Episode 1: Part 1: What just happened?

Post by **The Governor** » Sun Jan 29, 2023 9:42 pm

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana - Lower 9th Ward
Date: April 1st
Time:4:20 pm (sunrise: 6:50am / sunset: 7:15pm)
Weather: cloudy, 90º

Notes

After a bout of radio chatter the team decides to turn around and figure out where they went wrong in their directions. Dylan uses the next intersection and makes a u-turn and the team follows along, though Remy and Macher both swing out quite wide and cut tracks through someone's yard as they do so.

As they head back down the residential street, Dylan sees a little girl standing next to her family's car as he parents load the trunk with suitcases and boxes. The little girl makes eye contact with Dylan and she gives a wave as he drives past.

The church Parking lot is coming up and Dylan sees people messing with the gate but he continues backtracking and blows right through. This time everyone in the caravan sees the angry looks on the parishioner's faces and Brandon sees them push the gate closes as the caravan passes through.

The trip through the church parking lot is quick and the gate on the other side of the parking lot is still open. Presumably and angry fellows will be closing this one next. A few blocks later the group comes back out onto Highway 46. Heading southeast again, Dylan sees that they just turned one block too soon and he makes another left, turning northeast up highway 47, better known as Paris Road.

Cruising up highway 47, the road has medium traffic heading their direction, though there's nothing really on the other side of the road going south. After a few block the caravan passes in front of the church that they passed through earlier. Across the side street from it is a small gas station. Being on the south bound side of the street, there doesn't seem to be too many people there. Though this may also be do to the large man with a shotgun folded across his chest with his foot on a box stating 'CASH ONLY'. The three outside pumps are clear and the caravan rolls right in and lines up easy.

When the team clambers out of the vehicles they all see the signs taped to the pumps that says:

PAY FIRST
CASH ONLY
$10/gallon

What do you do?

How much gas to fill up, ROLL:
Dylan (15 gallon tank): 1d10
Remy (25 gallon tank): 1d20
Macher (19 gallon tank): 1d12

Butcher's Bill

Remy · Post by **Remy** » Mon Jan 30, 2023 8:44 am

Perception: d%: [17] = 17 | 53%
JIC: 1d20: [12] = 12 | d%: [28] = 28
Conditions: +1 vs HF, +1 vs psi/insanity

Gasoline tank needs roll: 1d20: [13] = 13

Lynn Jacobs wrote: ↑Sat Jan 28, 2023 6:26 pm“We're going back to the main road. And Dylan wants to stop at the gas station. If no one is there, he suggests taking what we need.”

Good, best for the convoy to stay together. And time will tell whether the gas station stop ends up being a net positive or not. Remy thinks, deciding it unnecessary for him to reply in confirmation.

Once back on the main road and then turned onto Paris Rd, Remy lets his mind wander a bit, brainstorming the gas station pit stop. In addition to filling up our vehicles with gas, this may be an important opportunity to secure supplies. But as important of an opportunity it may be, we should still be willing to walk away if necessary. Hardly seems worthwhile to get into a gunfight this early on into the apocalypse. Then we have the added headache of tending to walking wounded that are less able to contribute and also vacuum up rare resources that are probably important for the long-run.

The Governor wrote: ↑Sun Jan 29, 2023 9:42 pmThough this may also be do to the large man with a shotgun folded across his chest with his foot on a box stating 'CASH ONLY'.

The trip to the gas station cuts Remy's musings short and his worry is confirmed by the presence of an armed attendant. We don't know if this guy works here or is staking the station as his territory. Best assume the former, but be prepared for the latter. He pulls up into one of the station spots. As Dylan gets out to parlay, the PI does not immediately rejoin. Instead, he quick-releases his keychain HD DVR with the bloody trolley recording and fusses about his camcorder bag in the passenger seat. Having completed the connections in the past to review the quality of recently captured video, he skillfully connects the adapter and plugs in the USB connection to the camcorder's port for playback. Not wanting transfer lag, he asks his camcorder to save a copy of the video clip onto its own microSD storage, then returns his keychain HD DVR to its rightful spot among his keys.

Exiting his van with his camcorder, Remy is likely delayed from the others (Dylan especially) who immediately exited their vehicles to talk with the shotgun-toting attendant. This will hopefully give Remy a chance to read the situation. If it does not seem like the attendant is a hostile intent on defending the gas station as his territory ((which would be better done boarded up inside the convenience store rather than sitting outside in the pumping area)), the PI will then assess whether Dylan and the others are making progress on convincing the attendant to allow the convoy to make purchases.

Not that cash money is likely to keep its value for very much longer, but I don't think it's great policy for us to part with our assets if we can avoid it. Perhaps this gentleman just needs a reminder of what is at stake to allow us free access to the convenience store.

"Reckon you ain't yet got a good look at what's goin' on ta get everyone so riled up," Remy states, holding his camcorder up a moment as proof of his intentions. "Got a video clip I just recorded back on Saint Ann, might want to take a gander."

Assuming the attendant's curiosity is piqued, Remy will sidle up next to the large man with his camcorder in hand and play the clip showing the bloody trolley. "Dead turnin' into zombies," he states plainly as fact, "Zombies that want to bite and tear the livin' into afternoon snacks." The PI pauses a moment to let that message sink in. "If'n yer gots family or friends nearby, or lookin' ta get outta the city, now's your window. Ain't be delay'n else yer might becomin' zombie food. Not much use have'n all that paper if'n yer ain't alive ta spend it."

Remy hopes that a clearer picture of what is going on may convince the attendant that his efforts at extracting profit at this time are folly. And ideally that he wants to head home to defend that which he loves, or at the very least, do his own bit of looting of the convenience store before riding off.

Macher · Post by **Macher** » Mon Jan 30, 2023 10:04 am

Perception: 15% / 1d100: [48] = 48
JIC: 1d20: [18] = 18 / 1d100: [90] = 90
Conditions: +5 v HF, +2 v Non-lethal Toxins, +4 v Lethal Toxins;
Automobile: 63%/ 1d100: [75] = 75
Gas Roll: [roll]2d6[/roll]: [5, 5] = 10 [/roll]

The Governor wrote: Dylan sees a little girl standing next to her family's car as he parents load the trunk with suitcases and boxes.

Damn, I know we can’t stop for everyone to join the convoy, but that one I would have…and probably got ourselves killed.

The Governor wrote: Though this may also be do to the large man with a shotgun folded across his chest with his foot on a box stating 'CASH ONLY'. The three outside pumps are clear and the caravan rolls right in and lines up easy.

Macher takes in the situation, looks at Brandon, and calculates. We have superior numbers and firepower, but haven’t trained together. Can’t predict how people will react. I’m fairly certain I could take him, but don’t know who is in the building and can’t risk someone getting hurt.

Shaking his head, Macher addresses Brandon, ”Sorry, but going to give orders again. Then pauses to make sure Brandon is paying attention. We get out and keep our weapons available. Take the guy from the van and see if the station guy will sell us anything from inside. Focus is canned goods and such. Could use gas cans and camping gear if he has it. I have some cash we can use. Not like it is worth anything anymore. I’ll stay and pull guard duty since I have the long rifle to reach out and touch people. Be fast, be safe, and don’t get eaten.”

Once he is certain Brandon has heard this, Macher grabs his rifle as he gets out and clips it to his vest. He moves a few feet from the vehicles away from the building and the armed man, and takes a knee. Pick-up guy and shotgun guy have that side pretty well covered. It’s this side that needs security.

In case of violence:
Initiative: 1d20+3: 1d20+3: [8]+3 = 11

Action 1: Strike: 1d20+4: [7]+4 = 11 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [4, 6, 6, 6] = 22
Action 2: Strike: 1d20+4: [7]+4 = 11 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [5, 5, 5, 5] = 20
Action 3: Strike: 1d20+4: [7]+4 = 11 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [5, 3, 2, 6] = 16
Action 4: Strike: 1d20+4: [12]+4 = 16 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [4, 5, 1, 4] = 14
Action 5: Strike: 1d20+4: [8]+4 = 12 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [3, 2, 5, 5] = 15

Parries (+4 included): 1d20+4: [9]+4 = 13 , 1d20+4: [5]+4 = 9 , 1d20+4: [2]+4 = 6 , 1d20+4: [4]+4 = 8 , 1d20+4: [7]+4 = 11
Dodges (+5 included): 1d20+5: [19]+5 = 24 , 1d20+5: [17]+5 = 22 , 1d20+5: [16]+5 = 21 , 1d20+5: [9]+5 = 14 , 1d20+5: [2]+5 = 7

Post by **The Governor** » Sun Feb 05, 2023 8:05 pm

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana - Lower 9th Ward
Date: April 1st
Time:4:25 pm (sunrise: 6:50am / sunset: 7:15pm)
Weather: cloudy, 90º

Notes

Dylan get out of his truck after fishing some cash out of the glove box and giving some instructions to Lynn. Walking up to the large man standing beside the door to the convenience store, he asks the man about the shotgun and says he needs to buy some gas.

The big guy grins and says, "Mossburg." Then he jerks his head towards the door, "Pay inside so Ma can turn the pumps on for ya."

By the time Remy's finished fiddling with his video camera, Lynn and Tarka have slid out of the passenger side of Dylan's truck and have traversed the couple of paces from the vehicle to the patch of green grass between the filling station and the road. Its a good sized piece of lawn and as long as Tarka's on a leash she not in danger of getting into the road. Not that there's any real traffic on that side of the road.

Mean while, Macher has had some words with Brandon and clipped his rifle on before getting out of his SUV. He's moving to a position a ways behind the trio of vehicles so he can keep an eye on things.

Remy and Brandon get out of their respective vehicles and start towards the convenience store. They see Dylan conversing with the large man by the door. Both of them, as well as Dylan, also see the large man with the shotgun turn his head to see what Macher is up too as he takes up a position about ten feet behind the SUV and a little further out so he has a good line of sight down the passenger side of the caravan vehicles.

Macher, now in position, sees Lynn walking Tarka in the patch of grass next to Dylan's truck and she sees him in return.

On the side of the pumps closest to the store there's a minivan parked opposite Dylan's truck and a sedan parked opposite Macher's SUV. The minivan looks to be riding heavy and a woman is sitting in the passenger seat. If any one looks closely at it, they will notice she's turned around and talking to two little kids that are sitting int he back seat. The sedan on the other hand, looks perfectly normal, though its empty.

When Brandon and Remy reach the door, the big guy with the shotgun repeats himself, "Gotta pay Ma inside. Once you pay, she'll turn the pumps on."

The big guy jerks back a little when Remy shoves the camcorder in his face. At first the man looks like he's about to shove Remy back with the side of the shogun but then he squints and looks at the small screen. Then he turns and races into the store. as the door swings shut, Remy, Dylan and Brandon can all hear him, "Ma... Ma... guy outside says...." when the door closes he voice turns into and unintelligible muffle.

If anyone goes into the store you see that's its a little picked over but most of the shelves are just running low and aren't out of anything yet. There's three isles. The isle closest to the door has what would be considered automotive supplies; air fresheners, oil, antifreeze, washer fluid, etc. Basically simple fix and maintenance items. The middle isle has snack foods on one side and some dry goods on the other. The far isle is loaded with candy, while the back of the store has the drinks cooler and the left side, furthest away from the door, is the beer cooler. To the right is the counter.

