The Cracking Ice - Chapter 1

Ana was sat cross-legged on the floor as she stared at a cloud up in the sky. She wasn't really paying much attention to her surroundings, unlike most of the time. She let her thoughts wander as she waited, unaware to the presence of anyone else around her. She'd arrived first, not really wanting to spend much time in the coffin that was her room. She started idly tapping her knee, smiling a little.

Kyron crests the hill. He glances over seeing Ana he smiles a bit. "Hello Ana." he sits near her but not too close to crowd the young woman. An idea does come to him that he should buy her a drum.

Chay arrived in dramatic fashion, popping a wheelie and, plonking it down right next to the group, inches away from Kyron who was surly used to his antics by now. His three wheeled ATV was so shiny it hurt to look at it. Chay jumped out and gave Kyron a pat on the shoulder.

Nice view! he proclaimed.

Kyron didnt want to show it but his fingers dug into the ground below him when Chay pulled up.

"Chay." Kyron said trying to sound calm. Though Chay knew him well enough to know he had startled him and the Elve was just trying to play it cool.

"Todays mission may involve the Men in Black Chay. The Dead Boys. Word has it were going to have a genuine Cyberknight to lead this mission. It may have something to do with the war. Ana, do you have armor ?"

Never far from Ana when he could, Tipolei had already arrived before her to secure the are. Not wanting to let her know, he stayed hidden. But with Chay's dramatic arrival, Tipolei silently joins the group and sits down beside Ana. Once Ana realizes Tipolei is beside her, is tail will start wagging...

Ana panics a little when Chay arrives, the loud noise startling her. She then shakes her head at Kyron, not having any armour and only having a pistol and a survival pack. Upon seeing Tipolei, she quickly brightens up, leaning against him.

"Our first order of business then is to get you some armor so you can better be protected." seeing Tipolei, Kyron smiled "Hey Tipolei, you might be especially useful for this mission. We may be facing Coalition forces."

Upon hearing Coalition, Ana tenses up.

Delighted to hear of a mission, Chay is full of questions.

Who are these Dead Boys... hmm? No match for us I'd wager but the more we know the better. And Anna will need some beefing up. Armor, better fire power, the works. A Cyberknight huh? Who is it and from where? What qualifies him to lead us?

Chay pauses for a moment... looking at Kyron.

I couldn't help but notice you digging your fingers into the ground when I showed up. What's wrong old pal? You know I don't miss a trick

"Huh you know the Dead Boys, the Coalitions soldiers. I don't know the Cyberknight personally but the Legion selected them. So I trust their decision making. Might be one of the ones who escorted refugees from Tolkeen."

Looking down at his hands, "Well, you I trust but all I heard was an engine and Im never sure if a Crazy might be behind the wheel." He smirks good naturedly to his friend.

"I agree with you about Ana, heck all of us for this mission should be prepared for danger. I am pretty sure our team leader will have more details but I was informed this mission may have to do with repercussions of the war which means Tolkeen and Coalition involvement. I hate dealing with an enemy you can't reason with but it is what it is."

Oh those dead boys. Lemme at 'em. Heh. Welp, I am looking forward to getting the full briefing then.

Anna nodded a little, still tense. She tapped Kyron on the shoulder and then showed him a message on her device [How much does that cost? I don't have much money. Also, I'm bad at shooting...]

"Don't worry Ana, I take care of soldiers before they hurt you."

Ana leant against him again, nodding [Thank you.]

"Armor can be expensive Ana, but your with us. We will take care of you and as Tipolei said we will take the heat. As soon as we get armor we will make sure it goes to you. Just avoid getting close to the enemy and Chay's vehicle is pretty armored so if things get crazy you go in there ok. Maybe this cyberknight has enough seniority to ask for a suit of armor for you. If we are out and about and things happen I can throw a protective spell over you if your close."

"Guys we are ok with the first salvaged armor going to Ana right ?"

[Don't worry about them getting close, I can] Ana starts typing where Kyron and Tipolei can see before deleting it all [Nevermind, thanks for the help.]

"You bet, we should all look out for each other." Kyron gave a warm smile then looked around to see if the Cyberknight was arriving yet.

Whispering to Ana, "Ana no tell you have magic? Me can smell it, nice smell, like barbecu... Tipolei like barbecu and Tipolei like Ana !"

Ana turned to Tipolei and discretely put her fingers to her lips. [People don't like people like me. They kill them.]

