns to the team and speaks.

“As for a sitrep, the world’s gone fucking nuts, and on top of that, giant fucking spiders are gathering up the populace of the whole damn city! Some kind of hypnosis goes over the radio; the next thing you know, it lights out. Fucking nightmare.”

Earl’s eyebrow raises a questioning look at Dresden’s two rifles.

“I don’t suppose you’d mind handing over that extra rifle. We don’t have anything to defend ourselves. Especially if you plan on leaving us to ourselves for any time.”

*

Stationed outside the dinner door, Nora detects movement somewhere in the promenade at the far limit of her sensors.
//… Warning: Motion Detected. Source: Unknown. Threat: Unknown. …//

*

Sawyer Skyscraper – Underground Parking Garage Level A.

Marconi notices the unconscious man pulled from sight into the darkness by a couple of spiders. Disregarding the civilian in need, Marconi searches for a fire suppression system and finds a sprinkler attached to a pipe across the ceiling.

Falcon gestures for Marconi to keep silent and follow him as he tries to understand where the spiders are headed. The creatures don’t seem to notice them or appear to be heading anywhere specific. The monstrosities move about at random like ordinary insects crawling over unaware people.

Marconi’s flashlight sweeps over the wall of humans standing before them. Several spiders crawled quickly out of the light’s beam, almost as if he blinked, and the spiders disappeared.

The two men move closer to the huddled mass of dazed people and are about to enter the group. It’s about to be very crowded if they do. The bizarre scene is reminiscent of a horror movie that comes to life.

OOC Comments

Falcon · Post by **Falcon** » Tue Mar 14, 2023 5:08 am

Perception: 18% / 1d100: [64] = 64
JIC: 1d20: [12] = 12 / 1d100: [78] = 78
+2 v HF, +2 v Lethal/Non-lethal Toxins, +6% vs Coma/Death, +2 vs Magic, +2 vs Insanity, +2 vs Psionics
Horror Factor: 1d20+2, 1d20+2: [7]+2 = 9

M&J wrote: The two men move closer to the huddled mass of dazed people and are about to enter the group. It’s about to be very crowded if they do. The bizarre scene is reminiscent of a horror movie that comes to life.

Falcon slowly shifts his rifle to being slung across his back. His sling is tight enough to hold it firm, but still able to pull the weapon around into a firing position. They don’t seem interested in attacking unless provoked. Move slowly and cautiously.

Falcon then draws his two vibro-knives, his right in a forward grip and his left in a reverse grip. Too crowded in here to risk shooting wild or swinging a large rifle. Time for some close up, precision work.

Quietly enough that his helmet should muffle most of the noise Falcon passes on instructions to Rex, ”Defensive tactics only. Do not initiate engagement with opponents. Civilian casualties are to be minimized if possible, acceptable if necessary.”

Falcon begins to follow the body being dragged again. He steps slowly and deliberately, weaving through the mass of spiders and humans. In addition to not bumping anything, he is careful not to step on any of the mass of spiders.

F3%k!! They make horror movies about this stuff.

In case of violence:
Initiative: 1d20+3: 1d20+3: [5]+3 = 8

Actions performed not necessarily in this order – Since I have Paired Weapons, I did 2 attacks with both right and left hand and two with only the right just in case I need to parry with the left.

Action 1: Reserved for Dodge
Action 2: Strike: Vibro-Knife (Right Hand) 1d20+5: [16]+5 = 21 , Damage - MDC (1D6): 1d6: [2] = 2
Strike: Vibro-Knife (Left Hand) 1d20+5: [2]+5 = 7 , Damage - MDC (1D6): 1d6: [4] = 4
Action 3: Strike: Vibro-Knife (Right Hand) 1d20+5: [1]+5 = 6 , Damage - MDC (1D6): 1d6: [4] = 4
Strike: Vibro-Knife (Left Hand) 1d20+5: [6]+5 = 11 , Damage - MDC (1D6): 1d6: [6] = 6
Action 4: Strike: Vibro-Knife (Right Hand) 1d20+5: [16]+5 = 21 , Damage - MDC (1D6): 1d6: [6] = 6
Action 5: Strike: Vibro-Knife (Right Hand) 1d20+5: [16]+5 = 21 , Damage - MDC (1D6): 1d6: [2] = 2

Parries (+9 included): 1d20+9: [9]+9 = 18 , 1d20+9: [17]+9 = 26 , 1d20+9: [4]+9 = 13 , 1d20+9: [15]+9 = 24 , 1d20+9: [12]+9 = 21
Dodges (+9 included): 1d20+9: [14]+9 = 23 , 1d20+9: [10]+9 = 19 , 1d20+9: [19]+9 = 28 , 1d20+9: [15]+9 = 24 , 1d20+9: [19]+9 = 28

Charles Dresden · Post by **Charles Dresden** » Tue Mar 14, 2023 7:16 am

Perception 15%: d100: [57] = 57
JIC: d100: [41] = 41 , d20: [8] = 8

Myth and Jest wrote: ↑Sat Mar 11, 2023 4:03 pm 16:10 December 27 – Near the center of the ruins, Louisville.
Sawyer Skyscraper – Interior Promenade.

Earl turns to the team and speaks.

