[IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Deadline

For all of your Play-By-Post games.
User avatar
Supernaturalist
Posts: 2275
Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2018 2:48 am

Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Jaguar Hunt

Post by Supernaturalist »

John Steiner
HP:3
Cnd: Mentally Impaired
PP:0

Shifting back and forth between the two experiences – the jungle and assault on the Jaguar base – John is disoriented for several seconds. Once he is confident that his current experiences are real, looks around to observe other disoriented persons in the area. What caused this? Some sort of mind-manipulation device?

With his hands under his loose-fitting, grungy garments, John continues to clutch his pistol. When he sees three individuals emerge to the entrance of the Jaguar base, he is not certain at first who they are. One of them is the size and shape of Iona, but then it’s clear that the form is machine-like. Is that Iona? Did she lose all her exterior?

One person (who John doesn't recognize) is in a chair and looks horrible…maybe not even alive from how wounded they appear. As for the third, well, it could be the Dark Ascendant. He assumes so many forms. Does he have any true form when it comes down to it?

John begins to cautiously approach the three persons, still not sure about their identities.
OOC: Sorry, but I don’t remember if we were assigned codenames before the mission began. If so, John will utter his to declare his identity, and then await their response.
User avatar
Sakuro
Posts: 5746
Joined: Tue Feb 12, 2019 7:43 am

Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Jaguar Hunt

Post by Sakuro »

Outside Iona and Diego seek the disorder in the streets. There are trash fires illuminating rubble strew roadways people meander about in a state of confusion trying to sort themselves out in the wake of some large scale chaotic event they were not present to witness. Only the aftermath is apparent. People are trying to put out rogue flames, tending to wounded, gathering up personal possessions that somehow managed to get into bizarre locations, or trying to comfort one another. Across the street a dirty child in patchy winter wear cries, tears streaking their dirty face.

In their midst Aiden follows Iona's directions. Or tries to. His first deep breath results in a coughing fit that produces first pink froth, then blood. He tries to drink, but can't swallow much, and some of it ends up coming back up during his coughing fits.

"We ... we can't ... streets aren't safe."

When Diego comes back with his pick-axe the arms dealer braced himself and holds his chain bindings taught. Or tries to . He's too weak to maintain it long. After repeated clanking blows, some of which produce sparks, Diego cleaves through the lengths of chain binding the man's limbs to the chair. He shifts in his seat. Rolls his shoulders, and stretches his limbs. Then Aiden tries to stand, and fails. Instead falling as John approaches.
Evelyn Gracen, in AEGIS Squad
Storyteller for In the Shadow of Imperator
Storyteller for Geneforge: the Created
mrdent12
Posts: 4207
Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2016 8:10 pm

Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Jaguar Hunt

Post by mrdent12 »

Diego Gonzalez
HP: 2
CND: Haunted, -1 toughness
Form: Solid


"How long will it take to make sure he doesn't die while we move him to safety?", inquires Diego. His voice was modulated to show concern and face structured just the right way to back it up. All Diego cared about was the mans weapons cache and any connections he could exploit. Even if the man didn't live long enough to make introductions, methods of communication would suffice. Diego had seen enough of the man to replace him if needed.

Whatever had managed to get them into the vat without them knowing and cause the dream or mindscape may have been behind the destruction on the ground. Ward 3 was never great, but something happened. Too much Diego didn't know to his liking. Deception and information was his domain and yet in this case he was helpless. "Get him back under cover and out of sight. Both of you out of sight. With destruction like this, Stronghold can't be far behind. I am going to see if I can find out what happen here and see if any way back hiding is safe.", says Diego. "You, keep them safe. If the toxins had cleared you might yet find some weapons better than your current one down the tunnel.", adds Diego looking at John.