Whispering again, " Ana no worry, secret safe with Tipolei. People scared of Tipolei also..."

Ben steps out from the shade and presents himself to the group. "Greetings!" he says friendly, but sharply. "I've overheard enough of your conversation to know for sure that we'll be travelling together. My name is Ben Volent, and I have been appointed to lead this group. However, I sense reservations that I'd like to clear up sooner, rather than later when our lives might be stake. I have survived the assault on Tolkeen, and have been protecting habitats like the one we're currently in for some time. This means ranging away from Castle Refuge from time to time. I didn't ask for this post, but as my duty to this, our, home against the hordes that thrive in the wastes beyond the horizons, I will do what is requested of me. Are any of you soldiers, or will this be your first mission?"

Startled by Ben's sudden appearance, Chay's hand reflexively moved towards his pistol, then dropped to his side on hearing his greeting. He took quick measure of the man and approved.

Hey. Welcome to our rag tag bunch. Nope, I am not a soldier in the traditional sense of the word, unless you call running black market goods to keep my people alive, soldiering.

Kyron stands and offers his hand to Ana and Tipolei to help them up.

"I am more a scholar of and practitioner of magic then a soldier, but my magics can be useful in a conflict I believe. I have been with Chay for a while and there has been some combat we have faced. Good to meet you Sir Volent."

A large shadow rapidly moves past the group before it circles back. A sudden explosion of ground rubbles as a cloud of debris is kicked up followed by a young boy walking out.

"Well I figure I got four hours before I need to take a nap so the great Kai will help you out." he states folding his arms across his. He suddenly laughs a fanged tooth jutting out and he smiles proudly. The other striking thing about the boy is there not being a stitch of clothing on him.

Tipolei accepts Kyron 's offer, more thankful for the gesture than anything else.
He then answers to the cyberknight, "Me soldier no more, me help friends now."

After the young boy's arrival, he goes towards him. He turns around him a few times, sniffing the air...

"You not smell like human, you smell mix. Mix magic and lizard... Me Tipolay, me happy to meet you."
Tipolei extends his hand to him, totally ignoring the fact that this person his nude.

Kyron stumbles back a bit as they are showered with debris. He casts a protection spell over himself and Ana.

A swirl of ectoplasm dream material and light forming armor over the two.

When things clear and the naked boy walks out Kyron looks at him Kyrons eyes glow slightly detecting the arcane on such a entrance by the young man.

Taking off his robes he heads over, "Uhm Kai, you might want to put this on. Your naked."

Kai grabs the extended hand, "Don't worry if anyone messes with you tell them you work for me and I'll sort them out."

"Me no work for you, that be lie. But maybe you be Tipolei's friend in future ?"

"Well, soldiers or not, if your willing to give your lives for our newfound haven, then you have my respect. If not, I understand, and we can commiserate, but I'll have to ask you to stay behind to help out the garrison's here," Ben said. Shaking Tipolei's hand he nods in curtly in approval, and greets them all individually. "Before we head out, does everyone have everything thing that they need? This may be the last chance to stock up for awhile. If not armor, perhaps something to keep the cold out?" Kai asks the last question while looking at his naked colleague. "Otherwise, we should convene back here bright and early. Its not necessarily far to our destination, but we still need on our way early. Feel free to ask me questions as needed, but I'd rather you make whatever preparations you need to for the journey, and for the possibility of losing your life."

"Chay, sounds like we should stock up on clean water, food and travel goods. Ana, I am not sure but we can look around in town, perhaps we might be able to put together something by way of armor for you. Kai, uhm do you want that robe, or maybe we can pick you up some clothing ?"

Yeah Kai, fighting in the buff could prove to be a little risky and...well... we don't want any...you know.... friction injuries from my hot-doggin' maneuvers in the ATV.

Chay has to admit to himself that he's seen a lot of strange things in life already but never a naked fighting soldier.

Oh and by the way...she has a name. Chay points to his ATV. Echo. Because if I am doing my job right, that's all an adversary ever knows of us...an echo in our wake. He punctuates that statement with a nod of his head.

Kai nods to Tipolei.

"I don't get cold easily and I probably won't need a ride in truth most of the time. Why do I got to wear clothes though? Gramps always seemed to complain about it too. He liked looking at naked ladies so it can't be all that bad right?" Kai states raising an eyebrow. Looking around he kicks the ground in a few places before stretching, his face elongates and his small frame bulges unnaturally in rapid succession. A large mass of dragon in the form of 18 feet moves curling up. "I guess I'll just wait here I don't really need anything." he states wiggling a bit and closing his eyes.