“As for a sitrep, the world’s gone fucking nuts, and on top of that, giant fucking spiders are gathering up the populace of the whole damn city! Some kind of hypnosis goes over the radio; the next thing you know, it lights out. Fucking nightmare.”

Earl’s eyebrow raises a questioning look at Dresden’s two rifles.

“I don’t suppose you’d mind handing over that extra rifle. We don’t have anything to defend ourselves. Especially if you plan on leaving us to ourselves for any time.”

Dresden throws the extra rifle to Earl. "I am going down after the others. They appear to be keeping radio silent, which is good. If the storm passes get these folks to my hover platform. It should be a bit north of here. Butcher keep them safe."

Dresden exits the diner and runs for the stairs to go down and join Marconi and Falcon.

Liam Marconi · Post by **Liam Marconi** » Tue Mar 14, 2023 8:10 am

Perception (15%): 1d100: [12] = 12
JIC (d20/d%): 1d20: [4] = 4 , 1d100: [90] = 90
16:10 December 27 – Near the center of the ruins, Louisville.
Sawyer Skyscraper – Interior Promenade.

Liam looks at the crowd of apparently mesmerized civilians and suggests, "Sir, I have two smoke grenades. Perhaps if I threw one into the center of the grouping it might drive off the spiders, awaken the civilians, or set off the fire suppression system. Permission to proceed?"

Granted, it will render him even more blind than his current state, but it has chances of working. He is not keen on trying to pass through the close crowd, and possibly having them turn on him...or on having spiders jump on him from them and crawl all over him either.

He thinks, seeing Falcon draw his knives, He is right that shooting wild in here is likely to be ineffective.

Laim draws his own vibro-knife and readies himself to move forward.

Actions: 4 actions, No Strike bonus, +2 Parry bonus (with knife), 1d6 MD damage, Dodge +1
Action 1) If given permission, throw smoke grenade, if not, move forward and parry/block attempts to touch or spiders to jump on. Attack any spiders he can see if he can hit without striking the person. Attack (spiders or to place grenade where he wants) 1d20: [11] = 11 , Parry 1d20+2: [9]+2 = 11
Action 2) Continue to defend against contact and attack spiders: Attack 1d20: [16] = 16 , Parry 1d20+2: [16]+2 = 18
Action 3) As before: Attack 1d20: [12] = 12 , Parry 1d20+2: [18]+2 = 20
Action 4) Dodge 1d20+1: [12]+1 = 13

Falcon · Post by **Falcon** » Wed Mar 15, 2023 8:43 am

(Rolls carry over)

Marconi wrote: "Sir, I have two smoke grenades. Perhaps if I threw one into the center of the grouping it might drive off the spiders, awaken the civilians, or set off the fire suppression system. Permission to proceed?"

Falcon grinds his teeth and growls out, ”Stop……..calling…….me…….sir. I’m enlisted just like you. Sergeant or Falcon is fine.”

What the hell? Do they not teach basic military etiquette and protocol to militia? If he salutes me I swear I will shoot him, or cut off his hand so he can’t do it again.

”Might as well. Either it will work to drive them off or they will swarm and we’ll be F#@ked. Or it will set off the sprinklers and we will be wet and F#@ked. Either is better than doing nothing.”

Falcon motions for Rex to move to Marconi’s weak hand side (the side without the vibro-knife). "I’m guessing you don’t have thermal optics, so grab hold of Rex with your non-weapon hand and he will guide you. Regardless of what happens with the smoke, we are following the lunch-lady spiders. My guess is they are headed towards the center of all this.”

When Marconi grabs his grenade Falcon takes a couple steps back, in the direction the body was dragged, and gets ready. Might as well make some space. If it is like an agitated bee hive, they will swarm the source of the problem first.

Antithesis · Post by **Antithesis** » Wed Mar 15, 2023 9:35 am

Perception: 15% / 1d100: 1d100: [31] = 31
JIC: 1d20: 1d20: [9] = 9 / 1d100: 1d100: [29] = 29

Dresden:

Dresden throws the extra rifle to Earl. "I am going down after the others. They appear to be keeping radio silent, which is good. If the storm passes get these folks to my hover platform. It should be a bit north of here. Butcher keep them safe."

Dresden exits the diner and runs for the stairs to go down and join Marconi and Falcon.

Butcher hears Dresden tell him to keep the civilians safe, as he turns to head downstairs. Johnny snaps, and looks noticeably bothered by Dresden's lack of understanding about how the chain of command works "That's not how its works, son. You're staying up here with me. I give the orders. We have possible contact out on the periphery, Nora picked up something. Falcon gave you command of Nora, you two are staying together and you're both staying up here. If Falcon & Marconi need help, they'll reach out, Falcon knows what he's doing." Shit has hit the fan enough, we don't need soldiers and auxiliary support goin rogue and doing whatever they want, at a time like this. This is a military operation, and we'll conduct it as such. Johnny's usual cool mannered demeanor turns and his officer training & years leadership & command come into full view.

"Earl, thank you for the information. Take up as much of a defensive position as you can and protect the civilians, we might have more spiders or something out there." He points to where ever Nora indicates the sensor ping. "Dresden, you too get ready to receive some hostiles. Don't fire until we know what it is, but if it's spider or something else, light it up."