Diego makes his way out of sight and ensuring no one can see him, he shifts into just another shocked resident. As he mimics the various behaviours he's seen, Diego makes a point to ask the standard question everyone asked after big events. "What happened..." and similar questions of the like to get some idea of what happen. Diego also keeps an eye out for some clothes that would work for Aidan and Iona, preferably something covering alot of body mass preferably so as not to give away Iona was an android and Aidan was on the brink of death. A robot and a tortured man in his undies would be rather conspicuous.
Not sure what rolls would be needed here. I can them to this ooc section if needed.
I'd also spend a HP if needed to have clothes and such gettable by Diego for Aidan and Iona.
spy craft 23
Last edited by mrdent12 on Sat Oct 16, 2021 6:50 am, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
Supernaturalist
Posts: 2275
Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2018 2:48 am

Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Jaguar Hunt

Post by Supernaturalist »

Iona
HP: 0
VP: 1
Cnd: -4 to Damage Checks; Fatigued
PP:0
EP:3
"How long will it take to make sure he doesn't die while we move him to safety?"
Iona speaks to Diego as she begins to rummage through her old sack for the medical supplies she brought. "I have a few effective, if generic, medications in this sack. I'll administer a steroid to reduce the inflammation in his lungs as well as an antibiotic to assist his already taxed immune system. We should move back just inside the opening so we are out of sight, but no further. We don't want to risk any more exposure to the gas. As to the question of how soon he can travel? Well, I want to make sure that he is going to survive first. I'm optimistic given the medication on hand, but I want to be certain. The steroid will reduce the inflammation and improve his breathing, while regular water intake will help his organs move and filter toxins in his blood. I'd like to monitor him for a couple of hours to insure it's safe to move him. Besides It could be several hours or more before he even feels like moving. Perhaps not even then. Even if he can move, it will likely be very slow...made worse by the rubble-strewn streets."

As Iona begins to work on Aiden, she sees John approaching out of her peripheral vision. "Warrant Officer, I'm glad to see you alive." she says all the while continuing to focus acutely on her patient. "What has happened up here on the surface of the Ward since we've been gone?"

After letting John speak about what he has seen while separated from his teammates, Iona looks to John and then Diego just before the Ascendant departs. "Our patient may not be able to walk anytime soon, but Our Warrant Officer is quite strong. Perhaps he could carry him some or all of the way."
OOC: Ok, I removed Iona's last HP. Is it safe to move back just inside the opening of the base entrance?
mrdent12
Posts: 4207
Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2016 8:10 pm

Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Jaguar Hunt

Post by mrdent12 »

Diego Gonzalez
HP: 2
CND: Haunted, -1 toughness
Form: Solid


Diego nods at Ionas suggestion of getting into the opening. "Get him and you out of sight as deep as you can into the tunnel and entry way. The less attention on us the better. After whatever happened here, Stronghold isn't likely far behind. If he can't be moved tonight, our next window is tomorrow night. There is bound to be increased scrutiny of this area during the day at the very least. It is attention we can ill afford right now. I will also keep an eye out for any transport that might be able to be procured. Now, if there is nothing else, you know your job.", replies Diego. The human failings of Aidan and coddling of Iona irritated Diego. True, the man traveling was a risk, but the longer they were out of their base, the greater the risks became.
Would spending a HP to find transport of some kind that looks simple without a tracker be feasible? Maybe someone who died in whatever happened while they were riding and it works just well enough to get them close to the base entrance?
User avatar
Supernaturalist
Posts: 2275
Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2018 2:48 am

Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Jaguar Hunt

Post by Supernaturalist »

Iona
HP: 0
VP: 1
Cnd: -4 to Damage Checks; Fatigued
PP:0
EP:3

With John's help, Iona moves Aiden back into the entrance, just far enough to keep him out of sight but not so far as to expose him to more toxic gas. She then proceeds to administer the series of drugs needed to reduce the injured man's inflamed lungs and weakened immune system. John is not left to stand idly by. The battered cyborg gives him basic tasks, such as removing certain articles of clothing from Aiden that are impeding treatment or soaked with blood and grime. John is also asked to fold pieces of clothing in order to create a makeshift a neck-rest or back-support to make Aiden more comfortable.

But Iona knows that her group cannot stay here long. After giving Aiden his last injection, Iona looks up to Diego.

"There is another possibility we might try...that is if we must leave this place tonight. I would have to reconfigure my electric field -manipulator in order to fly and levitate the metal chair, but it could be done. Under cover of darkness, I could levitate the metal chair and myself much as I did during our last mission when we fled from the research tower. You could scout ahead and make sure the path is dark and devoid of people. This could get us back to base quickly. Of course, John cannot simply walk out of here in the darkness. He would slow us down. He could, however, sit in the chair with Aiden on his lap. John is strong and could hold Aiden to make sure he does not fall off. I shall levitate them both on the chair. It may seem awkward at first, but it offers us a faster way than walking as well as the luxury of moving at night without having to walk through the rubble."