The big man from outside is leaning over the counter talking to an older woman behind it. There is a man standing somewhat impatiently in front of the counter with an arm load of candy and snack food. A woman is moving slowly down the middle isle with a hand basket draped over one arm and seems to be loading it up. You also notice a man standing at the back corner of the store where the coolers meet with a hunting rifle. He looks a lot like the big guy just not as big. In the corner to the left, covering the counter and door is a woman with a pistol. The woman looks like a younger version of the woman behind the counter.

What do you do?

Butcher's Bill

Macher · Post by **Macher** » Mon Feb 06, 2023 5:22 pm

Perception: 18% / 1d100: [19] = 19
JIC: 1d20: [6] = 6 / 1d100: [82] = 82
Conditions: +5 v HF, +2 v Non-lethal Toxins, +4 v Lethal Toxins;
Automobile: 63%/ 1d100: [4] = 4

Lynn wrote: She walks a short distance, looking for a grassy area for Tarka within eye shot of the others. With her free hand, Lynn pulls a cell phone out of her jacket pocket.

Macher does his best to be alert everywhere. When he sees Lynn with her puppy in the grass, he attempts to catch her eye, nods that he has seen them, and goes back on alert. While still watching all avenues, he will double up on making sure Lynn is ok.

the General wrote: he minivan looks to be riding heavy and a woman is sitting in the passenger seat. If any one looks closely at it, they will notice she's turned around and talking to two little kids that are sitting int he back seat.

This isn’t going to get easier. Macher waits for the others to come out. If he can catch the eye of Lynn or Brandon he will motion them over and suggest they speak with the minivan people and invite them to join the convoy.

In case of violence:
Initiative: 1d20+3: 1d20+3: [14]+3 = 17

Moving backwards towards the vehicle yelling for the others.

Action 1: Strike: 1d20+4: [7]+4 = 11 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [5, 5, 2, 4] = 16
Action 2: Strike: 1d20+4: [16]+4 = 20 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [1, 1, 1, 4] = 7
Action 3: Strike: 1d20+4: [1]+4 = 5 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [5, 2, 1, 3] = 11
Action 4: Strike: 1d20+4: [19]+4 = 23 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [4, 2, 6, 2] = 14
Action 5: Strike: 1d20+4: [16]+4 = 20 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [2, 3, 5, 5] = 15

Parries (+4 included): 1d20+4: [18]+4 = 22 , 1d20+4: [12]+4 = 16 , 1d20+4: [5]+4 = 9 , 1d20+4: [4]+4 = 8 , 1d20+4: [5]+4 = 9
Dodges (+5 included): 1d20+5: [3]+5 = 8 , 1d20+5: [7]+5 = 12 , 1d20+5: [15]+5 = 20 , 1d20+5: [14]+5 = 19 , 1d20+5: [19]+5 = 24

Remy · Post by **Remy** » Tue Feb 07, 2023 11:56 am

Perception: d%: [23] = 23 | 53%
JIC: 1d20: [7] = 7 | d%: [9] = 9
Conditions: +1 vs HF, +1 vs psi/insanity

The Governor wrote: ↑Sun Feb 05, 2023 8:05 pmAt first the man looks like he's about to shove Remy back with the side of the shogun but then he squints and looks at the small screen. Then he turns and races into the store. as the door swings shut, Remy, Dylan and Brandon can all hear him, "Ma... Ma... guy outside says...." when the door closes he voice turns into and unintelligible muffle.

"Uh..." Remy utters, a bit at a loss for words. Seems I miscalculated the situation. And now he's gone inside toward his... family. Grabbing his wallet from his back pocket, Remy produces $200 in cash (x3 $50, x2 $20, x1 $10) and turns toward Brandon to hand him the bills.

"At $10 a gallon, my electrician service van needs $130 worth of gas. Do you mind letting them know that? Reckon you should buy whatever you see inside that might be useful with the other $70. Especially if'n you see a road atlas, if'n you can prioritize, get two of those, one for me, one for Macher's SUV. Not sure how much longer dollars are going to hold their value." Remy asks Brandon.

Brandon Rodgers wrote: ↑Mon Feb 06, 2023 3:05 pm Upon prompting from Remy, Brandon takes the money and just walks in.

"Thank you!" Remy says loudly in appreciation. Better him than me. Glad I don't have to go in there.

Not wanting to get himself involved in the potential chaos inside, he hops back into his van, properly stores his camcorder, then comes back out to fill up the van ((hopefully the gas pump is activated at that point.))

The PI will quietly fill up his van with fuel. But he will stay alert, paying attention to what is going on inside and in the general vicinity. Should things suddenly get out of hand and gunfire is exchanged, Remy will stop filling up his tank and rush back into the driver's seat, ready to beat a hasty retreat.

Macher · Post by **Macher** » Thu Feb 09, 2023 7:00 am

(Rolls Carry Over)

Lynn wrote: Walking up with Tarka in tow, Lynn extends her free hand to Macher and says, “I’m sorry, we haven’t really had the time for introductions. I’m Lynn.”

As Macher hears Lynn’s approach he turns and nods his head to acknowledge her. Hmmmm, wonder what knowledge and skills she brings to the table. Well, she’s a dog lover, that is enough for me.

Macher ignores the hand, and turns his back, continuing to scan the perimeter. ”Ma’am, Staff Sergeant Macher, uh…, Caleb Macher…most people just call me Macher. Not trying to be rude, ma’am, but I’ll shake your hand when we are some place safe.”

As his perimeter scan crosses Lynn and Tarka again, Macher does another assessment. "If it is ok, I’d like to pet the dog later too. Used to have a dog, but with the Army life…. So, what’s the puppy’s name?”

….after Lynn responds, if there is a good point in the conversation…

"What are your thoughts on seeing if they" Macher nods his head towards the minivan with the children. "want to join our convoy? Even if they split off at some point, we can get them further out of town. If you think it is a good idea, you want to approach them? I think you and (insert dog’s name here) might be more approachable and less scary than I am."

Post by **The Governor** » Sun Feb 12, 2023 3:55 pm

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana - Lower 9th Ward
Date: April 1st
Time:4:30 pm (sunrise: 6:50am / sunset: 7:15pm)
Weather: cloudy, 90º

Notes

Remy hands off a wad of cash to Brandon and then recedes back to his van and stows his camcorder before climbing back out of the van and waiting for the pump to activate. Tarka finishes up her business and the and Lynn go over to where Macher is keeping watch to introduce themselves.

Meanwhile, inside the little store, Dylan says a few things to the older woman behind the counter. She gives him an appraising look as she checks out the man at the counter with the snack foods. In turn, the man quickly hands over some cash and hurries out of the store.

Brandon also makes a little chit chat with the guy holding the hunting rifle as he and Dylan make their way around the store gathering up supplies. While Dylan and Brandon make their way up and down the aisles, the lone woman seems to have finished her shopping and makes her way over to the register. Ma cashes her out quickly and you both over hear her say, "Honey just take the basket and get to where you need to be." There's a jingle as the woman goes back out to her car. By this time both Dylan and Brandon are heading over to the register.

Back outside, Lynn makes her way over to the minivan and waves. The woman inside see's Lynn's shadow cross the interior of the van and turns around from where she's been keeping the children placated. The woman gives a weak smile to Lynn but doesn't roll down the window. About this time the woman's husband comes out of the store and speeds past Lynn. He tosses his snacks into the car and has one foot in before he says, "Lady, you better get what you need and get outta town. Things aren't going to stay this nice for long." With that said, he shuts the door and aims the minivan around Lynn and Tarka and with a squeal of the tires, he pulls the minivan out onto Paris road heading north.

Inside the store, Ma looks over Dylan and Brandon with a motherly smile as the men come up to the counter. "I suppose it's one of you two that told Tommy here," She nods to the big man, "about what's really going on." She waves a hand up, motioning to everything without really motioning to anything. As her hand comes down she grabs the cash you're both offering in one smooth motion. "Thanks for the heads up. The pumps are on, so take what choo got and good luck to you both."

When Dylan and Brandon turn away from the counter, Mama calls out to her kids, "Tommy, start closing the hurricane shutters, we're locking up. We're heading out to Pa's swamp shack. Lamonte, start boxing up the canned goods. Shantel, start stacking water by the back door. Then you and Lemonte...." Her voice cuts off as you pass through the door and head back to your vehicles with the supplies.

Remy noticed the pumps come on while Dylan and Brandon were still inside and has all three of them going to top off the vehicles.

Lynn would have been shocked at the man's behavior if not for the day she's had already. When the woman belonging to the sedan comes out, she doesn't say anything to anyone and if someone tries to talk to her, she just speeds up before shoving the hand basket into her car and taking off.

Over the course of their time at the gas station, Macher notes a few cars that start to pull in but veer off when they see him out from with a rifle.

Almost as soon as Dylan and Brandon clear the doors, they hear a click behind them and then another series of odd noises before an electric motor kicks on and metal storm shutters start lowering over the front windows of the store.

Remy hangs the one gas nozzle back on the pump as Dylan's rig finishes gassing up first, but the two larger vehicles are going to take another couple minutes to fill up.

Dylan and Brandon are tossing the supplies into the vehicles when a large 4 door pickup truck skids to a stop by the front of the store. Three guys pile out of the truck and start banging on the storm shutters. One of the men starts yelling, "Come on. Open up." He stops banging on the shutters when one of the other men tap him on the shoulder and jerks his head to the lined up caravan with all of you standing around the vehicles outside.

What do you do?

Butcher's Bill

Macher · Post by **Macher** » Mon Feb 13, 2023 5:01 am

Perception: 18% / 1d100: [41] = 41
JIC: 1d20: [6] = 6 / 1d100: [32] = 32
Conditions: +5 v HF, +2 v Non-lethal Toxins, +4 v Lethal Toxins;
Automobile: 63%/ 1d100: [56] = 56

The Governor wrote: Almost as soon as Dylan and Brandon clear the doors, they hear a click behind them and then another series of odd noises before an electric motor kicks on and metal storm shutters start lowering over the front windows of the store.

Hearing the motors and sound of the metallic doors in their tracks, Macher takes a moment to look back and sees his companions leave the building and approach the vehicles. Using his left hand, his right still on the grip of his rifle, he grasps the keys clipped to his left harness strap and pushes the button to unlock the SUV and start the tailgate opening. Good. Looks like we are about ready to go without any trouble. Macher stands and begins to slowly back towards his SUV, still scanning for any approaching danger.

The Governor wrote: a large 4 door pickup truck skids to a stop by the front of the store. Three guys pile out of the truck and start banging on the storm shutters. One of the men starts yelling, "Come on. Open up." He stops banging on the shutters when one of the other men tap him on the shoulder and jerks his head to the lined up caravan with all of you standing around the vehicles outside.

Aw, crap! Should have learned to not jinx myself Macher unclips his keys and holds them in his left hand, middle finger through the ring to secure them. With the keys in the palm of his hand it is a bit uncomfortable holding the barrel of his rifle, but should not impact his accuracy.

Macher turns and approaches the vehicles, standing clear enough to have a good line of site on the new comers and their car, but close enough to get cover if necessary. He quickly scans the car for other occupants and the three guys for weapons. Good, no visible long guns. Remember, most bullies are cowards. Most humans are risk adverse and taught from birth to avoid conflict. We have three healthy men who look able to hold our own in a fight, we have a young lady with a decent sized dog, and we are well armed. We are a hard target.