"Ha!Ha! Tipolei now know why Kai smell lizard, Kai be dragon. Me fight dragon at Tolkeen, very hard to kill, almost all me brothers die. Now me friend with dragon !!" Asking Kai, "Can me stay with you today, maybe train together? Nobody want to train with Tipolei at castle. They scared Tipolei hurt them..."

Kyron watches the transformation in awe and fascination.

Kyron looks to Tipolei also with a bit of awe after finding the dogboy fought dragons.

He puts his robes back on since Kai didn't want them. "It's a social convention and there is just a bit more to pretending to be humanoid then just wearing the shape. Clothes are part of it. Being nude makes you stand out and gets attention sometimes unwanted attention. Still you look damn impressive in this form and it has no clothes but then dragons are different from people."

Quietly though those with good ears like Tripolie might hear, "Damn talking to a dragon, can check that off my list."

Kyron looks to Ana trying to judge her strength and what kind of armor she might be able to handle without weighing her down too much. He knows super tech armor is out since that stuff is way to expensive but there are still other things.

"Mmm ok." Kai states to Tipolei, "Well I'll make myself dressed next time I guess if I need to." he adds to the other man before flicking his tail lazily.

"Alright, sounds good and pleasure to meet you Kai."
Well that turned out ok.

He looks to Chay and the others, "Tipolei, need us to pick up anything for you while we are in town ?"

Ana's eyes widen at the look of Ben, intimidated a little and then a lot more as the sound and looks of Kai's appearance. Then, she's completely flustered by the naked boy, hiding her face in Tipolei's fur.

Ben waits a bit until he gets the impression the others are off to manage their affairs for the time being. "I'll see you all back here at about 6-AM. Please be ready," he says to the group. With that he turns and heads off to ensure he has all the things ready he needs, maps, recon info, and that his weapons and armor are in the proper condition. Before leaving, he asks Chay, "Do you think you could manage a vehiclelarge enough for all of us?"

"Sir Volent, what type of mission will this be ? What type of gear do you think we will most need ?"

Sure, she's right there, Chay says in answer to Ben. Echo should hold all of us except the dragon who won't need a ride anyway. I've had some work done to her so when we are cruising the countryside, I can roll the top down.

Chay walks over to Echo to demonstrate. He touches the roof with his palm, initiating the retraction mechanism and at the same time the big gun starts to disappear behind the back of the ATV.

Yep, the gun drops down into that special storage box there. He walks around the back smiling and points to the heavy vehicle missile launcher neatly folding into its armored box.

"Chay has one heckuva vehicle." even though Kyron is usually just a passenger he can't help but smile when Chay starts showing off Echo.

Just for fun Kyron mumbles a spell and has anime shiny sparkles gleam off of certain spots of the Echo. Making it look even more impressive.

"Excellent," says Ben. "Just let us know if there are limits on how much Echo can carry, such as a fully grown dragon."

"I'm only 36 I'm not fully grown yet." Kai corrects from his curled up position waiting for everyone to get ready.

"Kai is 36 years old ?"

"Weeks."

"Wow, your pretty big for being so young." The thought hadn't hit him that the dragon could be so young.
Kyron rubs the back of his head, "I am pretty sure your our youngest member, but from the looks of things one of our most powerful members. Were glad and lucky to have a dragon in our group."

Kyron looks out the window trying to get a feel for the towns tech level. If it is primarily or all human. If he sees any signs of magic as well as how the people seem armed. He reports all of his observations to Ben.

He will open the window to the cargo, "Kai, were in town dont know if you want to change."

Looking to Tipolei,Ana and Chay,"Lets stretch our legs. Chay uhm could I borrow one of your baseball caps. Looks mostly human out there."

En route, Ben reads off the mission he'd been given.

"travel to an outlying burgh named Cartouche. The leader, an old man named Justice Hammer, once a respected hero in his own right, has reported a demon incursion in the area. His posse was beat down from their first encounter and they're licking their wounds."

This is all I have to go on. I can't imagine it will be anything but dangerous, but we'll see.


--- (At Cartouche, presumably)

Ben steps forward and says, "Please, stand down. We've been sent here to help you. We see seek Justice Hammer, are they available to speak with us?"

Arriving in style (of course), fishtailing a plume of road dust...Chay emerges from Echo as if coming from a mist.