She pauses to give the others time to consider her idea.
OOC: This would move Iona from Fatigued to Exhausted on her condition as she would need to power stunt her Electricity-Array power to levitate the chair since her Magnetic-Array power would be used to fly.
mrdent12
Posts: 4207
Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2016 8:10 pm

Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Jaguar Hunt

Post by mrdent12 »

Diego Gonzalez
HP: 2
CND: Haunted, -1 toughness
Form: Solid


"Someone injured would not seem too out of place here. Use of your powers would only make things worse than they are with your skin all but gone and Aiden looking near death. No, we will move him as able tonight and stop as needed. This ward is damaged enough where we should be able to find shelter as needed during the day.", remarks Diego. His people in the ward would know some of the best paths through it plus his own knowledge would help. "Get him able enough to move for a little and I will arrange as possible moving about outside.", says Diego. His voice, still modulated to sound human also gave a tone of not giving an option. It got especially stern when mentioning to Ionas powers.
User avatar
Sakuro
Posts: 5746
Joined: Tue Feb 12, 2019 7:43 am

Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Jaguar Hunt

Post by Sakuro »

Iona is ale to pump Aiden full of drugs. Injections being quicker to apply and take effect than getting Aiden to swallow anything. His trying to sip from the jug is difficult, not just drinking but holding the container of water as well. The man is in a lot of pain and weak from the ordeal he has endured. Iona is able to improvise a drip with a needle, some tubing, and a ziplock bag in her personal effects. After filling the ziplock bag with the water you have found John receives the duty of holding it so that gravity can do the work of pushing the water into Aiden's vein at a steady and regular pace.

With the negotiations on how they are to handle escorting Aiden to your headquarters out of the way, Diego sets out into the darkness and echoes of chaos left in the wake of the event that drove everyone mad. While pulling some stinking, torn, and in some cases bloody clothes from a couple corpses that he finds ... Diego also notices a familiar face. One of the the Forgotten. While most people are stand offish, or put up some false bravado of trying to initiate Diego into keeping their distance, this elderly man with long graying and dirty hair is actively watching and taking everything in. Unintrusive, but watching.

Diego gives a sign that he is one of the Forgotten and the agent relaxes. From the agent he learns that after the sounds of gunshots stopped, about five minutes later, the world went weird. He started seeing people that he knew to be dead. The elderly man initially just talked with these people from his past ... then they got angry for no reason and attacked him. From what he has learned, others have differing surreal experiences. Some collapsed afterwards for no visible reason. Others attacked, or were attacked by people around them while hallucinating. Diego also learns that the elderly Forgotten agent had heard that another person was talking about a Stronghold squad was on the way to look into the disturbance.
Evelyn Gracen, in AEGIS Squad
Storyteller for In the Shadow of Imperator
Storyteller for Geneforge: the Created
mrdent12
Posts: 4207
Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2016 8:10 pm

Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Jaguar Hunt

Post by mrdent12 »

Diego Gonzalez
HP: 2
CND: Haunted, -1 toughness
Form: Solid


Diego made his way back to the area Aidan was being patched up making sure to shift back into the form Aidan recognized him as with the exception of torn clothing similar to the ones he found. Upon entering Diego looks at the soldier and android playing battle field medic. "I found some clothes that should help us fit in.", says Diego offering up the smelly and bloody clothes. Ordinarily, he'd not even offer them, but coming across as not hampered by the mass hallucination might come across as suspicious. Besides, who wants to interrogate someone who smells bad?

"Based on what I found out, we don't have much time. Stronghold is on their way. Apparently, everyone experienced mass hallucinations of some sort with some seeing their deceased mates while others and others more crazy experiences. Not all of the people had peaceful encounters. Whatever happened here got on Strongholds radar. So, we need to be careful heading back to safety. The clothes should help us fit in and whatever happened to everyone will explain the injuries to a degree.", states Diego.