When he has eyes on Brandon, ”Brandon, can you come here a moment?”

****If Brandon comes over, Macher will hand him the keys and say loud enough for the three to hear, ”You drive a while. My rifle is better from the passenger seat anyways. Then pitched low enough only Brandon should hear. ”When you get in draw your pistol and cover me getting in. I will be vulnerable then.”****

****Whether Brandon approaches immediately or not, so either after the above talk, or before it****

Macher holds his rifle cross body, at the ready, his finger on the trigger guard, but not the trigger. ”Gentlemen. Sorry but they are closed and were pretty well armed themselves. You seem to know what is coming, so I won’t delay you here. You’ll probably have better luck further along.” After pausing a bit to think, "or you are welcome to tag along with us. Strength in numbers and all that.

The back of Macher’s neck itches a bit. Too many avenues of approach and risks to watch without a good team. We will need to train to make sure all sectors are watched.

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

Actions will be performed in the most reasonable order, not necessarily as written.
Action 1: Reserved for Dodge/Parry
Action 2: Reserved for Dodge/Parry
Action 3: Strike: 1d20+4: [15]+4 = 19 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [4, 5, 6, 4] = 19
Action 4: Strike: 1d20+4: [15]+4 = 19 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [4, 5, 6, 4] = 19
Action 5: Strike: 1d20+4: [2]+4 = 6 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [5, 3, 5, 6] = 19

Parries (+4 included): 1d20+4: [2]+4 = 6 , 1d20+4: [7]+4 = 11 , 1d20+4: [19]+4 = 23 , 1d20+4: [1]+4 = 5 , 1d20+4: [3]+4 = 7
Dodges (+5 included): 1d20+5: [4]+5 = 9 , 1d20+5: [19]+5 = 24 , 1d20+5: [15]+5 = 20 , 1d20+5: [8]+5 = 13 , 1d20+5: [15]+5 = 20

Remy · Post by **Remy** » Tue Feb 14, 2023 10:44 am

Perception: d%: [64] = 64 | 59%
JIC: 1d20: [6] = 6 | d%: [4] = 4
Conditions: +1 vs HF, +1 vs psi/insanity

The Governor wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 3:55 pmRemy noticed the pumps come on while Dylan and Brandon were still inside and has all three of them going to top off the vehicles.

Remy breathes a small sigh of relief when his gasoline pump(s) activate.

"That could have been much worse..." he remarks to himself in a soft mumble. Glad Brandon volunteered to go in, must have made a good impression. The handsome ones often do.

Staying focused on the important task at hand, he starts to fill up his van's tank. If he notices that the other (Dylan and Macher) vehicles aren't being properly attended (because Lynn is off letting Tarka have a break and Macher is on roadside overwatch), Remy will scurry over and make sure the vehicles are likewise being filled up.

The Governor wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 3:55 pmAlmost as soon as Dylan and Brandon clear the doors, they hear a click behind them and then another series of odd noises before an electric motor kicks on and metal storm shutters start lowering over the front windows of the store.

Remy hangs the one gas nozzle back on the pump as Dylan's rig finishes gassing up first, but the two larger vehicles are going to take another couple minutes to fill up.

With Dylan and Brandon outside, the storm shutters starting to close, Remy will hollar over at them ((assuming he sees those empty gasoline containers outside)), "Reckon you can grab a few of those empty gasoline cans so we can fill up some spare fuel?" Should they do so, Remy will task the finished (Dylan) pump with filling up the gasoline cans.

The Governor wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 3:55 pmDylan and Brandon are tossing the supplies into the vehicles when a large 4 door pickup truck skids to a stop by the front of the store. Three guys pile out of the truck and start banging on the storm shutters. One of the men starts yelling, "Come on. Open up." He stops banging on the shutters when one of the other men tap him on the shoulder and jerks his head to the lined up caravan with all of you standing around the vehicles outside.

Not made of particularly steely stuff, the PI knows this particular social interaction is one he does not need to get involved in. He will make himself small and be mentally prepared to unhook the three dispenser heads in case they need to make a quick getaway. Hope those three truck guys listen to reason and don't do anything stupid.

Post by **The Governor** » Sun Feb 19, 2023 8:51 pm

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana - Lower 9th Ward
Date: April 1st
Time:4:45 pm (sunrise: 6:50am / sunset: 7:15pm)
Weather: cloudy, 90º

Notes

Standing at the tailgate of Macher's Highlander, Brandon sets the supplies he got into the back of the SUV and closes the tailgate.
Macher himself makes his way back over to the caravan, though he's still near the back of his SUV so he can keep his eyes on the fellas that got out of the truck.
Remy hears the nozzle at Macher's SUV click as the tank gets filled and hangs it back on the pump. When the other guys come out of the store, Remy doesn't see them carrying any gas cans and doesn't see any gas cans in sight on the outside of the store.
Lynn makes some comments to herself as she walks from where the recently departed minivan was back over to Dylan's truck. Then pats Tarka on the head as she says a few things to Tarka.
Dylan slides the bags he got onto the seat of the truck while Lynn and Tarka are easing back into the passenger side. Dylan takes a position by the open driver's door of his truck, which leaves the three men from the other truck bracketed by him and Macher.

Brandon wrote:“They’ve closed up and are taking their family somewhere safe. I suggest you guys should do the same. Pretty sure things are about to get real bad. If I understood correctly these good folks left the pumps on so folks can get what they need until it runs out. You can get some gas as soon as we are done and head somewhere safe.”

Macher moves up to the tailgate of his SUV and hands Brandon the keys as he says loudly;

Macher wrote:”You drive a while. My rifle is better from the passenger seat anyways."

Then Macher says at a level he thinks only Brandon can hear:

Macher wrote:”When you get in draw your pistol and cover me getting in. I will be vulnerable then."

As Macher crosses over to the passenger side of his SUV he calls out:

Macher wrote:”Gentlemen. Sorry but they are closed and were pretty well armed themselves. You seem to know what is coming, so I won’t delay you here. You’ll probably have better luck further along...... or you are welcome to tag along with us. Strength in numbers and all that."

Dylan attempts to look Intimidating but the look doesn't come off very well or at least, doesn't seem to impress the three fellas.

Dylan is the only one from the caravan to see the guy that was yelling at the store lift his shirt and start reaching for what looks like the grip of a revolver that's tucked into his waistband. One of the other guys from the truck puts a hand on the first guy's shoulder and mutters, "Don't" as he jerks his head over to indicate where Macher is standing.

Dylan wrote:"I will kill you if you act the fool. Leave the people inside alone. Wait for us to finish gassing up then gas up yourselves. Like my friend said, they've left the pumps on, and they ain't got shit worth having inside."

The man lets his shirt drop and moves his hands away as you all just stand there staring at each other.

When the nozzle clicks off on Remy's van, signaling that their gas up is done, Brandon startles a bit with a little jump in his seat, but he's pretty sure no one saw him and Remy pulls the nozzle out, hanging it back on the pump.

What do you do?

Butcher's Bill

Macher · Post by **Macher** » Mon Feb 20, 2023 1:21 pm

Perception: 18% / 1d100: [91] = 91
JIC: 1d20: [16] = 16 / 1d100: [63] = 63
Conditions: +5 v HF, +2 v Non-lethal Toxins, +4 v Lethal Toxins;

Brandon wrote: Brandon takes the keys , says "Yes sir." and does as Macher directs him.

Macher nods and gives Brandon a weak smile. I hope he doesn’t think I am trying to be bossy. Don’t want to start a relationship on hard feelings.

The Governor wrote: the nozzle clicks off on Remy's van, signaling that their gas up is done…Remy pulls the nozzle out, hanging it back on the pump.

Macher continues to watch the three men as he backs towards the passenger door of his SUV. When he hears the “click” he opens the door with his left hand, unclips the rifle’s sling, and switches to a left handed hold. not the best shot with my weak side, but good enough

Macher then takes a seat half in-half out of his SUV still watching for threats. ”We all ready to go people?”

Not looking for an answer, Macher will wait until he hears Remy’s driver’s door shut, then get fully into his seat, close the door, and point only about an inch of his barrel out the window. Only once they are on the road and about a block away will he fasten his seat belt.

In case of violence:
Initiative: 1d20+3: 1d20+3: [18]+3 = 21

Action 1: Reserved for Dodge/vehicle maneuver
Action 2: Reserved for Dodge/vehicle maneuver
Action 3: Draw Glock .40 S&W
Action 4: Strike: 1d20+4: [12]+4 = 16 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [1, 5, 3, 6] = 15
Action 5: Strike: 1d20+4: [9]+4 = 13 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [3, 6, 6, 6] = 21

Parries (+4 included): 1d20+4: [8]+4 = 12 , 1d20+4: [16]+4 = 20 , 1d20+4: [17]+4 = 21 , 1d20+4: [1]+4 = 5 , 1d20+4: [5]+4 = 9
Dodges (+5 included): 1d20+5: [4]+5 = 9 , 1d20+5: [2]+5 = 7 , 1d20+5: [12]+5 = 17 , 1d20+5: [13]+5 = 18 , 1d20+5: [9]+5 = 14

Remy · Post by **Remy** » Tue Feb 21, 2023 9:27 am

Perception: d%: [50] = 50 | 59%
JIC: 1d20: [17] = 17 | d%: [8] = 8
Conditions: +1 vs HF, +1 vs psi/insanity

Taking a preferred backseat to the potential conflict before them, Remy finishes tending to the gasoline pumps and flashes a thumbs up to those nearby ((likely Macher and Lynn most likely to see)) before quietly scrambling into his van and starting the engine. He has no hesitation or fear that the van will back-fire since he knows he is fully up-to-date on all his maintenance on the fairly new work van. Besides, if the sudden noise of my van starting startles those outside into a gunfight... I'm inside.

Showing the sincerity of his companion's words to the agitated truck-folk, Remy will pull his van out of his spot in front of the pump and pull off to the side, giving them ample space to pull in, keeping his driver-side window pointed at the pumps and (hopefully) de-escalating activity.

Glancing up and seeing that his dashcam is still running, the PI will narrate. "Tense moments at the gas station, filling up. We notified the operators of the station of the spreading zombie apocalypse and they have boarded up the station, but have left the pumps on. There is a mixture of both unarmed and armed civilians who have graced this station since we got here. It is unclear what their future may be, but I think those that try to go it alone may have a difficult time of it."

Once Dylan gets their convoy rolling, Remy will take up his position (in the middle).

Dylan Sowell wrote: ↑Mon Feb 20, 2023 10:36 pmHe'll pause or pull over as needed long enough for Remy to take the lead. Dylan will wave Remy on and give him a big "you've got this" thumbs-up to the man as he passes. Dylan will then fall in behind him.

Remy will slow his van even more (to remain in the middle). Should Dylan insist, Remy will shake his head and offer him a compliment instead, "Reckon ah ain't got the reflexes you've got. An' with mah short-sidedness and corrective lenses, you'll make the better convoy leader." Remy obviously shirks from the responsibility of taking point. But whether that is based on the lack of alpha personality or a leaning toward self-preservation is not entirely clear. He will, however, refuse to take point, stubbornly sticking to his position in the center of the travel group.

"Alexa, ask my Dash Cam to stop recording." Remy will command his smart device once they are fully on their way. Best save what battery and sd card space I have. Not sure what else I will need to record for posterity's sake.