Johnny sets up the best defensive position, keeping the civilians behind him, off the side outside of any possible firing line of Dresden, Nora & Earl. He'll draw any fire in his direction, and make taunting manuvers if anything goes for the civilians.

Johnny directs his sensors & anything he can from Lunchbox in the direction of what Nora picked up to try and get more information.
Read & Operate Sensory Equipment 45%: 1d100: [4] = 4

initiative: 1d20: [1] = 1

Possible combat actions:
NEMA LGR-360 Laser Grenade Rifle & NEMA Body Armor worn
1. Dodge if needed, attack if not. (Dodge: 1d20+6: [4]+6 = 10 ) To hit: 1d20+4: [4]+4 = 8 single shot 3d6: [2, 4, 5] = 11 MD
2. To Hit: 1d20+4: [7]+4 = 11 damage: 3d6: [4, 4, 5] = 13
3. To Hit: 1d20+4: [18]+4 = 22 damage: 3d6: [5, 1, 1] = 7
4. To Hit: 1d20+4: [3]+4 = 7 damage: 3d6: [5, 2, 2] = 9
5. Parry or Dodge if need be: if not attack. (Parry/Dodge same bonus: 1d20+6: [12]+6 = 18 ) To Hit: 1d20+4: [12]+4 = 16 Damage: 3d6: [4, 2, 4] = 10

Charles Dresden · Post by **Charles Dresden** » Wed Mar 15, 2023 5:30 pm

Rolls Carried

Antithesis wrote: ↑Wed Mar 15, 2023 9:35 am Butcher hears Dresden tell him to keep the civilians safe, as he turns to head downstairs. Johnny snaps, and looks noticeably bothered by Dresden's lack of understanding about how the chain of command works "That's not how its works, son. You're staying up here with me. I give the orders. We have possible contact out on the periphery, Nora picked up something. Falcon gave you command of Nora, you two are staying together and you're both staying up here. If Falcon & Marconi need help, they'll reach out, Falcon knows what he's doing."

"Earl, thank you for the information. Take up as much of a defensive position as you can and protect the civilians, we might have more spiders or something out there." He points to where ever Nora indicates the sensor ping. "Dresden, you too get ready to receive some hostiles. Don't fire until we know what it is, but if it's spider or something else, light it up."

“Sir, with all due respect. I am not sure if you heard Earl but if the ‘reach out’ they will die. I am a Roscoe. We rescue people. These people are the most rescued people here. Sure we have something out there, but either one of us with Earl and Nora’s help can protect these people in this defensible position. The people who truly need help and probably need to be rescued are the two men in the underground stairwell in this hellscape. Seeing as your robot is too big to get to them, it’s either me or Earl, and Earl isn’t getting paid for this shit. As for Nora, ‘Nora you are under the command of LT Butcher.’ There, now you have two multimillion dollar killing machines to protect these folks. I lost every goddamn member of my unit to whatever the fuck this thing is, and unless you let me go do what I do, you will be in the same damn boat. So I am respectfully requesting to go check on your men and make sure they get back.”

Antithesis · Post by **Antithesis** » Wed Mar 15, 2023 6:28 pm

"Falcon has been unaffected by this the entire time, he's the only one to hasn't been affected by this. As a Rosco you should also know that a Lifeguard that jumps into a lake and gets pulled under on by a larger man, and drags you down to the bottom of the lake, doesn't rescue anyone. Rescue doesn't mean just running half cocked into any and every burning building you see. I'm skilled in rescue myself, I dont just sit in a robot and look pretty. We have a threat right now. right here. You're with me. You can call your own shots when you're in command, until then follow the chain of command."

Charles Dresden · Post by **Charles Dresden** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 10:29 am

[Rolls Carried

Antithesis wrote: ↑Wed Mar 15, 2023 6:28 pm "Falcon has been unaffected by this the entire time, he's the only one to hasn't been affected by this. As a Rosco you should also know that a Lifeguard that jumps into a lake and gets pulled under on by a larger man, and drags you down to the bottom of the lake, doesn't rescue anyone. Rescue doesn't mean just running half cocked into any and every burning building you see. I'm skilled in rescue myself, I dont just sit in a robot and look pretty. We have a threat right now. right here. You're with me. You can call your own shots when you're in command, until then follow the chain of command."

‘I’m skilled at rescue myself. meh meh meh. Talk to me when you are wearing the armor.
“If you are ordering me to stay, I will stay, sir. And just an FYI you don’t just let the big man drown, you knock him unconscious and pull him to the shore. Later, maybe I can share my extensive knowledge about Robot Jockeying.” Dresden starts patrolling the interior parameter of the building assessing and dealing with threats if they arise.

Post by **Myth and Jest** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 3:39 pm

16:15 December 27 – Near the center of the ruins, Louisville.
Sawyer Skyscraper – Interior Promenade.

Butcher and Dresden, while butting heads, set up perimeter protection around the entrance to the dinner. Nora guards the doorway, securing the only apparent way to the civilians.

//… Warning: Multiple Motion Detected. Range: 100 feet and closing. Visual: Confirmed. …//

A video in their HUDs shows several large dark shapes quickly closing in. The camera tracks one of the blurs and zooms closer for a photo. Though blurry, the still frame clearly shows a massive black spider taller than the counter display next to it rushing towards them. Its sharp mandibles are easily able to decapitate a person with a bite. The video continues and zooms out to a broader shot. Several more dark shapes materialize out of the darkness, scattering over or through obstacles as they charge forward. What sounds like hundreds of scratching footsteps echo through the promenade.