Sure Kyron. I have a baseball cap for every occasion. Help yourself, he says as he opens a small vehicle locker filled to the brim with caps of every color.

Tipolei stops Ana before she gets out, "Maybe somebody tell them Tipolei is dog boy? So they not be too scared when me get out..."

The people lower their weapons and eye you with slightly less suspicion.

A red haired woman with one-eye, a recent wound it looks, spits in the dirt. "Justice Hammer, is it? 'Bout time that old codger got a visitor that can carry more than a bucket of piss." She holsters her two revolvers, and waves a direction at you. "He's just inside here," and proceeds to lead you into the saloon she waved at.

Ana tapped on Chay's shoulder, pointing to Tipolei. She could tell the townspeople herself so was trying to get him to do it.

Kyron went through the hats and picked out a nice camo one and he hid his ears with his hair then both with the cap, finally raising the hood over both and pulling the bill of the cap low.

"Thanks Chay." Kyron helped Ana down from the tall vehicle.

Looking around he took in the townies, "Howdie." He moved around with a spare robe just in case to pass it into the cargo compartment for Kai.

Then he joined Ben.

From Ben's earlier report that demons might be a problem he kept alert with his detect arcana to see if he sensed any supernatural creatures as he followed along into the saloon.

Hoping his new companions had time to warn the townsfolk, Tipole jumps down from the vehicule... "Hi, me name Tipolei."

Ana bowed her head at Kyron for helping her down, making sure to stay near Tipolei

Kyron smiled a bit back but then had to balance when Tipolei landed and the ground shook a bit.

Many of the people step back with a gasp as Tipolei emerges, but they don't get any more aggressive.

"No, don't do that," says Ben frowning. "They might think we're from Chi-Town, and have come to build a "friendly" outpost here. Don't even imply the Coalition, they aren't exactly bringers of serenity." Be surveys the crowd more fully, and puts his hands in the air. "I'm coming down, and will speak to you all, unarmed. Is there someone here I can speak to? My name is Ben Volent, and I've been sent here from Castle Refuge."

Kyron whispers to Sir Volent,"They were directing us to the saloon."

Volent can summon his armor as a free action. You don't need to make that faster.

Yes, the salon door is large enough for you, probably even Kai.

"Indeed." Ben says flatly. "I guess I missed that with out well-armed greeting." Ben makes his way into the saloon. "Thank you," he says to the crowd.

Kyron moves to the saloon and holds the door for Ana but ends up holding it for any in the group then heads in himself.

Looking around and taking in the nature of the saloon and its patrons as well as staff.

Ana smiles at Kyron, miming a thank you. She didn't know what else to do as she followed everyone else.

Tipolei follows Ana, trying not to break anything once inside...

Takes out a little pad and writes Cartouche on it then draws a line North of it with the miles he sensed to the Ley Line. Drawing a zig zag line West to East to represent the unusual Ley Line he sensed. Writing intermittent under the zig zag Ley Line for Castle Refuge records.

Entering the saloon through swinging double doors, you see that it's made from rough cut wood logs, notched on the end and assembled with golden brown plasticrete in the gaps to protect against the elements. It looks rustic, old-timey, save for the inhabitants.

An old man in cracked and dented power armor stands front and center against the bar. His gigantic maul gives you the immediate indication that he must be the mayor, Justice Hammer. This is also backed up by the way the five others are half turned toward him. They are all mercenary types, wearing scrap armor and weapons. They're all suffering from obvious injuries of some sort, including a bloody rag tied off on the knee-stump of one woman's left leg. Despite their rough appearance, you get that they're experienced veterans, hard chargers and kickers of butt. At least, until their last encounter.

Justice Hammer steps forward, his left hand choked up on his maul, his right hand proffered forward.

"Welcome to Cartouche. I'm Justice Hammer, these folk behind me are my Coffin Nails." His voice is rough and deep, but his age, which is over 80, shows in his wrinkled face and speech mannerisms. It takes a man of strength to wear armor of that sort and wield a weapon as heavy as his maul, but his better days are clearly long in the past.

Kyron is surprised to see such a man of advanced years in power armor.

"That is one hell of a weapon sir." Kyron says looking at the impressive maul.

"Im Kyron, nice to meet you. We heard you might need some help." he shakes the mans hand.

Chay entered with the rest of the crew, subconsciously tugging his kerchief a little higher on his face. Wary but not feeling particularly threatened by the battered bunch before them, he listened to the old Justice speak.