Macher · Post by **Macher** » Wed Feb 22, 2023 5:18 am

(rolls carry over)

Brandon wrote:”I just don't get it. What would they have done if we weren't armed. What are they going to do next. Maybe we should of just go back and put them down….I wanted to beat those guys asses for the stupidity. ?

Macher sighs quietly and shifts to a better position. Can’t blame the kid. Lots of new recruits react this way. Hell, I reacted this way and he doesn’t have the training.

”You done? Feel better?”

Not waiting for a response, ”They were scared…and when people are scared and feel weak they grab for a feeling of strength. It could be training, numbers, or, too often in the US, guns. It is the simple explanation for gangs, militias, and the KKK and why they seldom do anything alone or outnumbered. They are afraid. It doesn’t forgive any stupidity they do, but it helps deal with them. Helps you feel bad for them and give them grace.”

Macher pauses a moment, considering, and takes a deep breath. ”I hope you don’t think I am like them. I am willing to kill to protect myself, others, and complete the mission. I would have killed the man and his family back there if he had threatened us directly or by way of not allowing us to get NECESSITIES for survival. All the gear, all the guns I openly carry, and the look of a killer? They are to prevent violence. In the Army we call it ‘peace by superior firepower’. Be so strong that no one will even start a fight.”

brandon wrote: My panic disorder is mainly fight more than flight.

A smirk crosses Macher’s face. ”Here I thought you were a flight or flight guy. Nice to know that we can count on you in a fight. Just do me a favor. Unless it is zombies or an animal, take your cues from me or Dylan. Always stand strong, look deadly, but don’t start the fight unless we do. We can all break down after it is done and we are relatively safe. Like now.”

Post by **The Governor** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 9:12 pm

Location: Paris Road (St Hwy 47) - Chalmette, Louisiana - just outside New Orleans
Date: April 1st
Time:4:55 pm (sunrise: 6:50am / sunset: 7:15pm)
Weather: cloudy, 90º

Notes

With the guys at the gas station backing down, everyone gets loaded up and back into their vehicles. The oncoming lane is still relatively empty as the caravan cuts over to the north bound side and starts it's progress north up Paris Road. Dylan, Lynn and Remy all see the guys from the truck scramble for the pumps as soon as you pull away, but they are quickly lost in the distance.

After Dylan slows to let Remy take the lead and Remy declines, progress up Paris Road is steady. Dylan and Lynn talk some, as do Brandon and Macher, while Remy gives commands to his camera equipment.

Those looking around will see that Paris Road is more of a major road, five lanes wide, with two lanes in each direction and a center turning lane, though this was never a busy part of town. The buildings lining the street are a mix of commercial and residential, with a good part of the commercial buildings looking like they were converted from old homes.

A few blocks down the caravan crosses it's first major intersection. Both corners on your side of the road have gas stations and the corners on the other side have a Walgreens and a CVS. Unlike the little gas station you stopped at, these don't seem to be fairing as well. There are lines for all the pumps that are backing out onto the street you're on as well as the cross street and everyone hears the almost constant blare of one car horn or another. The CVS and Walgreens parking lots don't look much better as they are crammed with cars. Some cars are packed with people's things while others are empty. Lynn spots a guy with a pair of bolt cutters at the CVS, popping the lock on a wire cage housing several propane canisters.

Everyone follows Dylan as he cuts over into the oncoming lanes to get through the intersection. Dylan and Remy both dodge their way through the backup from the gas stations but Brandon doesn't notice the guy cutting across the grass to get out of the CVS parking lot and they trade some paint as the car scrapes down driver's side of Macher's SUV.

You pass a big multi-pump gas station about two blocks latter but it's storm shutters are closed and it only has a handful of desperate individuals that seem to be trying to get the self pay pumps to start working, to no avail. Traffic seems to all be going the same direction as your caravan as you continue north up Paris Road. You pass a store with a sign that says, Super Discount Store, and everyone sees the pile of glass that used to be the front doors and a number of people loading boxes into different cars. Continuing on, you all see a Waffle House coming up on your right. The Open sign is on and a handful of cars are in the parking lot. Inside are several tables of people, all eating like its any other day of the week.

What do you do?

Butcher's Bill

Macher · Post by **Macher** » Mon Feb 27, 2023 4:57 am

Perception: 18% / 1d100: [70] = 70
JIC: 1d20: [13] = 13 / 1d100: [18] = 18
Conditions: +5 v HF, +2 v Non-lethal Toxins, +4 v Lethal Toxins;
Detect Ambush 90% / 1d100: [95] = 95 (self-evident)

The Governor wrote: Unlike the little gas station you stopped at, these don't seem to be fairing as well. There are lines for all the pumps that are backing out onto the street you're on as well as the cross street and everyone hears the almost constant blare of one car horn or another. The CVS and Walgreens parking lots don't look much better as they are crammed with cars. Some cars are packed with people's things while others are empty. Lynn spots a guy with a pair of bolt cutters at the CVS, popping the lock on a wire cage housing several propane canisters.

Macher continues to scan the area, watching for any threats. glad we stopped when we did. Wouldn’t mind getting into a Walgreens or CVS, but not here.

The Governor wrote: Brandon doesn't notice the guy cutting across the grass to get out of the CVS parking lot and they trade some paint as the car scrapes down driver's side of Macher's SUV.

He cringes at the sound of metal on metal and tenses as he feels for any sound or movement that indicates more than superficial damage. well, not like the blood wasn’t hiding worse.

Macher laughs a bit, trying to put Brandon at ease. ”On this the point is the same in a car as on your bike. Try NOT to hit something. Not that it matters. I figure we can just pick up a new one at the next town….cheap. Bet we won’t even have to worry about financing.

In case of violence:
Initiative: 1d20+3: 1d20+3: [3]+3 = 6
Action 1: Strike: 1d20+5: [18]+5 = 23 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [5, 6, 5, 5] = 21
Action 2: Strike: 1d20+5: [4]+5 = 9 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [3, 4, 5, 6] = 18
Action 3: Strike: 1d20+5: [3]+5 = 8 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [4, 4, 5, 6] = 19
Action 4: Strike: 1d20+5: [19]+5 = 24 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [6, 6, 6, 1] = 19
Action 5: Strike: 1d20+5: [1]+5 = 6 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [6, 6, 3, 5] = 20

Parries (+4 included): 1d20+4: [7]+4 = 11 , 1d20+4: [4]+4 = 8 , 1d20+4: [4]+4 = 8 , 1d20+4: [15]+4 = 19 , 1d20+4: [1]+4 = 5
Dodges (+5 included): 1d20+5: [14]+5 = 19 , 1d20+5: [2]+5 = 7 , 1d20+5: [7]+5 = 12 , 1d20+5: [1]+5 = 6 , 1d20+5: [16]+5 = 21

Remy · Post by **Remy** » Tue Feb 28, 2023 1:52 pm

Perception: d%: [99] = 99 | 59%
JIC: 1d20: [6] = 6 | d%: [62] = 62
Conditions: +1 vs HF, +1 vs psi/insanity

The Governor wrote: ↑Sun Feb 26, 2023 9:12 pmThose looking around will see that Paris Road is more of a major road, five lanes wide, with two lanes in each direction and a center turning lane, though this was never a busy part of town. The buildings lining the street are a mix of commercial and residential, with a good part of the commercial buildings looking like they were converted from old homes.

Yes, this is what I expected based on the Google Maps street-view. Enough lanes to maneuver if necessary and not so much congestion that one gets easily bogged down by the problem of too many people. Finally, a stretch of non life-threatening driving. Remy breathes a small sigh of relief to himself.

The Governor wrote: ↑Sun Feb 26, 2023 9:12 pmA few blocks down the caravan crosses it's first major intersection. Both corners on your side of the road have gas stations and the corners on the other side have a Walgreens and a CVS. Unlike the little gas station you stopped at, these don't seem to be fairing as well. There are lines for all the pumps that are backing out onto the street you're on as well as the cross street and everyone hears the almost constant blare of one car horn or another. The CVS and Walgreens parking lots don't look much better as they are crammed with cars. Some cars are packed with people's things while others are empty. Lynn spots a guy with a pair of bolt cutters at the CVS, popping the lock on a wire cage housing several propane canisters.

Everyone follows Dylan as he cuts over into the oncoming lanes to get through the intersection. Dylan and Remy both dodge their way through the backup from the gas stations but Brandon doesn't notice the guy cutting across the grass to get out of the CVS parking lot and they trade some paint as the car scrapes down driver's side of Macher's SUV.

"Woah! Close one!" Remy remarks aloud to himself. He quickly glances at his side-view mirrors back at Macher's SUV and is relieved that the vehicle only suffered a glancing blow. Glad that wasn't me. Not sure my work van is all that maneuverable. I have to count on others to see me more than my seeing others.

The Governor wrote: ↑Sun Feb 26, 2023 9:12 pmContinuing on, you all see a Waffle House coming up on your right. The Open sign is on and a handful of cars are in the parking lot. Inside are several tables of people, all eating like its any other day of the week.

Assuming the caravan continues on their pre-planned route (rather than stopping to notify the Waffle House folk), Remy can't help but wonder what will happen to the diners. I suppose they will at the very least have had a meal before they enter the grand chaos of everyone scrounging for their lives. I don't know those people, and it isn't worth my safety to help them though.

Remy keeps his eyes on the road ahead. Not sure if it is all this adrenaline pumping through my system, but I swear the bayou looked a whole lot closer on Google Maps! Why aren't we there yet?

Post by **The Governor** » Mon Mar 06, 2023 10:19 pm

Location: Paris Road (St Hwy 47) - Chalmette, Louisiana - just outside New Orleans
Date: April 1st
Time: 5:05 pm (sunrise: 6:50am / sunset: 7:15pm)
Weather: cloudy, 90º

Notes

As the caravan travels north on Paris Road (St Hwy 47) you all start to see fewer and fewer homes. Businesses still line the street but they are getting more commercial in nature (scrap yards, metal shops, etc.) and less service industry (restaurants and shops). As you pass an elementary school on your left, the speed of traffic starts to pick up and everyone notices that there are almost no side streets. More and more open fields start to line the road and then you pass a small red brick building with a sign stating 'St. Bernard Sheriff's Office'. Sitting in the grass divider of the street is a police car with its lights on. Two officers are standing in front of it, simply waving traffic to continue on north, there is no traffic headed south.

As the caravan continues north, you pass more industrial commercial type businesses, all are closed up tight and you start to see water on one side of the road or another that's not too far off. Sometime there's water within 100 feet of both sides of the road. The cross streets you do pass all seem to dead end at a marina or boat ramp or some type of utilities maintenance access location.

In the distance a bridge can be seen rising up. As the caravan draws closer to the bridge, you all can see the flash of police car lights on the peak of it, though traffic is still moving at a good pace. The caravan continues on, as its only other option would be to turn back into the city. As you start up the bridge (Green Bridge) its easy to see that the Sheriff's cars have blocked off the south bound lanes and are turning people back, away from this part of the city. Starting down the far side of Green Bridge, you all see signs for a turn off onto Old Gentilly Road with the Hwy 90 exit one mile further and the exit for I-10 just over 3 miles away.

The roads are all fairly low and flat and it's hard to see far ahead.

What do you do?