//… Threat: Confirmed. Target: Locked. Combat: Engaged. …//

Nora opens fire with the shoulder-mounted laser, hitting the first massive spider several times before cutting it into smoldering pieces.

Dresden, possibly distracted by his overwhelming need to save everyone or from facing a nightmare come to life, widely misses his first two shots. His third shot hits solidly and staggers the eight-legged monstrosity only briefly.

Butcher, possibly distracted by Dresden’s pushback to his orders or from being outside of Lunchbox, misses two out of his five shots. The spider drops from the impact, its exoskeleton seared and punctured, but stands and pushes forward.

OOC Comments

*

Sawyer Skyscraper – Underground Parking Garage Level A.

Marconi pops the smoke grenade’s pin and tosses it several yards ahead into the crowd. Smoke billows out of the canister and envelops the underground garage with a dense haze. What was once a garage cloaked in darkness is now cloaked in thick smoke and darkness, cutting Marconi’s visibility down to almost nothing. The silence of the garage breaks with gasps for air, and hacking coughs, as several people next to the grenade pass out from smoke inhalation, but the majority of people farther from the grenade don’t seem affected by the haze yet. The smoke doesn’t set off any alarms or fire suppression sprinklers.

Marconi’s flashlight’s beam sweeps over movement from the ceiling above Falcon. A large dark shape drops down from an industrial ventilation vent before the mob impedes his view. It looked about the size of a large canine, but the smoke prevented any noticeable details.

As Falcon moves carefully through the crowd, something heavy hits him from behind, like a pallet of bricks crashing down on him. Before he can react, what seems like a hundred hands pick him up to spin him swiftly around in a weird sticky rope. He lands without the ability to move and stares into the face of a sizeable orangish blob through his thermal imager.

Rex’s message pops up on the HUD. //…. Warning: Motion Detected. Threat: Unknown. Target: No Lock. …//

OOC Comments

Charles Dresden · Post by **Charles Dresden** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 5:37 pm

Perception 15%: d100: [58] = 58
JIC: d100: [29] = 29 , d20: [17] = 17

Dresden jumps to action. He yells “ Nora move forward a bit. Earl shut the door.” He looks at Butcher and says Me and Nora will hold them off while you get armored up. Nora when they are in melee range form a phalanx to keep them away from the doors and windows. We just have to hold them until Butcher can get in his armor and rain hell on them.” He shoots at the spiders while he is talking to his team. He starts with the most damaged and takes out the weak ones first as soon as he finishes his 5 shots left in the e-clip. He drops his rifle and reaches for his axe to prepare to engage in melee the next round. F**k this apocalypse.

Initiative: d20: [10] = 10
Starting with most damaged one, the going to next most damaged, etc.
Action 1: NEMA LSR-250 Heavy Shot: To Strike - d20: [13] = 13 | Damage - 4d6: [4, 3, 1, 6] = 14
Action 2: NEMA LSR-250 Heavy Shot: To Strike - d20: [13] = 13 | Damage - 4d6: [2, 4, 4, 2] = 12
Action 3: NEMA LSR-250 Heavy Shot: To Strike - d20: [3] = 3 | Damage - 4d6: [5, 6, 2, 1] = 14
Action 4: NEMA LSR-250 Heavy Shot: To Strike - d20: [8] = 8 | Damage - 4d6: [6, 6, 3, 3] = 18
Action 5: NEMA LSR-250 Heavy Shot: To Strike - d20: [16] = 16 | Damage - 4d6: [5, 3, 3, 6] = 17
Free Action: Drops Rifle
Parries: d20+5: [1]+5 = 6 , d20+5: [13]+5 = 18 , d20+5: [7]+5 = 12 , d20+5: [15]+5 = 20 , d20+5: [17]+5 = 22

Falcon · Post by **Falcon** » Fri Mar 17, 2023 6:33 am

Perception: 18% / 1d100: [98] = 98
JIC: 1d20: [4] = 4 / 1d100: [48] = 48
+2 v HF, +2 v Lethal/Non-lethal Toxins, +6% vs Coma/Death, +2 vs Magic, +2 vs Insanity, +2 vs Psionics

M&J wrote: As Falcon moves carefully through the crowd, something heavy hits him from behind, like a pallet of bricks crashing down on him. Before he can react, what seems like a hundred hands pick him up to spin him swiftly around in a weird sticky rope. He lands without the ability to move and stares into the face of a sizeable orangish blob through his thermal imager.

Rex’s message pops up on the HUD. //…. Warning: Motion Detected. Threat: Unknown. Target: No Lock. …//

Rex

Seeing his pack “Alpha” in danger, Rex’s directive override kicks into action. //Primary Command: Protect Alpha.// Per the programming, this initiates an automatic signal to Nora, the remaining pack mate, ”Alpha in imminent danger. Primary Command: Protect Alpha.”

Rex leaves (or guides if Marconi holds on tight enough) Marconi through the sea of bodies the few feet between them and Falcon. Rex is careful not to “injure” the civilians or Marconi, but disregards any bumping, nudging, or knocking down.