Justice shakes each of your hands, least those as willing, and hears your names. In turn, he introduces you to his team, the so called Coffin Nails. "This here is "High Noon" Graves, Amanda "Singer" Douglas, Bully Welch, Charlotte "Shooter" Owens, and Danny "Doom" Lawrence."

He takes in your motley crew, and says, "Well, ain't you a bunch of something. I'm sure you know your business, but some folk around here have had misunderstanding with colorful characters. Still, you do right by us, and it will be reciprocated proper. Now, have a sit if it pleases you, and I'll do the same. I'll do my best to tell the story of why we sent for some help."

Tipolei sits on the floor so nobody has to look up to speak to him..."Me be Tipolei. You look strong, but you be wounded. What is stronger that wounded you ?", looking at the short man on the right, "You smell like magic. Maybe you have more knowledge on enemy? "

"Tipolei here is real good at picking up scents the rest of us would miss. Thank you for the invitation."

Kyron pulls a chair over to sit beside Tipolei so he doesn't feel alone sitting on the floor.

He listens for the story of the demons that Ben had told them about.

Chay complies and takes a seat, trying not to stare at the massive maul.

The short magic-smelling man, Danny "Doom" Lawrence, nods at Tipolei and comes forth. You can tell by the way he walks he likely has something similar to broken ribs under his coat. He holds his hand out to Tipolei, though whether to sniff or shake isn't clear. His fingers are webbed almost to the tips. "I heard of a dog boy who turned away from the CS. If that's you, then know I lost friends in Tolkeen. But I am not one to hold that against you. You earn your own reputation, far as I can tell." He shifts his collar, revealing gills on the side of his neck. With a gesture, several pitchers float up from the bar, a pale yellow liquid inside each.

"The darker one is a lemon apple blend, with only trace alcohol, for preservation purposes. The lighter ones are suitable for medicinal or recreational applications. They're a local specialty, a product of our productive orchards."

He nodded to Danny 'Doom' Lawrence, "Thank you Sir, nice to meet another arcanist."

Kyron takes the darker drink lifts it in Dooms direction and takes a sip.

"What did, you run into that hurt you so bad ?" He also noticed the gills and couldn't help but ask, "Do those gills work ?" He realized his curiosity was getting ahead of him and covered it with another sip of the local vintage.

"Uhm were you hurt recently ? I may be able to heal you if so."

"Thank you for your hospitality. If possible, I'd prefer water," Ben says taking in the state of the Coffin Nails. "I presume from how you've introduced yourself, and the injuries sustained by your colleagues that you've fallen on hard times. That is exactly why we've come. My name is Ben Volent from Castle Refuge, and we've been sent to help. At most, I've only received a bare outline as to what has befallen this place, and so I haven't much information to go on. However, we experience no issues on our way here. Please, I'd love to here more when you're able." Turning to Danny, "I was also at Tolkeen. A bitter memory for everyone that had to participate, I'm sure, but hopefully something we can all build a more positive future away from."

Ana made a drink of the darker one and started sipping, wanting to limit the amount of alcohol she was intaking, especially since her powers where emotions based...didn't want to burn the whole place down. That wouldn't look good on her resume. Instead, she typed on her keyboard [Do any of you or your men speak ASL?]

Doom nods. Wind swirls around his head and hands. He signs and says simultaneously: [I can now. Sign and I will speak for you.]

Ana almost jumped at the opportunity to speak normally with someone, quickly signing back [Finally I can talk to someone normally! None of my new friends know ASL]

Doom vocalizes Ana's words for everyone else in the room, and signs back, [My pleasure. I can do this for about ten minutes only.]

"Sorry Ana, I don't know that particular magic." Back to Doom, "My offer still stands if you need healing and were hurt recently."

Ana nodded, smiling widely [Okey dokey, that's better than nothing. I'm really glad.]

The mayor says, "If you have the power to heal, all of the Coffin Nails are still beat up. It was a week ago, so mostly it's just bruises, save for Shooter's leg. And Doom's broken ribs. Some stiches. A concussion that's mostly healed."

[I'm REALLY good at normal, mundane healing]

Kyron looks to Ana, "Could you help me ? If you could assess their wounds and let me know where to focus the healing energy that would be really helpful Ana."

Ana nods quickly, glad she can be useful without using her powers

Kyron directs everyone to get close together. He then puts his hands together as if in prayer and does seem to pray quietly. His hands glow a with golden light. Ectoplasm swirls about him and comes from his hands and face swirling about the wounded. The golden glow pulses following the ectoplasm as if the healing energy flowed from him into the wounded. The golden glow flashes and for a brief moment golden ectoplasmic wings appear on Kyron's back.