Butcher's Bill

Remy · Post by **Remy** » Thu Mar 09, 2023 12:50 pm

Perception: [roll]d%[/roll] | 59%
JIC: [roll]1d20[/roll] | [roll]d%[/roll]
Conditions: +1 vs HF, +1 vs psi/insanity

The Governor wrote: ↑Mon Mar 06, 2023 10:19 pm'St. Bernard Sheriff's Office'. Sitting in the grass divider of the street is a police car with its lights on. Two officers are standing in front of it, simply waving traffic to continue on north, there is no traffic headed south.

Remy nods approvingly at the Sheriffs' efforts at traffic control. He does not diverge however from his position in the middle of the convoy. With the increased speed of traffic, the PI maintains safe travel distance with Dylan's truck in front of him. On the small chance that something unforeseen might happen, Remy doesn't want to rear-end the lead truck because he is following too close.

The Governor wrote: ↑Mon Mar 06, 2023 10:19 pmAs the caravan draws closer to the bridge, you all can see the flash of police car lights on the peak of it, though traffic is still moving at a good pace. The caravan continues on, as its only other option would be to turn back into the city. As you start up the bridge (Green Bridge) its easy to see that the Sheriff's cars have blocked off the south bound lanes and are turning people back, away from this part of the city.

"Thank you!" Remy says aloud into the driver's side window toward the stationed Sheriffs and gives them a thumbs up as his van passes.

Blocking off the bridge to southbound traffic is a level-headed and VERY practical preventative measure. I wonder if law enforcement knows the extent of the problem though.

Will they revert to more selfish tendencies once the zombie threat is more visceral? Will these bridges be something that are eventually blown up in order to quarantine New Orleans, marking it as a lost city? Remy's musings are interrupted by the off-ramp sign for Old Gentilly Rd.

"We should take that." he says aloud simply to hear himself talk, and he puts on his right right turn blinker very early. He assumes that Dylan will head that direction, because it is the route he drew on Lynn's atlas, but will take the exit himself even if Dylan does not.

Macher · Post by **Macher** » Tue Mar 14, 2023 4:01 am

Perception: 18% / 1d100: [97] = 97
JIC: 1d20: [16] = 16 / 1d100: [91] = 91
Conditions: +5 v HF, +2 v Non-lethal Toxins, +4 v Lethal Toxins;
HF Roll: 1d20+5, 1d20+5: [18]+5 = 23

The Governor wrote: As the caravan draws closer to the bridge, you all can see the flash of police car lights on the peak of it, though traffic is still moving at a good pace. The caravan continues on, as its only other option would be to turn back into the city. As you start up the bridge (Green Bridge) its easy to see that the Sheriff's cars have blocked off the south bound lanes and are turning people back, away from this part of the city.

Macher lowers his rifle below the general line of sight of the windows. No reason to provoke a stop or shoot out. We are the good guys too.

As they pass, Macher performs a little salute and head nod to acknowledge his fellow law enforcement. Glad there are still some people doing what they can for society. I just hope they get home to their families before the wave gets here.

Macher lifts the hand held from where it sits on the center console. ”This is Macher, from the tail SUV. It appears this area is better secured. Maybe keep an eye out for stations or pharmacies that are less chaotic than those we passed. Once the wave gets here there may not be another chance.”

Still looking out the window Macher addresses Brandon quietly. ”So, looks like we might be travelling together for a bit. Care to tell me about yourself? Like why all your stuff has the same logo on it?”

In case of violence:
Initiative: 1d20+3: 1d20+3: [14]+3 = 17

Action 1: Strike: 1d20+4: [10]+4 = 14 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [4, 3, 3, 2] = 12
Action 2: Strike: 1d20+4: [15]+4 = 19 , Damage (4D6): roll]4d6[/roll]
Action 3: Strike: 1d20+4: [4]+4 = 8 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [1, 2, 1, 1] = 5
Action 4: Strike: 1d20+4: [2]+4 = 6 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [1, 5, 6, 6] = 18
Action 5: Strike: 1d20+4: [7]+4 = 11 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [4, 6, 6, 6] = 22

Parries (+4 included): 1d20+4: [6]+4 = 10 , 1d20+4: [16]+4 = 20 , 1d20+4: [8]+4 = 12 , 1d20+4: [1]+4 = 5 , 1d20+4: [18]+4 = 22
Dodges (+5 included): 1d20+5: [6]+5 = 11 , 1d20+5: [1]+5 = 6 , 1d20+5: [7]+5 = 12 , 1d20+5: [3]+5 = 8 , 1d20+5: [18]+5 = 23

Macher · Post by **Macher** » Tue Mar 14, 2023 8:42 am

(Rolls Carry Over)

brandon wrote:”Not that it matters….How far are we away from our stop?”

Macher looks at Brandon over his shoulder and smiles before turning back to keeping watch. Holy Sh!t!! I guess I asked.

”Afraid I don’t know where we are going. I kind of just joined the convoy.”

Brandon wrote: “I question the value I bring to a group of 5 survivors.”

”You have value to the group. I mean, you look to have a lot of lean muscle. When it comes to eating our own to survive, I vote for you. I would feel bad butchering the young lady and the guy in the van looks a bit soft. Greasy food gives me heartburn.”

Brandon wrote:”A young up and comer in MMA was a fan…..next thing I know I am training for the octagon.”

”Did you win? The fight I mean? Seriously, right now we need fighters and you already said you know how to use a pistol. When we get where we are going we can find you a wrench or lead pipe and make a grip and lanyard for it. We can work on training each other. After we have a plan and get where we are going there will be many skills we need. I wouldn’t mind learning Parkour and integrating your training skills into a daily routine. Then there is likely the first aid and athletic trainer knowledge you have gained. Hell, can you cook? There are lots of things.”

Post by **The Governor** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 9:31 pm

Location: Hwy 90, east of New Orleans, Louisiana
Date: April 1st
Time: 5:15 pm (sunrise: 6:50am / sunset: 7:15pm)
Weather: cloudy, 90º

Notes

As the caravan exits Highway 47 onto Old Gentilly Road, most of the other traffic continues north towards the main intersection with Highway 90 or further still, to I-10. Cruising down Old Gentilly Road the caravan enters a section with some light industrial use on the north (left) side of the road but the right side is fenced off and peppered with signs stating "U. S. Government Property - No Trespassing". The fence continues for quite some time and you eventually pass a tall structure with the NASA logo on it. There is some movement behind the fence but it is a ways back and the caravan passes by before anyone can make out what they're doing.

The caravan eventually passes the section of government land and comes to a strip of road that has a large factory on the north side with a sign saying "Folger's" on one of the buildings and a solid metal fence on your side of the road. Passing a break in the metal fence you all can see into the yard beyond which is apparently a large auto scrapyard.

Making your way passed all of this, the caravan is about to cross over some train tracks when a small group of vehicles passes in front of them, bumping and thudding along the rails ties as it uses the train tracks as a means to avoid traffic.

Traffic picks up some as you turn right off Old Gentilly Road and onto Highway 90. You estimate that there are 20 to 30 vehicles in your general vicinity on the road as the roadside shops and houses fade to marshes and low wooded areas. The caravan passes by an occasional section of light industry or residential houses but you all start seeing more and more water. As the caravan approaches another bridge, Dylan and Lynn see an old overgrown brick fort off to the right with a sign saying Fort Macomb historic area. Passing over the bridge you all continue on, houses edge up to the water here and there on either side of the road but you all also see the ruins of building foundations and pier pylons that were never rebuilt after some past storm wiped the structures away. A lot of the cars around you turn off for one of the roadside houses a ways out of the city, typically you see a boat moored to the dock there.

As the caravan starts up and over another bridge (The Rigolets Bridge), this one is larger with no draw or swing opening, everyone sees an old brick fort (Fort Pike) off to the right. This one is in better shape than the last one you passed, that Dylan and Lynn saw, and appears to be maintained as a recreation area. Crossing over the bridge the drivers start to note that this section of Highway 90 is not as well maintained as what you've already traveled over.

As you near your destination, a lot of the traffic has fallen away. Either pulling into one of the houses that you passed or turning off on one of the few side streets to get to whatever their destination might be.

Lynn waves a hand at Dylan to slow down and guides the caravan off Highway 90. Turning onto Apple Pie Ridge Road marsh and low wooded lands lie on either side of the road until the right side opens up into what looks like pasture, though no one sees any cows or other farm animals. Its not far passed this that you all see the sign stating, "Gulf Coast Paintball". The drive into the paintball place gated, though there is no fence lining the road and only a small ditch separates the road from a flat parking area with rows of large trees shading it.

What do you do?

Butcher's Bill

Macher · Post by **Macher** » Sun Mar 19, 2023 9:44 am

Perception: 18% / 1d100: [88] = 88
JIC: 1d20: [2] = 2 / 1d100: [82] = 82
Conditions: +5 v HF, +2 v Non-lethal Toxins, +4 v Lethal Toxins;
Detect Ambush 90%: 1d100: [49] = 49

The Governor wrote: you all see the sign stating, "Gulf Coast Paintball". The drive into the paintball place gated, though there is no fence lining the road and only a small ditch separates the road from a flat parking area with rows of large trees shading it.

Macher takes a moment to check out what he can see of the destination. Is the gate locked? Is it chained? I’m pretty sure the truck and we can make it over the ditch. Not sure about the van. Any ambush points?

Brandon wrote:”How far are we away from our stop?”

Then he chuckles and glances at Brandon. ”Can I change my earlier answer. Now I would say…not far.”

In case of violence:
Initiative: 1d20+3: 1d20+3: [18]+3 = 21

Action 1: Strike: 1d20+4: [6]+4 = 10 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [5, 3, 1, 1] = 10
Action 2: Strike: 1d20+4: [19]+4 = 23 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [2, 2, 4, 2] = 10
Action 3: Strike: 1d20+4: [14]+4 = 18 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [5, 3, 2, 6] = 16
Action 4: Strike: 1d20+4: [9]+4 = 13 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [2, 4, 2, 2] = 10
Action 5: Strike: 1d20+4: [1]+4 = 5 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [3, 4, 6, 2] = 15

Parries (+4 included): 1d20+4: [19]+4 = 23 , 1d20+4: [16]+4 = 20 , 1d20+4: [18]+4 = 22 , 1d20+4: [5]+4 = 9 , 1d20+4: [5]+4 = 9
Dodges (+5 included): 1d20+5: [6]+5 = 11 , 1d20+5: [9]+5 = 14 , 1d20+5: [15]+5 = 20 , 1d20+5: [7]+5 = 12 , 1d20+5: [3]+5 = 8

Remy · Post by **Remy** » Mon Mar 20, 2023 7:59 am

Perception: d%: [30] = 30 | 59%
JIC: 1d20: [16] = 16 | d%: [98] = 98
Conditions: +1 vs HF, +1 vs psi/insanity

Being alone in his work van, Remy juggles the task of both driving and taking in his surroundings with practiced skill. While driving, he leaves his van's radio off and Dylan's handheld sitting prominently inside a cup holder in the center console. He listens to the convoy's chatter and pays attention to if Dylan leads them off on a side mission. Thankfully (by Remy's measure), the opportunity never arises.

The Governor wrote: ↑Thu Mar 16, 2023 9:31 pmMaking your way passed all of this, the caravan is about to cross over some train tracks when a small group of vehicles passes in front of them, bumping and thudding along the rails ties as it uses the train tracks as a means to avoid traffic.