With a final burst of speed Rex leaps over Falcon, to knock the spider from his body and pin him to the floor.

Action 1: Strike: Full Pounce 1d20+2: 1d20+2: [19]+2 = 21 , Damage – MDC (1D6): 1d6: [5] = 5

With his head inches away from the spider, Rex fires his twin head lasers.

Action 2: Strike: Head Lasers 1d20+4: 1d20+4: [4]+4 = 8 , Damage – MDC (4D4): 4d4: [3, 2, 1, 2] = 8

Once the primary threat to his Alpha is eliminated, Rex resumes defensive programming until Falcon is freed, or can free himself and resume the mission.

Depending on the range and risk to civilians, Rex will either use a Paw Strike or his Head Lasers

Action 3: Strike: Head Lasers 1d20+4: 1d20+4: [7]+4 = 11 , Damage – MDC (4D4): 4d4: [4, 4, 4, 4] = 16
Action 4: Strike: Head Lasers 1d20+4: 1d20+4: [9]+4 = 13 , Damage – MDC (4D4): 4d4: [4, 3, 2, 3] = 12
Action 5: Strike: Paw Strike 1d20+2: 1d20+2: [5]+2 = 7 , Damage – SDC (4D6+11): 4d6+11: [3, 4, 1, 2]+11 = 21
Action 6: Strike: Paw Strike 1d20+2: 1d20+2: [4]+2 = 6 , Damage – SDC (4D6+11): 4d6+11: [1, 2, 6, 3]+11 = 23

Falcon

Recognizing the blob as a giant spider sitting on his chest, Falcon sighs and thinks why did I have to go to that carnival? Why did I have to tell that old gypsy lady she was full of s@!t when she saw this in her crystal ball?

Falcon hears the click of Rex’s metal paws on the concrete at the same time as ”Alpha in imminent danger. Primary Command: Protect Alpha.”

”Oh F#%k, no! Override Primary Command! Override code G37B…” Is all he can get out before Rex barrels into the spider. Without the weight of the spider on his chest, Falcon releases the vibro-blades in his cyber-arm Thank the gods I had the techies install these self-sealing vents at my blades and shoulder joints and begins squirming and flexing his wrists. Any movement to try to loosen the webbing and use his vibro-knives and vibro-claws to shred.

In case of violence:
Initiative: 1d20+3: 1d20+3: [15]+3 = 18

Action 1: Strike: Vibro-Knife (Right Hand) 1d20+5: 1d20+5: [4]+5 = 9 , Damage - MDC (1D6): 1d6: [1] = 1
Strike: Vibro-Knife (Left Hand) 1d20+5: 1d20+5: [8]+5 = 13 , Damage - MDC (1D6): 1d6: [4] = 4
Action 2: Strike: Vibro-Knife (Right Hand) 1d20+5: 1d20+5: [20]+5 = 25 , Damage - MDC (1D6): 1d6: [1] = 1
Strike: Vibro-Knife (Left Hand) 1d20+5: 1d20+5: [11]+5 = 16 , Damage - MDC (1D6): 1d6: [6] = 6
Action 3: Strike: Vibro-Knife (Right Hand) 1d20+5: 1d20+5: [16]+5 = 21 , Damage - MDC (1D6): 1d6: [4] = 4
Strike: Vibro-Knife (Left Hand) 1d20+5: 1d20+5: [15]+5 = 20 , Damage - MDC (1D6): 1d6: [5] = 5
Action 4: Strike: Vibro-Blades (Right Hand) 1d20+5: 1d20+5: [1]+5 = 6 , Damage - MDC (2D4): 2d4: [2, 4] = 6
Action 5: Strike: Vibro-Knife (Right Hand) 1d20+5: 1d20+5: [20]+5 = 25 , Damage - MDC (2D4): 2d4: [3, 1] = 4

Parries (+9 included): 1d20+9: [18]+9 = 27 , 1d20+9: [15]+9 = 24 , 1d20+9: [8]+9 = 17 , 1d20+9: [12]+9 = 21 , 1d20+9: [10]+9 = 19
Dodges (+9 included): 1d20+9: [11]+9 = 20 , 1d20+9: [11]+9 = 20 , 1d20+9: [2]+9 = 11 , 1d20+9: [16]+9 = 25 , 1d20+9: [13]+9 = 22

Post by **Myth and Jest** » Fri Mar 17, 2023 2:09 pm

OOC Comments

Antithesis · Post by **Antithesis** » Fri Mar 17, 2023 2:58 pm

Perception: 15% / 1d100: 1d100: [65] = 65
JIC: 1d20: 1d20: [18] = 18 / 1d100: 1d100: [66] = 66

Initiative: 1d20: 1d20: [18] = 18

Combat actions:
NEMA LGR-360 Laser Grenade Rifle & NEMA Body Armor worn. Vibro Knife, Ion pistol & Axe on his person but in holsters or stowed.
1. To hit: 1d20+4: 1d20+4: [2]+4 = 6 single shot 3d6: 3d6: [2, 5, 4] = 11
2. To Hit: 1d20+4: 1d20+4: [14]+4 = 18 damage: 3d6: 3d6: [4, 6, 4] = 14
3. To Hit: 1d20+4: 1d20+4: [14]+4 = 18 damage: 3d6: 3d6: [1, 5, 1] = 7
4. Parry or Dodge if need be: if not attack. (Parry/Dodge same bonus: 1d20+6: 1d20+6: [18]+6 = 24 To Hit: 1d20+4: [9]+4 = 13 damage: 3d6: [5, 2, 5] = 12
5. Parry or Dodge if need be: if not attack. (Parry/Dodge same bonus: 1d20+6: 1d20+6: [7]+6 = 13 To Hit: 1d20+4: 1d20+4: [7]+4 = 11 Damage: 3d6: 3d6: [3, 5, 5] = 13

Dresden says:

We just have to hold them until Butcher can get in his armor and rain hell on them.