If Ana's aid succeeds add +1 to the below.

Edit: Also -15 PPE Kyron looks tired after the effort.

Ana, while everyone was close together but before Kyron started healing, tried to identify where each person's wounds were, going through each person before showing Kyron

A tired, "Thank you Ana."

Ana just patted his head, smiling

A boy pushes the doors open wearing a pairs of shorts and flip flops. He looks around with bead head and only partially open eyes as he scratches his stomach around an open vest as he shuffles around and finds a place to sit his eyes thin like slits.

Chay watches all the healing with interest, keeping a close eye on all concerned.

It is good that our group has healers as we might need them for ourselves later, he thinks.

Kai's eyes eventually focuses and finds a taller wide awake person from the team. "What I miss?"

The healing energy washes over the group of injured, you can see the relief immediately in their faces. Bandages are removed and the injuries are checked with awe. Doom unwinds his bandages from under his shirt and tests his movement, which seems to give him no grief. The only exception is Shooter's missing leg: the stump is healed but the leg is still missing.

They all gather around Kyron clapping his shoulders in a friendly manner and thanking him profusely.

Kyron felt good to have helped it cost much of his energy but it was good to see the smiles and friendly nature take over the group.
"Your welcome. I do want you to know whatever you fought seems to have left some minor lingering corruption or curse that will hopefully clear up in time but it is still there now. Please tell us what you faced that did these things to you."

Hearing Kai he simply says, "Not much Kai, Kai this is Justice Hammer and his Coffin Nails. We just met and they are knowledgable in what problems plague this town."

"Shooter, when I am fully powered and perhaps at the ley line since it costs far more energy then I have now, I can try and see if I can do more for your leg."

Shooter seems grateful for the hope.

Justice Hammer raises himself up a bit, and meeting your eye, he begins speaking. He isn't polished like a bard or charismatic like fancy folk, but still you feel the familiar draw of a storyteller and natural leader, as he tells his tale.

Justice Hammer and the Coffin Nails heard of attacks on remote farms farther down the valley. Cartouche holds one end of that valley, a gateway to those lands between here and Castle Refuge. They scouted the farms, and discovered a small incursion of demons and a growing environmental change: plants wilting, plus unusual localized snow and ice in that area.

They formed a plan and went in. Justice Hammer front and center, Graves and Bully flanking with their autofire-weapons, Singer supporting them in a classic diamond attack formation, and with Shooter and Doom on overwatch, as the kiddies call it. (Justice spits a wad of tabakky into a spitoon dubiously when he says that last part; Shooter shakes her head at the old man, as if this were a long standing argument between them no longer worth wasting words on.)

The demons were upwards of nine feet tall, armored, fast and strong, rising from under the snow in an ambush, but gun fire and hammer swings slowly whittled what could, mostly holding their own. The demons fought with axes and held shields, and while they were frightening to behold, they fought with no weird stuff. Sniper fire and Singer watching their backs kept them from getting annihilated but they were settling in for a long, ammo-burning engagement trying to whittle past those armored hides.

A scream from Shooter alerted them to a new threat. Justice Hammer turned to see a twelve maybe fifteen foot ice demon rise beside their snipers, with a huge axe in one hand and covered in foul armor. With a mighty swing, Shooter and Doom were flung crashing into the trees. They don't know how the big one got behind them, but it was impervious to their answering hail of bullets. They retreated, meeting Doom dragging Shooter who was unconscious and leaving a bloody trail, while blasting the big demon with whirlwinds that only slowed not stopped it from following.

Ice fog swirled around them, blown in from somewhere. "But it weren't no natural ice fog; this was itchy, and burned something fierce. Drained you, made you want to just lie down and quit." The others all not at that, shame darkening their features. They couldn't see for shit, but together, they formed a perimeter and retreated to their vehicle. Singer and Doom carried Shooter and were loading her up onto the floater, Graves and Bully laying down suppressing fire to cover their retreat, when the big demon appeared or if the fog. Toe to toe, Justice Hammer went. His hammer crashed mightily into its hip, the maul actually doing some damage, but not a lot. It screamed and backed off, giving him time to retreat and grab onto the back of the hovercar waiting for him. They fled.