"That is a fantastic idea I will need to keep in mind!" the PI remarks aloud to himself. At the cost of the longevity of one's shocks, one can travel at moderate speed with a lower chance of disruption or traffic-spawned obstacle. Rail lines also tend to be fenced off in areas of higher population to prevent "suicide-by-train" incidents which would act as an adequate barrier in the zombie apocalypse. "But what happens when two convoys heading in opposite directions meet along a single rail line? I suppose it could devolve into a shooting match or an information-sharing conversation. Both of which have opportunities for benefit." Remy finishes brainstorming aloud.

The Governor wrote: ↑Thu Mar 16, 2023 9:31 pmTurning onto Apple Pie Ridge Road marsh and low wooded lands lie on either side of the road until the right side opens up into what looks like pasture, though no one sees any cows or other farm animals. Its not far passed this that you all see the sign stating, "Gulf Coast Paintball". The drive into the paintball place gated, though there is no fence lining the road and only a small ditch separates the road from a flat parking area with rows of large trees shading it.

We made it! Remy thinks excitedly as they come upon the paintball facility sign. Having spotted that the traffic has diminished considerably, he is in no particular rush to get inside. So will allow Dylan to open the gate however he sees fit. He casts a sidelong glance into the rear of his work van and goes through a mental inventory of the power tools there, assessing that if there is a metal chain or lock, his metal grinder tool will probably be the best cutter.

Macher · Post by **Macher** » Thu Mar 23, 2023 4:59 am

(Rolls carry over)

Brandon wrote: Brandon laughs as well, “Well we made it. Looks like the Ban guy is going to attempt to cut the lock. We will do some fortification. That ditch won’t hold back Zombies.

Macher takes another look at the surrounding area and begins to respond, ”I don’t think we will be here long enough for….”

Brandon wrote: I am going to go scope out the area why you guys get the vehicles into the parking area. About time I show you something I am good at.”

He steps out the car and gives everyone a wave. “I am going to scope out the digs.” he says to everyone in ear shot. He straightens up and sprints toward the gate jumps over it easily.

It takes a moment for Macher to react to what is happening. Seeing Brandon take off, Macher exits his vehicle, ”Stop! Wait! We use the buddy system. No one goes off alone.”

Realizing Brandon isn’t stopping, and he will not be able to catch up, Macher clips the radio to his LBV, closes the passenger door and moves to the driver’s side. Making sure the keys are still in the ignition and leaving the door open, Macher leans against his SUV watching the surrounding area, but ready to get in and move his vehicle when necessary.

FNG!! Gonna get himself killed running off on his own. At least he could have taken the radio.

Post by **The Governor** » Fri Mar 24, 2023 9:52 pm

Location: Gulf Coast Paintball (just off Hwy 90, 5.5 miles southeast of Slidell, Louisiana)
Date: April 1st
Time: 5:20 pm (sunrise: 6:50am / sunset: 7:15pm)
Weather: cloudy, 85º

Notes

Dylan and Remy have room to pull into the driveway before encountering the gate. Macher eases over to the right of the road, partially into the ditch. Remy talks to himself a bit and the pairs in the other two vehicles talk to each other a bit.

Lynn hops out of the truck with Tarka while Dylan gets out and walks over to check the gate. Remy twists around and eyes the tools in the back of his van, thinking about the necessity and good fortune in having them.
It's about then that everyone sees Brandon dash towards short fence and vehicle gate then leap over to the other side. About then Dylan gets to the gate and starts to look is over and Lynn steps past the post on the right of the gate and leads Tarka around the barricade and into a grassy spot on the other side.

View from the Gate

Dylan's head whips around as Brandon zips by him and Macher starts to yell after Brandon.

"Stop! Wait! We use the buddy system. No one goes off alone.”

Brandon is racing over towards the metal building when Dylan sees that while the gate was shut and latched, the pad lock was just hanging open in the loop. He pulls the lock off and flips the latch over freeing up the gate. Then he gives the gate a good push and it swings open with a light squealing sound.

Meanwhile Lynn pulls out her phone. It's got a few bars worth of signal as she tries to call her husband, Mark. The phone goes straight to voice mail though and she leaves a message, "Hi, Honey. I hope you’re getting my messages. Tarka and I are safe. Still with a group; near Slidell. New Orleans was…crazy. I think I’ll see about renting a car or something to get back home. I hope you’re safe. Did Mom and Dad make it yet? Love you."

As she hangs up, the phone chirps and she sees that she has a text from her mom with a time stamp of 5:18pm, it reads; We just met up with Mark and are hunkering down at your place. Let us know how you're doing and where you're at? Love You.

Beyond the now open gate are two play areas that are surrounded by a heavy netting suspended on 20 foot poles. Outside of each play area is a small metal roofed covered area with a couple of prep tables under them. A small storage shed sits between the two play areas. Over to the left is a metal building the looks to be about 45 feet by 25 feet. Near the metal building is a larger covered area with 4 or 5 picknick tables under it. The area between the gate and the metal building is mix of gravel and grass with a number of large trees shading the area. Just in front of the metal building is a concrete pad large enough to fit 3 or 4 cars.

As Brandon rushes towards the metal building, no one can see any other people or any lights on in the building or anywhere else on the property.
If Remy has his windows down or gets out of his van, he can occasionally hear, from the back of the paintball park, beyond the trees, a car drive by on Highway 90. However, no other cars have passed by them on Apple Pai Ridge Road.

What do you do?

Butcher's Bill

Remy · Post by **Remy** » Wed Mar 29, 2023 12:31 pm

Perception: d%: [48] = 48 | 59%
JIC: 1d20: [15] = 15 | d%: [99] = 99
Conditions: +1 vs HF, +1 vs psi/insanity

Dylan Sowell wrote: ↑Fri Mar 24, 2023 8:12 am"How you holding up, friend?" He looks back and sees the copious tools. "Nice. Well, worst case some of those might be important to have, but I figure we can just go around that gate easy enough. The terrain ain't so bad that our rides couldn't manage, I figure."

How am I holding up? Zombie apocalypse much?!?! Guess I'm still alive though. So that's a plus.

Remy smiles nervously and nods in platitude toward Dylan. Then, his gaze shadow's Dylan's toward the back of his van and he continues to bob his head in agreement, "All functional tools. Can't say I'm an expert electrician, but I know enough to fake it as a cover. You'd be surprised how much access someone wearing an electrician's uniform can gain."

After a slight pause, he echoes Lynn's gratitude, "Thanks for getting us here by the way. Regardless of how this turns out, you've earned us a breather at least."

The Governor wrote: ↑Fri Mar 24, 2023 9:52 pmBrandon is racing over towards the metal building when Dylan sees that while the gate was shut and latched, the pad lock was just hanging open in the loop. He pulls the lock off and flips the latch over freeing up the gate. Then he gives the gate a good push and it swings open with a light squealing sound.

Remy's eyes go wide when Brandon parkours his way in. Brash. Possibly premature. The PI thinks to himself, but keeps his mouth shut as others seem to have the matter in hand. When Dylan manages to swing the gate open, Remy sticks his hand out the driver side window and gives him a thumbs up. When Dylan pulls in, Remy will follow behind, parking a little bit distance away (not in the parking space directly adjacent) and backing in so that he has space to potentially maneuver and also that exiting will be just dropping his van into "D" rather than needing to back up first.

Once parked, Remy initially remains in his vehicle. He will pull out his cell phone and check to see if it automatically connects with the paintball facility's Wi-Fi. I hope they haven't changed the password since I was last here. But if the Wi-Fi is up, that will mean that there is power inside too, which will be useful to know.

Hearing the vehicles passing by beyond the back of the paintball park, he strains to try to remember how difficult it might be for someone to accidentally off-road from the highway into the paintball field. Was there a drainage ditch, a fence beyond the tree-line?

But otherwise, Remy stays in his van and remains alert.

Macher · Post by **Macher** » Fri Mar 31, 2023 6:51 am

Perception: 18% / 1d100: [100] = 100
JIC: 1d20: [7] = 7 / 1d100: [65] = 65
Conditions: +5 v HF, +2 v Non-lethal Toxins, +4 v Lethal Toxins;
Automobile: 63%/ 1d100: [30] = 30

Remy wrote: When Dylan pulls in, Remy will follow behind, parking a little bit distance away (not in the parking space directly adjacent) and backing in so that he has space to potentially maneuver and also that exiting will be just dropping his van into "D" rather than needing to back up first.

Macher sees the other two vehicles pull into the drive and follows suit, stopping just past the gate. He gets out, closes the gate, and wraps the chain loosely around it once. Macher then inspects it to makes sure that, from the road it will appear chained and locked, but when they leave it will easily swing open.

That done, Macher follows the others to the parking lot and backs in on the other side of Remy, with a car space in between. Best to keep the armed vehicles on the outside, just like the convoy.

Macher exits his vehicle with his rifle still at the ready and approaches Dylan. He makes sure to wave Remy and Lynn over as well, but specifically addresses Dylan. ”How long we planning on staying here? Enough to plan our next move, overnight…..? Either way, you think we should do a perimeter check or clear the building first?

In case of violence:
Initiative: 1d20+3: 1d20+3: [2]+3 = 5

Action 1: Reserved for Dodge/vehicle maneuver
Action 2: Reserved for Dodge/vehicle maneuver
Action 3: Draw Glock .40 S&W
Action 4: Strike: 1d20+4: [20]+4 = 24 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [2, 3, 3, 2] = 10
Action 5: Strike: 1d20+4: [6]+4 = 10 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [5, 4, 5, 6] = 20

Parries (+4 included): 1d20+4: [5]+4 = 9 , 1d20+4: [11]+4 = 15 , 1d20+4: [9]+4 = 13 , 1d20+4: [13]+4 = 17 , 1d20+4: [14]+4 = 18
Dodges (+5 included): 1d20+5: [20]+5 = 25 , 1d20+5: [5]+5 = 10 , 1d20+5: [3]+5 = 8 , 1d20+5: [17]+5 = 22 , 1d20+5: [8]+5 = 13

Post by **The Governor** » Mon Apr 03, 2023 11:21 pm

Location: Gulf Coast Paintball (just off Hwy 90, 5.5 miles southeast of Slidell, Louisiana)
Date: April 1st
Time: 5:30 pm (sunrise: 6:50am / sunset: 7:15pm)
Weather: cloudy, 85º

Notes

Paintball Camp

Lynn reads the text from her mother and realizes that cell signal isn't the issue, it's the availability of open phone lines. Texts seem to be going through, but based on when her mother sent the message, it either took them a while to get to Liberal or the message itself took a while to transmit. And indeed, when Lynn types out a message back to her mom and hits the send button, it takes several minutes before the message seems to send.

Remy chats back and forth with Dylan as the other man opens the gate. Then watches as Brandon runs ahead to look the place over and Dylan offers a few more words on the types of people they have in the group. After a moment, Dylan is back in his truck and backing in to park on the right of the concrete pad just under where the works 'Gulf Coast Paintball' are spraypainted onto the building. Remy pulls up to the left of Dylan, and in front of the door, leaving about six feet between the vehicles. Macher pulls his SUV in through the gate and then he hops out closing the gate and looping the chain back around so it looks like its locked up upon casual inspection. Macher then pulls up and backs in to the left of Remy's van.