Directing his comment at Dresden, "I don't think there's time to get into Lunchbox before they are on top of us. I think we can take this wave, from here." Wave, he ponders the word, I hope this isn't a never ending wave of things. Spiders, huh? What the hell is goin on around here? He also thinks to himself, I don't think this is a Lunchbox sized threat. Plus I'm still worried that the robot armor is more likely to cause structural damage or endanger us, the civilans and the entire situation as a whole. Unless there is a threat we can't handle without Lunchbox, or our survival is dependent on using the robot armor, the move is to stay on foot.

"Nice work Earl, Desden & Nora, keep it up. Looking sharp." Did I just tell a mechanical dog, nice job? Does it understand that? Butcher looks over to see if Nora's tail is wagging. That's the way you know if a dog is happy, or it heard you compliment it, right? Johnny stops his train of thought. I don't have time to figure this out, we have more pressing actions to attend to. But he does take a second look over at Nora before squeezing the trigger on his rifle, just to make sure if the mechanical dogs' tail is wagging or not.

Butcher takes his shots at the Spiders. The first few shots for sure, the last 2 actions. He'll do his best to keep himself between the spiders & the civilians, and as needed.

Liam Marconi · Post by **Liam Marconi** » Sun Mar 19, 2023 2:23 pm

Perception (15%): 1d100: [25] = 25
JIC (d20/d%): 1d20: [1] = 1 / 1d100: [94] = 94

16:15 December 27 – Near the center of the ruins, Louisville.
Sawyer Skyscraper – Interior Promenade.

Liam HAD been checking the ceiling earlier, for sprinklers and the like, but was not in a position to spot a spider stuffed into a vent. He does figure that has to be roughly where it was...as it dropped from about that area (as best he can judge through the smoke).

He wonders, Did the smoke flush it out, or did it drop because someone entered the area near it? No way to tell I guess.

In any event, he sees the robot rush through the crowd, and follows the path it makes towards the center of the fight.

He thinks, Could be more of them up there, so try not to get too close to the vent. I really need to get Infrared or the like if we are going to be getting into these situations...or should I coll this a SH*Tuation? The best bet is probably to start by helping the robot with the spider. Even with eight legs and eight eyes, the Spider is going to have trouble focusing two directions at once.

Liam moves towards the fighting pair, avoiding stepping on any webbing or two close to the vent as best he can.

He tries to hit the spider without hitting the robot...

Actions: 4 actions, No Strike bonus, +2 Parry bonus (with knife), 1d6 MD damage, Dodge +1
Action 1) Carefully close distance, Dodge if needed: 1d20+1: [14]+1 = 15
Action 2) Attack Spider: 1d20: [20] = 20 , Damage: 1d6: [6] = 6 MD, Parry: 1d20+2: [18]+2 = 20
Action 3) Attack Spider: 1d20: [20] = 20 , Damage: 1d6: [6] = 6 MD, Parry: 1d20+2: [8]+2 = 10
Action 4) Attack Spider: 1d20: [8] = 8 , Damage: 1d6: [1] = 1 MD, Parry: 1d20+2: [3]+2 = 5

Post by **Myth and Jest** » Mon Mar 20, 2023 5:00 pm

16:15 December 27 – Near the center of the ruins, Louisville.
Sawyer Skyscraper – Interior Promenade.

The three men open fire from their positions in front of the dinner. Two of Dresden’s shots skewer the wounded spiders from the first wave leaving smoking bodies on the ground. With his clip empty, he drops his rifle and unslings his axe.

The four remaining creatures take notice of the incoming fire and rapidly evade it. Butcher cannot adjust quickly enough to their sudden adaption and misses all his shots. Scorch marks shatter the granite flooring spraying the area with molten glass.

Earl, shaking with fear, manages to pick off one in the leg without much effect before panicking. He fumbles with his rifle and accidentally pulls the trigger while attempting to restrain the weapon. Its laser beam lashes out and strikes Nora in the back, leaving a long black slash across her back. He jerks the rifle away from Nora and loses control, flinging the gun from his sweaty grasp.

Nora seems to disregard the attack from behind her.
//… Warning! Damage! Source: Human – Civilian Earl. Identity: Friendly Fire. …//
//… Incoming Transmission Received. Source: REX. Request: Defend Primary Alpha. Request: Denied. …//

The four spiders quickly cross the distance and reach melee range within the Search and Rescue team positions.

*

Sawyer Skyscraper – Underground Parking Garage Level A.

Rex slams the spider away from Falcon, sending it crashing into the crowd like a bowling ball striking pins. People collapse under the weight of the massive spider. Rex follows with shots from his head lasers, but the spider nimbly dodges aside. It springs back at Rex and tears the lasers off with rapid slashes of its mandibles, damaging Rex’s face.