He looks over to Iona and then addresses the lot again. "Let me do the talking and make sure to cover up completely. If they look too closely we might be in trouble.", adds Diego. Before finishing, he looks at Iona. "Can whatever means of carrying Aidan you have escape passing checks by Stronghold? A full blown battle here will only make their attentions on this area worse.", inquires Diego.
User avatar
Supernaturalist
Posts: 2275
Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2018 2:48 am

Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Jaguar Hunt

Post by Supernaturalist »

Iona
HP: 0
VP: 1
Cnd: -4 to Damage Checks; Fatigued
PP:0
EP:3

Iona dons the soiled clothing that Diego presents her. She makes sure that every part of her body is covered includeing her face and head. While she is dressing, she continues to speak with the Dark Ascendant.

"If we chose to walk, then I shall only have to levitate Aiden in his chair. I shall still have to make adjustments to my magnetic-field manipulator to make it less noticable. To comlete the obfuscation, I shall only levitate him an inch or so off the ground. If we stumble accross any undesirables, then I shall quickly set him back down while keeping the power "active". I dearly hope that we do not encounter Stronghold or at least not without ample warning. My own status is greatly compromised. I'm in poor condition for combat at present."

Looking to Aiden, she then speaks softly to him. "I shall be leviating you again. You shall only be a few inches off the ground, just enough to clear debris. Please don't panic. We shall endeavor to get you to a place where the medical treatment is much improved. If you remain calm and let us do the talking, you have a good chance."

With that said, Iona makes double checks to insure that her form is fully hidden before imploring Diego to lead them back to base.
User avatar
Supernaturalist
Posts: 2275
Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2018 2:48 am

Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Jaguar Hunt

Post by Supernaturalist »

John Steiner
HP:3
Cnd: Mentally Impaired
PP:0

John accepts his instructions eagerly. I'm ready to get the hell out of here. And I sure as hell don't wanna tangle with Stronghold in our current state.

"I'm not going to be able to see very well, so I'm gonna leave this area the same way we came in...I'll have my hand on Miss Iona's shoulder to guide me. Don't go too fast or I'll be tripping every other minute."

John keeps his surpressed pistol concealed back in his pocket and gladly accepts a few extra items of clothing in order to keep his own face hidden from view. Since his team was public enemy #1, all efforts must be made to stay incognito.
mrdent12
Posts: 4207
Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2016 8:10 pm

Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Jaguar Hunt

Post by mrdent12 »

Diego Gonzalez
HP: 2
CND: Haunted, -1 toughness
Form: Solid


Both Iona and John were giving their standard flavour of replies. Based on the information of a patrol coming or being here soon, they didn't have time to argue. So, Diego made the call. His voice once human switched to a resolute firm tone with distinct terrifying nonhuman qualities to it. First, he looked to Iona. "Unless you have a way that doesn't involve us flying we will be walking. Vehicles are not possible here. If we do encounter Stronghold and they see you floating a chair, this area will be crawling with Stronghold compromising everything we have built here. Even if they slightly suspect who you truly are they will swarm here. Combat will be the least of your worries.", says Diego.

Next, his gaze shifts to John. "You are free to leave this area anyway you like. Your master is who you need to report and be held to account. The rest of us will be taking a route less likely to be where Stronghold is sending investigators. Going back through the basketball courts is not an option. So, if your hand will be on anyones shoulders, it won't be on any of ours here heading back the way we came.", remarks Diego. His voice modulated back to matter of fact.

Looking again to Iona, Diego speaks as if dismissing John. "If you are confident that Stronghold will not suspect who you are or notice the use of your powers, floating the chair will suffice. A floating chair used for torture may arouse some suspicion, however.", says Diego. His cadence suggested Iona take his words as more than a topic for democratic discussions. To reinforce the cadence, Diego made it clear. "We are going the moment everyone is properly dressed. This is not a debate or planning room session. Our mission was to save Aiden and we will not fail it now with stupidity or drawn out discussion.", adds Diego.