By now Brandon has run up to the metal building and made a loop around it. He finds one window and a locked door on the long front side and two small windows on the short side facing the road. The back of the building is solid metal siding and there is an old metal door leaning up against the building along with about a half dozen pallets. The short side of the building that's facing away from the road and toward the play areas has another small window as well as a 10 foot by 10 foot roll up garage door. Peering in the windows, Brandon and anyone else looking, sees what most would consider as a party room taking up the majority of the left side of the building. There are two rows of banquet tables (4 tables total) with a number of metal folding chairs around them but aside from the tables and chairs there's not much else in the room other than a smattering of pictures and posters pinned to the wall and a door going into the right side of the building. The window next to the garage door looks in on a room that stores the paintball guns and other supplies that are for rent and sale. This room also has a snack vending machine and a drinks vending machine. At the back of this storage room is a door that leads to the left side of the building and a plate glass window, though no one saw a window in the interior wall of the party room.

Brandon comes back around to the front of the building as the others are getting out of their vehicles and Lynn is walking up to the side of Dylan's truck. Dylan gives a shout out just in case anyone is around, but there isn't an answer in reply. Brandon informs the group that the building is locked up tight and Macher starts asking what their plan is now that they've reached this first objective.

Remy however, stays in his van and starts fiddling with his cell phone, finding that it has connected to the local wi-fi. Trying to pull up Google maps to see if they might be in any danger from the traffic on highway 90 that he can occasionally hear, he finds that the map is loading extremely slow but when it does come up he sees that there's a few hundred feet of low field before the wooded area that the paintball place was cut into starts.

Then Dylan informs the group that he's got a good amount of supplies and weapons as he starts to mark off where everyone is from or would like to try and get to.

As the group starts to explore the Paintball Camp, the sun is getting low in the west and is picking up the orange color of approaching sunset. The road is still clearly visible from where the vehicles are parked, though no other cars have passed since you turned off of highway 90.

What do you do?

Butcher's Bill

Remy · Post by **Remy** » Wed Apr 05, 2023 6:34 am

Perception: d%: [67] = 67 | 59%
JIC: 1d20: [18] = 18 | d%: [68] = 68
Conditions: +1 vs HF, +1 vs psi/insanity

Dylan Sowell wrote: ↑Mon Apr 03, 2023 8:14 amAssuming there's nobody at the business, Dylan just waits by his truck until everyone reassembles by the vehicles. "Hey folks, I got guns and ammo aplenty, and a fair amount of other supplies as well, so provided nothing calamitous happens, we should at least be safe sticking together. That said, we need a game plan. I wanna get back home to Michigan. No doubt my folks are prepped, and might even be cooking some of the stash of Sriracha bacon I got at my spot on Stony Island. Mine is a very long drive though, and no doubt some of you might want a little safety in numbers as you make your own way to wherever you're heading. So...let's compare our goals and destinations. Lynn, you think you could find Stony Island in the detroit River and mark that as my destination? While you're at it, mark your place in Kansas. I'm sure you wanna go be with your husband and family. What about the rest of you?"

Sounds like Dylan's got the place to properly bunker down. Michigan and Kansas are both quite a distance though. Thinking about how long it took us to just get outside the city... they must be... Long-term goals.

"Ain't got living family. Ain't sure I'm close enough to my "Among Us" online friends to risk my life for them. Reckon as long as I can keep my van intact, I've got my livelihood as a nomadic snoop. So I'll go where the caravan goes." Remy shrugs, ignoring the fact that his life might sound downright "pathetic" to others who are more invested in close-knit social ties.

Apart from the group pow-wow (at minimum, will strongly advocate for staying put at the paintball facility overnight), Remy has a lot of tasks in mind to try to accomplish prior to sunset.

He will quickly check and produce his metal grinder tool to those who are looking to break some padlocks. "Reckon its a good idea to inventory both the main building and the sheds," he will suggest as he hands the power tool to whomever is keen to do some B&E. "If you come across any boxes of screws, or any other construction tools or supplies, please bring them to me."

While others work on that important task, Remy busies himself inside his van. Probably need to take advantage of the fact that we still have power... Checking his two Ryobi power stations, the PI consolidates his fully charged batteries into one and his partially charged into the other (for charging once inside). He likewise checks his Dewalt batteries, loading up the charging platform to also bring inside for charging. Despite this preparation, he does not immediately head inside to start charging, instead giving those who are exploring the building adequate time to fully clear the space prior to risking his precious energy.

In the meantime, Remy busies himself outdoors. He will walk the grounds, assessing their surroundings and settle on trying to accomplish (generously asking for help by whomever is not otherwise occupied) the following (in order of priority):

Find some manner of ladder to remove the floodlight(s) (hopefully battery/solar, still good if normal plug) and strung Christmas lights (if this looks to be difficult, Xmas lights not a priority) <== Or if there is no ladder and Brandon can parkour the floodlight, jumping off one of the picnic tables or monkey-climbing the post... just as good.
- Figure out what is needed to make flood lights work. Just turn them on (solar/battery) or plug them in?
Consolidate/move outdoor trash bins (minus the trash) near the vehicles (if they are deemed necessary for moving more acquired 'stuff'). Or perhaps as water accumulation bins later.
- If possible, task someone else with the task of hosing down/washing out the inside... assuming there is an outdoor hose somewhere.
(if staying overnight) Disassemble picnic tables, repurposing the wood as window/door reinforcements. ((General Repair/Maintenance. d%: [63] = 63 | 58%)) Assuming Dylan permits, extra wood can be loaded into his truck bed.

When the indoor space is cleared (hopefully prior to sunset), Remy intends to:

Plug in his batteries for recharging
Turn on the A/C.
Make sure the garage door can open/close.
Re-hydrate, eat (likely from vending machines)
Suggest to others that folding table(s) and folding chairs not needed for the overnight be loaded up into Dylan's truck bed.

Macher · Post by **Macher** » Wed Apr 05, 2023 7:24 am

Perception: 18% / 1d100: [79] = 79
JIC: 1d20: [8] = 8 / 1d100: [46] = 46
Conditions: +5 v HF, +2 v Non-lethal Toxins, +4 v Lethal Toxins;
Detect Ambush: 90%/ 1d100: [3] = 3

Dylan wrote: "Hey folks, I got guns and ammo aplenty, and a fair amount of other supplies as well, so provided nothing calamitous happens, we should at least be safe sticking together.”

Macher takes a look in the truck and nods in approval. ”Impressive. I’m decently armed as well. Have some basic camping gear, and a case of MRE’s to tide us over for a while. Though, if they have concessions, not a bad idea to grab whatever we can. Especially coffee.”

The Governor wrote:
Brandon comes back around to the front of the building as the others are getting out of their vehicles and Lynn is walking up to the side of Dylan's truck.

As Brandon rejoins the group, Macher points at him with an authoritative blade-hand (rather than finger pointing) and uses his best “Drill Sergeant” voice. ”Do not EVER f#4k!%g run off alone. We stay in pairs at least.” Kid is going to get himself killed, then get me killed trying to save him.

Dylan wrote: “What about the rest of you?"

”I’ve got a house just outside Ft. Hood with more weapons and supplies, but no family. I’ll help get everyone wherever they are going, then figure it out from there.”

Macher looks specifically at Lynn, Brandon, and Remy. ”We don’t have time for it now, but I do think everyone needs some firearms and weapons training. I kind of specialize in batons, so if you find a lead pipe or large wrench you like….”

Macher will likely pair up with Brandon and choose either the shed or the main building to check out first. Priorities will be food and weapons.

In case of violence:
Initiative: 1d20+3: 1d20+3: [13]+3 = 16

Action 1: Reserved for Dodge
Action 2: Reserved for Dodge
Action 3: Strike: 1d20+4: [13]+4 = 17 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [6, 5, 3, 5] = 19
Action 4: Strike: 1d20+4: [10]+4 = 14 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [5, 1, 3, 1] = 10
Action 5: Strike: 1d20+4: [19]+4 = 23 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [3, 4, 6, 5] = 18

Parries (+4 included): 1d20+4: [11]+4 = 15 , 1d20+4: [19]+4 = 23 , 1d20+4: [10]+4 = 14 , 1d20+4: [7]+4 = 11 , 1d20+4: [16]+4 = 20
Dodges (+5 included): 1d20+5: [7]+5 = 12 , 1d20+5: [17]+5 = 22 , 1d20+5: [19]+5 = 24 , 1d20+5: [14]+5 = 19 , 1d20+5: [7]+5 = 12

Post by **The Governor** » Sun Apr 09, 2023 7:54 pm

Location: Gulf Coast Paintball (just off Hwy 90, 5.5 miles southeast of Slidell, Louisiana)
Date: April 1st
Time: 5:45 pm (sunrise: 6:50am / sunset: 7:15pm)
Weather: cloudy, 80º

Notes

Paintball Camp

In Brandon's run around the compound he doesn't see anyone else there but he does note that the small playing field that looks kind of like a football field has netting all the way around it and has 6 spot lights mounted to the poles supporting the netting. On the back side of the main metal building is a water spigot. The larger wooded playing field is not lit and only has the netting on the sides facing the metal building and the open area between it and the small playing field, where the shed is as well as four port-o-pottys.

After some relatively quick conversation, Dylan and Lynn keep an eye on the vehicles as Remy sorts through the tools in the back of his van.

Meanwhile Brandon and Macher head over to the one shed for a quick search. They find the roughly 10 foot by 10 foot wooden shed sitting on blocks with a little wooden ramp leading up to the double barn style doors. The shed looks to be in fairly good repair but given the local weather its showing a little rot here and there. Its locked with a flip over latch and a pad lock, but a quick hit with the butt of Macher's rifle pulls the screws out of one side of the partially rotted door. Inside they find a midsized riding lawn mower parked on the wooden floor in front of the door and a few gas powered string trimmers hanging on the left wall. The right wall has about 5 feet of wooden shelves. At first glance they see a number of plastic totes stacked on it as well as six 5 gallon gas cans. Stacked in the corner are a few rolls of the netting used to protect the onlookers from the paintball shoot outs. Upon further inspection of the shelves they find four 100 foot coils of heavy duty garden hose and a few sprinklers. Popping open the totes, they find an unorganized assortment of replacement parts for the lawn equipment in a couple of the totes. It looks like someone tried to keep them separated into one for the mower and one for the trimmers. Another tote has a few minor tools and an assortment of random fasteners (screws, nails and threaded hooks) likely used to hang the netting with. But most of the totes seem to be filled with lost and found items that the employees have stacked away just in case someone came back for them.

Remy hops out of his van and catches up with Macher and Brandon at the shed and spots a 10 foot extendable ladder hanging on hooks on the back side of the shed.

What do you do?

Butcher's Bill

Remy · Post by **Remy** » Fri Apr 14, 2023 5:28 am

Perception: d%: [45] = 45 | 59%
JIC: 1d20: [16] = 16 | d%: [42] = 42
Conditions: +1 vs HF, +1 vs psi/insanity

Once Remy catches up to Macher and Brandon, he pow-wows with them about the contents of the shed. "Macher, can I trouble you with dropping off the tote with tools and fasteners next to my van? And Brandon, help me with this 10 foot ladder? I saw some external floodlights near the picnic benches that I think can be repurposed for our own lighting needs after the sun sets. But will first need removal from their high perches."

I hope we can get fully settled in prior to sunset. Without street lights in this fairly rural area, it will be truly dark here.

The PI will try to help (but minimize the amount of physical lifting, climbing, exertion he personally does) take down the flood lights. Work out what he needs to do to get them working (secretly hoping they were clipped on and battery/solar powered, so nothing needs to be done regarding electrical modifications).