As it’s focused on Rex, Marconi emerges from the smoke and darkness; without pause, he plunges his knife repeatedly into the back of the spider. A dark gooey substance flings away from the damaging blows and splatters over everyone.

Falcon attempts to escape the entangling sticky webbing but only manages to free his right arm with the hidden vibro-blade. The webbing is obnoxiously sticky, forcing Falcon into a slow and methodical extraction, though, thankfully, he’s kept his footing.

OOC Comments

Antithesis · Post by **Antithesis** » Tue Mar 21, 2023 8:53 am

"in progress"

Perception: 15% / 1d100: 1d100: [48] = 48
JIC: 1d20: 1d20: [15] = 15 / 1d100: 1d100: [27] = 27

Butcher becomes noticeably frustrated after his complete miss of any target he was aiming at. "Fucking spider things." Then after seeing Nora get shot and Earl completely loosing his shit Johnny thinks, So much for the help, this guy is more likely to kill us all and help the spiders out. If anyone needs to be knocked over the head and dragged off, it's that guy, thinking that an incapacitated rescue is better than an awake one, in certain situations.

Butcher thinks its time to flex his muscle and brandish his shiny Vibro-Fire Axe & Vibro-Knife skills. "Time to get dirty," he says to no one in particular. He might even be talking specifically to his axe & knife, its not clear. He takes melee swings to clear the spiders. He's making use of his Commando Hand to hand & paired weapon skill. He'll make simultaneous strikes with both weapons' if parrying is not needed, he'll attack with the Axe & parry with the knife if needed.

Initiative: 1d20: 1d20: [9] = 9

Combat actions:
NEMA LGR-360 "Terror Stopper" Laser Grenade Rifle (5/21 shots, clip 1/4) & Standard NEMA Body Armor worn.
Vibro Knife, Vibro-Fire Axe & Ion pistol on his person but in holsters or stowed.
1. Swaps from Rifle to Axe & Knife
2. To Hit: 1d20+3: 1d20+3: [1]+3 = 4 damage: Axe (2d6+2)+6: 2d6+8: [1, 2]+8 = 11 Knife 1d6+6: 1d6+6: [4]+6 = 10 Parry, if needed 1d20+6: 1d20+6: [12]+6 = 18
3. To Hit: 1d20+3: 1d20+3: [6]+3 = 9 damage: Axe (2d6+2)+6: 2d6+8: [3, 6]+8 = 17 Knife 1d6+6: 1d6+6: [1]+6 = 7 Parry, if needed 1d20+6: 1d20+6: [11]+6 = 17
4. To Hit: 1d20+3: 1d20+3: [17]+3 = 20 damage: Axe (2d6+2)+6: 2d6+8: [2, 4]+8 = 14 Knife 1d6+6: 1d6+6: [3]+6 = 9 Parry, if needed 1d20+6: 1d20+6: [8]+6 = 14
5. To Hit: 1d20+3: 1d20+3: [11]+3 = 14 Damage: Axe (2d6+2)+6: 2d6+8: [4, 5]+8 = 17 Knife 1d6+6: 1d6+6: [6]+6 = 12 Parry, if needed 1d20+6: 1d20+6: [12]+6 = 18

Liam Marconi · Post by **Liam Marconi** » Tue Mar 21, 2023 3:43 pm

16:15 December 27 – Near the center of the ruins, Louisville.
Sawyer Skyscraper – Underground Parking Garage Level A.
Perception (15%): 1d100: [59] = 59
JIC (d20/d%): 1d20: [3] = 3 / 1d100: [58] = 58

Myth and Jest wrote: ↑Mon Mar 20, 2023 5:00 pm Rex slams the spider away from Falcon, sending it crashing into the crowd like a bowling ball striking pins. People collapse under the weight of the massive spider. Rex follows with shots from his head lasers, but the spider nimbly dodges aside. It springs back at Rex and tears the lasers off with rapid slashes of its mandibles, damaging Rex’s face.

As it’s focused on Rex, Marconi emerges from the smoke and darkness; without pause, he plunges his knife repeatedly into the back of the spider. A dark gooey substance flings away from the damaging blows and splatters over everyone.

Liam thinks, It seems to be still alive, that is one tough spider. If it is as strong and fast as it is tough this might be a nasty fight. Given it tore through bot armor, the strong seems pretty likely.

Right now, it seems the only advantage he has is that he and Rex are flanking the vermin. He just has to hope they can hit something vital and take it out before it does as much to them.

Actions: 4 actions, No Strike bonus, +2 Parry bonus (with knife), 1d6 MD damage, Dodge +1
Action 1) attack 1d20: [9] = 9 , damage 1d6: [5] = 5 , parry 1d20+2: [18]+2 = 20
Action 2) attack 1d20: [9] = 9 , damage 1d6: [1] = 1 , parry 1d20+2: [18]+2 = 20
Action 3) attack 1d20: [2] = 2 , damage 1d6: [6] = 6 , parry 1d20+2: [10]+2 = 12
Action 4) attack 1d20: [7] = 7 , damage 1d6: [5] = 5 , parry 1d20+2: [5]+2 = 7

Falcon · Post by **Falcon** » Thu Mar 23, 2023 4:50 am

Perception: 18% / 1d100: [95] = 95
JIC: 1d20: [12] = 12 / 1d100: [75] = 75
+2 v HF, +2 v Lethal/Non-lethal Toxins, +6% vs Coma/Death, +2 vs Magic, +2 vs Insanity, +2 vs Psionics

M&J wrote: It springs back at Rex and tears the lasers off with rapid slashes of its mandibles, damaging Rex’s face.