"I don't know. Maybe in my prime I could have taken that thing, but even then, on my best day, I doubt I coulda done it alone. Woulda needed a team with better weapons than we've got. We were barely holding our own against the little ones, those only his size," he finishes, waving at big Tipolei. They others snicker at his dark sarcasm.

"I don't know what abilities you all bring to a fight, but if the Legion sent you, I hope that means you're enough."

"Did you get to test fire at all on the big one, or even the smaller ones ? They would seem to be immune or at least resistant to the cold. You described the battle well and gave us some information on what we might be facing, thank you."

He tries to use his occult knowledge and Common Knowledge to see if he has ever read about or heard of such creatures.

Occult: Kyron is aware that demons spurt forth from some rifts and wildly varying. Rumor is that they are generally vulnerable to holy magic, and often used as foot soldiers to bigger players.

Common Knowledge (1 raise): this would be more location based information, so Kyron can recall hearing of a few rifts in the area that spewed forth demons, but rifts are less common then they once were.

"No, we hadn't taken flamers with us. It's something I would try if they made it to town."

Something about the way he says that triggers a suspicion in you. Anyone are to make some kind of motive sensing trait test?

"Alright those demons, may be foot soldiers to something else, perhaps that huge ice giant or something above even that. Holy magic can effect them but sadly I don't possess that type. Perhaps we could get some holy water or silvered weapons in town here. As for where they are coming from I know a few rifts locally that spew forth demons it's rare now but we can check to see if any of those rift are currently open."

"Tipolei don't need silver or fire. Last time me kill big demon, me use that..." Tipolei shows his chainsword, that somehow looks smaller and lighter in his hands...

Rolling

Looking at Justice Hammer in the eyes, "No worry now. We here, we kill demons then town is safe.

Justice, if you don't mine me asking....why didn't you take flamers with you? I hope you don't mind but I have an unnatural curiosity for everything.

Kai scratchs his face and stares at Justice Hammer pointing a finger, "I think Grandpa Justice is hiding something. While I don't mind helping the people out I'd like him to be honest with us... Otherwise I'll put my foot down and get mad." Kai states emanating an aura most 9 year olds wouldn't in this situation.

Kyron hearing Kai gulps and pulls Ana behind him, "Kai, why would they hide something from us they need our help. Please don't get mad." Kyron backs up clearly worried about the seemingly sleepy young man in flip flops.

Kyron looks to Chay with a look that says pick a window, pick a door if things go bad.

Ana catches herself on his arm before quickly letting go, a little confused. Was Kyron worried about Kai...or the person who'd used their magic to talk to her?

"He's got a look in his eyes like when I found my Grandpa's lady picture books. All the ladies just got out the bath in the books. He said they were medical magazines but they always seemed to have something in one eye." Kai points at the man and stares blankly, "All the old ladies beat him till he was black and blue since they were "bad" books to have around kids."

Kyron's jaw drops open a bit and he looks from Kai to Justice Hammer back to Kai in a looped double take.
He almost wanted to laugh but he had no clue what a young dragon might do. Though he did look to see if Justice Hammer would say anything.

The accusation from Kai leads the Coffin Nails into shouting and a lot of fear. Guns get gripped tighter, and the shouting intensifies. Phrases like, "What's he saying?" or "How dare that boy disparage our good name!" and worse "Somebody needs to fetch me a strap!" emerge from the din.

Justice Hammer glares daggers but doesn't move a muscle.

Kai's confused narrative about dragons' puritanical view on pornography doesn't ease tensions at all.

"He is just a boy, please relax. We don't wan't him to get mad and we are sorry we got you mad."

Still something was odd he knew Kai was a dragon but they didn't to react so strongly to the statement of a boy. Thank the unicorn Kai didn't explode into dragon form and really put his clawed foot down.

Persuasion to try and calm things down.

Oh I got an ace so rolling for that.

Tipolei slowly gets up and walks to Justice, "If Kai say you not tell all, me believe him. Now if you want us help, you tell all, even if you be afraid..."

Kyron manages to get the Coffin Nails to calm down a bit. He doesn't sense any arcana at work.

When Tipolei towers over Justice Hammer, you get your answer. The man drops his maul and raises his arms defensively. "No, please, don't hurt me!" he whines.

Silence.

Kyron jogs over to Tipolei giving Ana an apologetic look before doing so.

"Wait, we wont hurt you, we really are here to help you. Are my companions right is there something you know your holding back and if you are why ? What is it please the more we know the better we will be able to help you."