Part of him wondered if saving Aiden mattered. Sure, it might give them a line on some weapons and maybe where the cache went off to. That heart. That black heart would solve other issues and bigger issues. His mind was torn, but Diego did his best to keep focus.
User avatar
Supernaturalist
Posts: 2275
Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2018 2:48 am

Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Jaguar Hunt

Post by Supernaturalist »

Iona
HP: 0
VP: 1
Cnd: -4 to Damage Checks; Fatigued
PP:0
EP:3

As Iona dresses to cover herself as much as possible. There is to be no part of her body showing. As she finishes up to her satisfaction, she nods to Diego. "I can levitate the chair with via a variant of my magnetic-field manipulator. It will have a greatly diminished light and noise signature, but if someone were up closer to us, they could notice it as unnatural. If I keep our patient just an inch oo so above the ground, I can set him down quickly should you spot someone approaching us or awaiting in an area ahead of us. With us moving in the dark, the key will be to spot them first. As dark and inhospitable as much of this area is, I hope that this may be achieved."

Glancing over to John, she speaks reassuringly. "You may follow behind me with your hands on my shoulders. I shall do my best to walk a path that is the least cluttered with debris, but it is doubtful that I can avoid all rough patches. The only advice I can give is 'don't drag your feet'. Take comfort in the notion that virtually everyone else around here will be as blind as you."
OOC: Ok, Iona wants to make sure that Diego agrees with her plan to levitate the chair with a "camouflaged" power before actually doing it as it will leave her in an Exhausted condition. Here is the AE that I'll use: Move Objects 12 [Extras: Precise (+1 pp), Subtle 1 (+1pp) ; Flaws: Limited to "Magnetic Materials" (-1/r)] * 14 PP. Could we agree to it OOC so we don't have to have posts just dealing with that issue? If he says yes, then I'll edit my post to show the Fatigued Condition.

Here are rolls just in case you need them:
Stealth: Stealth Roll at Night: 1d20 4
Perception: Perception Roll at Night: 1d20+10 12
Athletic: Athletics Roll at Night: 1d20 9
User avatar
Supernaturalist
Posts: 2275
Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2018 2:48 am

Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Jaguar Hunt

Post by Supernaturalist »

John Steiner
HP:3
Cnd: Mentally Impaired
PP:0

Still unnerved by the haunting visions he just had, John is a little slow to respond to the Dark Ascendant's comments. As he puts on extra clothing to obscure his own appearance, he speaks.

"Yes...I...shall do my best to keep up and not burden you as we leave. Although I might be able to make it out of the area on my own, my chances of survival are much greater if I take this out-of-the-way path that you intend."

John knew it might be difficult to progress through very broken terrain in the dark, but it was either that or a likely death. He's just have to gut it out. He knew that the Dark Ascendant cared little if he made it back. Iona probably didn't care much either, but she seemed to care at least some. He would cling to her as if his life depended on it, because it probably did.
OOC: Here are rolls for John in case any are needed.

Stealth: Stealth Roll for John at Night: 1d20+10 23
Perception: Perception Roll for John at Night: 1d20+8 16
Athletic: Athletic Roll for John at Night: 1d20+8 23

The sad thing is that all his rolls are much better than Iona's...and she's supposed to be the "super" one. :lol:
mrdent12
Posts: 4207
Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2016 8:10 pm

Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Jaguar Hunt

Post by mrdent12 »

Diego Gonzalez
HP: 2->1
CND: Haunted, -1 toughness
Form: Mist


Iona was intent on using her powers. They were the most expeditious way to get back to base, there was no doubt of that. With Stronghold approaching, the use of powers also had their risks. Diego had explained to Iona the cost of her failure this time. Like one of Diegos previous comrades before, the possible loss of a base plus the resources that go with it. At some point Iona would need to learn. For everyones sake, he hoped she had learned enough already.

"Don't get caught.", is al Diego says in response to Iona. His tone is attenuated with a warning plus cadence making it sound like an order. Once everyone was ready, Diego lead the way. He did his best to apply everything he had learned of the area previously to take a route back via darker passages with possible stopping points for additional medical care. This wasn't a more maintained ward, so luckily there was more darkness.

As he lead, Diego kept his ears open for patrols and "eyes" for signs of people. If at any moment he thought he heard something serious enough to stop, he made sure to let Iona know so she could be ready or go quiet.

Perception 13, nope
Perception23
Stealth 17
Expertise Hadron City 12 for recalling routes from prep work/talking to people
Expetise Military 21 to factor in his knowledge of military movement tactics in environments like Ward 3 to avoid patrols in combination with his prep work
Athletics 17

The dice gods want this trip back to be a failure.
Post Reply