Falcon sees his hound hurt and feels it in his heart. I know it is silly to get attached to a machine, but….

”Noooooooo….you hurt Rex! you bastard!!”

M&J wrote:
Falcon attempts to escape the entangling sticky webbing but only manages to free his right arm with the hidden vibro-blade. The webbing is obnoxiously sticky, forcing Falcon into a slow and methodical extraction, though, thankfully, he’s kept his footing.

His right arm freed, Falcon retracts his vibro-claws and stops thrashing. With one vibro-knife free, he can more meticulously and strategically work at freeing himself. Great!! The armorer is really going to love this and I doubt I will be able to find a dry cleaners open this time of night

Trusting Marconi and Rex to keep the spiders off of him, Falcon keeps his focus on freeing himself, but keeps an eye out if one of the spiders gets too close, so he can exact some revenge.

”Good job boys. I’m almost free. Just need you to keep the creepy-crawlies off me a little longer.

In case of violence:
Initiative: 1d20+3: 1d20+3: [5]+3 = 8

Action 1: Strike: Vibro-Knife (Right Hand) 1d20+5: 1d20+5: [5]+5 = 10 , Damage - MDC (1D6): 1d6: [3] = 3
Strike: Vibro-Knife (Left Hand) 1d20+5: 1d20+5: [1]+5 = 6 , Damage - MDC (1D6): 1d6: [5] = 5
Action 2: Strike: Vibro-Knife (Right Hand) 1d20+5: 1d20+5: [11]+5 = 16 , Damage - MDC (1D6): 1d6: [6] = 6
Strike: Vibro-Knife (Left Hand) 1d20+5: 1d20+5: [3]+5 = 8 , Damage - MDC (1D6): 1d6: [1] = 1
Action 3: Strike: Vibro-Knife (Right Hand) 1d20+5: 1d20+5: [7]+5 = 12 , Damage - MDC (1D6): 1d6: [6] = 6
Strike: Vibro-Knife (Left Hand) 1d20+5: 1d20+5: [18]+5 = 23 , Damage - MDC (1D6): 1d6: [2] = 2
Action 4: Strike: Vibro-Blades (Right Hand) 1d20+5: 1d20+5: [2]+5 = 7 , Damage - MDC (2D4): 2d4: [4, 4] = 8
Action 5: Strike: Vibro-Knife (Right Hand) 1d20+5: 1d20+5: [6]+5 = 11 , Damage - MDC (2D4): 2d4: [2, 1] = 3

Parries (+9 included): 1d20+9: [1]+9 = 10 , 1d20+9: [4]+9 = 13 , 1d20+9: [20]+9 = 29 , 1d20+9: [13]+9 = 22 , 1d20+9: [17]+9 = 26
Dodges (+9 included): 1d20+9: [4]+9 = 13 , 1d20+9: [7]+9 = 16 , 1d20+9: [2]+9 = 11 , 1d20+9: [12]+9 = 21 , 1d20+9: [9]+9 = 18

Charles Dresden · Post by **Charles Dresden** » Thu Mar 23, 2023 8:56 pm

Perception 15%: d100: [23] = 23
JIC: d100: [43] = 43 , d20: [9] = 9

When Earl shoots Nora. “Earl, if you were aiming at Norah great shot, but please don’t shoot her again. She is a good dog.”

Antithesis wrote: ↑Tue Mar 21, 2023 8:53 am "Fucking spider things."

This Sergeant is saucy. Cussing in front of civilians.

Antithesis wrote: ↑Tue Mar 21, 2023 8:53 am "Time to get dirty," he says to no one in particular. He might even be talking specifically to his axe & knife, its not clear. He takes melee swings to clear the spiders. He's making use of his Commando Hand to hand & paired weapon skill. He'll make simultaneous strikes with both weapons' if parrying is not needed, he'll attack with the Axe & parry with the knife if needed.

Dresden engages one of the spiderd with his Vibro-Fire Axe. He is shocked to see Butcher fighting out of his PA. I hope he has enough armor.

Initiative: d20: [12] = 12
Action 1: Vibro Axe: d20+1: [13]+1 = 14 | Damage: 3d6: [4, 6, 4] = 14
Action 2: Vibro Axe: d20+1: [5]+1 = 6 | Damage: 3d6: [3, 1, 1] = 5
Action 3: Vibro Axe: d20+1: [12]+1 = 13 | Damage: 3d6: [2, 6, 3] = 11
Action 4: Vibro Axe: d20+1: [3]+1 = 4 | Damage: 3d6: [4, 1, 5] = 10
Action 5: Vibro Axe: d20+1: [13]+1 = 14 | Damage: 3d6: [1, 5, 3] = 9

Parries: d20+5: [5]+5 = 10 , d20+5: [15]+5 = 20 , d20+5: [12]+5 = 17 , d20+5: [13]+5 = 18 , d20+5: [6]+5 = 11