((General Repair/Maintenance. d%: [49] = 49 | 58%))

Remy · Post by **Remy** » Mon Apr 17, 2023 3:47 pm

((rolls carried over))

Brandon Rodgers wrote: ↑Fri Apr 14, 2023 6:57 am"So you you have a weird collection of items, especially in this group which has two very weapon rich members. They have the guns and you have the tools. Were you a handyman and where are you from?"

Handy at catching infidelity! the PI thinks to himself.

Remy smirks at Brandon's remark, "Reckon ah ain't much of a fighter, that's for certain. But these tools are my cover identity, electrician," Remy points at the "Nordstream Electrical" emblazoned on the side of his van. "Gave me an excuse to install discrete cameras in pursuit of my true talent, catching unfaithful politicians and people of power in the unsavory act! I'm a private investigator by profession. What about yourself? Professional athlete?"

Macher · Post by **Macher** » Thu Apr 20, 2023 8:00 am

Perception: 18% / 1d100: [82] = 82
JIC: 1d20: [9] = 9 / 1d100: [84] = 84
Conditions: +5 v HF, +2 v Non-lethal Toxins, +4 v Lethal Toxins;
Automobile: 63%/ 1d100: [22] = 22

wrote:"Macher, can I trouble you with dropping off the tote with tools and fasteners next to my van?

Macher looks to Brandon and Remy, ”Sure, I’ll check the other boxes and containers as well." Hopefully there are some for fuel and some for water as well. "If you need any help with the other things, I learned a few things about mechanics, not just weapons."

Basic Mechanics: 40%/ 1d100: [66] = 66

Macher shoots Brandon a pointed look. "I know you are good and want your skills to be of use, but take a lesson from Special Forces around the world. They are the best at what they do too. And they ALWAYS work in pairs….battle buddies. We are all good, the best, at what we do, and what makes us stronger is that we can plug the holes where others aren’t the best."

Yeah, he is good at what he does and we need him. Have to remember he is a “celebrity” and did solo athletics. He is not a team player….yet.

As Macher moves the tools, boxes, and other items he will keep his eyes open for signs of others, alive or dead.

Track Humans: 55%/ 1d100: [65] = 65
Detect Ambush: 90%/ 1d100: [29] = 29

Brandon wrote: When Brandon over hears this getting a tool from Remy's van, he says. "Maybe we can park them behind the building at an angle that cannot be seen from the entrance or the road?"

Macher looks around at everyone. ”Is that the plan? Are we staying for an extended period, or just a little rest before moving on to Liberty?"

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

Action 1: Reserved for Dodge
Action 2: Reserved for Dodge
Action 3: Strike: 1d20+4: [7]+4 = 11 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [6, 2, 1, 5] = 14
Action 4: Strike: 1d20+4: [14]+4 = 18 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [5, 5, 3, 5] = 18
Action 5: Strike: 1d20+4: [1]+4 = 5 , Damage (4D6): 4d6: [5, 5, 5, 4] = 19

Parries (+4 included): 1d20+4: [4]+4 = 8 , 1d20+4: [14]+4 = 18 , 1d20+4: [17]+4 = 21 , 1d20+4: [10]+4 = 14 , 1d20+4: [10]+4 = 14
Dodges (+5 included): 1d20+5: [9]+5 = 14 , 1d20+5: [19]+5 = 24 , 1d20+5: [15]+5 = 20 , 1d20+5: [8]+5 = 13 , 1d20+5: [12]+5 = 17

Macher · Post by **Macher** » Sat Apr 29, 2023 10:50 am

(Rolls carry over)

[quote-Dylan] If Fort Hood is important to you, I've got us charted to get there en route to Lynn's family spot. If making that stop will potentially save lives, then I'm down for making this happen, but if it ain't then let's not waste time. So what's the low-down? Important or no?..... "Same question for you, G.I. Joe. No mush response on this. What's at Fort Hood that's worth risking your life?" [/quote]

Macher is about to answer when Brandon interrupts and begins to smile as he waits for the two of them to of them to work it out. No official chain of command. Good they are getting their dick measuring out of the way now. Might even be some fists thrown before this is over.

As Dylan begins to shift his aggression to him, Macher moves his rifle to being slug further behind his back, not at the ready position. Hopefully this will prevent a miss understanding, or at least decrease the temptation to pop his a$$.

When they have finished, Macher angles a bit towards Brandon. "Sorry if I was being bossy. I’m used to being in charge of people trained like I was in how to handle hostile environments. There are some rules, like buddy teams, that just stand firm. We’ll get this all worked out.”

Macher then changes his angle towards Dylan, taking a balanced stance with his hands in the ‘interview position’, away from weapons, but ready to react. "As for you Elmer, I appreciate your gear and your knowledge, but you are just as green to combat situations as Brandon is. At least he has competed in what he says he is good at. You have knowledge and skill, but lack experience. YouTube videos and time at the range is not the same as being in the fight with someone who fights back.”

Taking a breath, Macher waits a beat for Dylan’s reaction. ”I will give you the same 'mushy' answer I gave before. I have a house just outside of Ft Hood with gear, but don’t need to go there. I will stay to protect the team. We can get weapons, ammunition, and such on the road.”

Macher · Post by **Macher** » Sat May 06, 2023 9:11 am

(Rolls carry over)

Macher watches as Dylan storms off, careful to not make any threatening movements. I’ve seen guys like this before. Daddy issues, trying to live up to what they think is tough. Joined the Army because daddy did or because they think just being military makes them tough. Then a war zone and they think it validates them. Unfortunately, they do stupid stuff like take ears as souvenirs, kill innocents when they get spooked, or pose naked at the Victory Arch in Baghdad.

Once he is certain Dylan has no physically hostile intentions, he finds Brandon.

"So, Dylan is pissed that we questioned his leadership and told me you and I are on our own. He is leaving come morning and we are not welcome. Even locked up his stuff like we would steal it."

God I hate PX commandos...

"Thoughts?”

Macher · Post by **Macher** » Sat May 06, 2023 10:54 am

(Rolls carry over)

Macher holds back a bit. Far enough away that, if the stuff hits the fan he can react, but close enough to be part of the conversation. Well, I will give him this, boy has gumption. Glad he picked to stay with me given how short I was with him on the drive when stuff happened.

When Brandon completes his 'mike drop' and walks away Macher motions with his left thumb at Brandons retreating back, "What he said."

He then angles off, certain not to turn his back on Dylan as he moves away. When able, Macher begins loading the fuel cans and other gear he can find in the shed in his SUV.

Remy · Post by **Remy** » Mon May 08, 2023 11:47 am

Perception: d%: [36] = 36 | 59%
JIC: 1d20: [15] = 15 | d%: [63] = 63
Conditions: +1 vs HF, +1 vs psi/insanity

Brandon Rodgers wrote: ↑Tue Apr 18, 2023 9:17 am
Brandon smiles and laughs a little, "Not in the traditional sense, but in that I make a living at it? Yes. I think if I was being honest I would say I am nothing more than a fitness influencer. I do Parkour, and some like to say I am the best there is but I just won a genetic lottery and monetized it. We were in talks to create a professional Parkour League, even led the charge to have it in the next Olympics, but that was before this . . ."

"Parkour?" Remy echoes as he searches his mind's archives of YouTube videos that serves as a reservoir of his knowledge base. A moment later, his expression shifts as if a light-bulb has gone off in his head, "Like the World Chase Tag Championships?" His mouth falls open in obvious astonishment.

When zombie-shit hits the fan, guess he's going to be the likeliest to squirm out.

It seems as though Remy's awe has more to do with the sheer physical athleticism that he knows he is likely never to be able to accomplish himself, than the purported wealth Brandon was on the brink of becoming a beneficiary off. In his line of work, wealth was a common attribute, and not necessarily one of particular virtue.

After Macher agrees to help, Remy will carefully sort through what the MP manages to pull out of the shed. And so the PI is not in a prime position to intercede when the other three men get into a bit of chest-thumping.

Macher wrote: ↑Sat Apr 29, 2023 10:50 am "YouTube videos and time at the range is not the same as being in the fight with someone who fights back.”

Remy tentatively raises his hand and injects an attempt at humor to break the chill, "Reckon ah'm in for a rude awakening then. All my zombie-fightin' know-how is gonna be from the movies! Rule 18: Limber Up!" The pudgy man grabs the nearest stick or rake and begins to perform light calisthenics similar to those showcased in Zombieland.

Ultimately, his antics are for naught as the contest for dominance continues.

Brandon Rodgers wrote: ↑Sat May 06, 2023 10:13 am“Hey Remy we got a bit of a problem, do you mind walking with me real quick we got something to take care of.” Assuming they both follow, he walks up to Dylan, respecting his personal space, who was close to Lynn before. “Hey Lynn, Remy just an FYI Dylan here has kicked me and Macher out of the group. Why? Because he tried to throw his authority around with the backing of the fact he is ‘a man with a gun.’ I don’t like bullies so I called him out on it. Then Macher made reference to a comment I made in anger, arguably unfairly, that seems to have been a point of contention. So here is the deal. You guys are welcome to join Macher, the trained soldier and myself. We will make sure you are taken care of and we will get you where you need to go and won’t kick you out at the first sign of disagreement or over taking petty offense by something you say. Because none of that shit is worth taking a survival edge from anyone. We believe respect should be earned and not taken at gun point. So you are welcome to join us and know your safety is far more important than our sensibilities. And Dylan, if you can put your bullshit aside and understand that you don’t have divine fucking fiat because you have guns, you are welcome too. If you think you can only be a petulant child and threaten to take your toys every time we don’t do what you want, then by all means go on your own way, but if anyone thinks they are going to survive by only getting teammates that will put up with their bullshit and do whatever they say then you are going to have a small group and your survival odds are decimated. I guess everyone has a decision to make. Dylan needs to decide if he can be a civilized and compromising team member. Lynn and Remy, need to decide who they want to go with if Dylan can’t be a team player. In the morning we depart. We either leave in three cars going separate ways or parting ways. What the orientation of the passengers and vehicle groups is up to you. No rush, we got all night to decide. I will not speak of it again. Your decision will be made in the morning. Until then, we have time to reflect, eat and sleep. For anyone that wants to hide their car behind the building seems fine. Can’t vouch if we get a shit ton of rain, but none of the places can be vouched for in that regard. Come on Remy let’s finish what you need to do.” Brandon then walks back to where Remy was working, to help him finish up.

Remy's gaze flits between the two seeming halves of the party.

Why is this happening? We finally get away from where all the danger is... and instead, we create our own conflict? What could... Then it dawns on him. Remy thinks about how he was finishing his delicious leisurely lunch when he was rudely pulled into the zombie apocalypse. And even for him, the edges of hunger pangs were beginning to gnaw at him. Someone who had skipped a meal, perhaps even two and are coming crashing down from running on pure adrenaline, might very well be in a grumpy mood!

"Low blood sugar!" Remy blurts out, seemingly incoherently. Pointing toward the interior of the building, he continues, explaining his logic, "Reckon if we all do some soul searching, maybe we're speaking out of belly-aching rather than genuine dislike. Let's go raid the snack and drink machines, satiate some hunger and dehydration... Secure the area, get some sleep and if'n we still feel miffed in the morning, we ken sort it out proper then!" Remy flashes an exaggerated smile with entirely too much teeth, clearly hoping that the group doesn't need to splinter so prematurely.