Terror. Fear. Shame. Anger. The emotions cross his face like the march of the seasons. He stands tall shaking in fury across his withered features, but turns and leaves out the back.

Singer and Bully are holding each other, Singer's shoulders shaking with sobs. Shooter casually flicks the safety off her rifle, shaking her head. Graves' hands can't be seen behind the bar, but his face is cold, dispassionate, expressionless.

Doom alone seems like he is willing to reach escorts the aisle, so to speak. "Well that went badly."

"Yes, Danny, what is going on ?" Kyron looked up, up, up at Tipolei a moment and the friendly dog face he knew wasn't there at the moment and he would have been scared too.

He looked back to Danny. He didn't know why everything went badly so fast or even really why.

Tipolei crouches down at Justice's level, putting a friendly hand on his shoulder and speaks to the mage...
"Fighting demon be hard, Tipolei know... You not be Tipolei but you fight anyway. You be proud. Now you rest. We take care of demon, then maybe fear go away. Maybe fear be demon magic..."

Danny squirms. "Since the fight, Justice has-"

"SHUT UP!" Singer cries, tears running down her face. "It ain't for us to tell!"

Danny flinches and nods. "Look, it's personal. Nothing to do with the job, just... We're not keeping anything from you that you need to know." he looks over his shoulder. "I best see to my pa. Stay here, please?"

Doom follows Justice Hammer out the back way.

As they leave Kyron pats Tipolei's shoulder since he had crouched down, "I will be honest with you Tipolei, I am a little afraid too. It's something that effects us I know canines have a greater bravery then most." This is said lowly to Tipolei alone.

He moves over to Ana, "I want to apologize. I always try to stand between you and trouble even if I just think something bad might happen. I know the Legion picked you for a reason, I just can't help it sometimes."

Ben considers the story, and thanks Kyron for healing the Coffin Nails. "That's quite impressive, and I hope we won't need that ourselves later on. Glad your one of us," Ben says. The whole story from Justice Hammer unsettles Ben, and he feels like something is missing. A motive maybe? There's a hole in the story, but questioning further to that end seems like a poor strategy since Ben's team was greeted by an armed mob. "Tensions are running a little too high to start treating people with too much suspicion," he thinks to himself.

"Any chance you might be able to show us on a map where exactly all of this took place?" Ben asks Justice Hammer Its always nice to have that visual aid.

Prior to fleeing in a huff, Justice Hammer would have agreed to describe how to get there. Basically go north about ten miles down the valley. There are trade roads that are easy enough to follow.

Tipolei turns to Kyron, "You look tired, you need rest before we go?"

Ana shakes her head at Kyron, hugging him gently to show that it was all okay

Kyron smiles and nods to Sir Volent, "I hope not either but if so, I stand ready to do so."

In answer to Tipolei, "I could use some rest or meditation to regain some energy Tipolei, but if we head north I sensed a Ley Line there and I should be able to charge up there quite well. Just big spells like that take a lot out of a spellcaster. Thank you for asking."

When Anna hugged him he was surprised but hugged her back. He had forgotten that sometimes people did like to be defended.
"Thanks for understanding, Ive always been like this. Wasn't sure if Kai would turn into his true form when he said he might get mad."

Ana nodded quickly, writing something out quickly [It's good, I would be okay, I'm sure but I'm glad people care for me.]

Kyron smiled, "If not me I know Tipolei certainly would."

Ana seemed happy about this, nodding quickly

Kyron looked to everyone, "Alright, I will tell you what I know of demons, most likely Tipolei and Sir Volent might know more. They are not native to this world, sometimes they are summoned or come in through a rift, I believe these ones are coming in through a rift since there are some known in the area that occasionally release demons onto our world. The ones that seem like warriors with axe and shields, they are often minions or servants of something more powerful or craftier. I suspect the larger ice creature which seemed to display magic. It sounds like a beach head is being built. Hmmm ok that's an old term. They are building a base from which to strike out from. That winter wonderland that they described to us. Demons in general are vulnerable to holy magics, as well as holy items and people. Most supernatural creatures and many demons are also hurt by silver, due to it's alchemical purity or so my mentor and other mages have mentioned. So seeing if we could get some silvered ammo, or a silvered weapon in town might be a good precaution or even holy water. They tend to be very strong, but I think Tipolei could match them. Kai too for that matter, the rest of us should try to avoid getting grabbed. A lot of demons are immune to fire and flame because well hell and all that, but these ones seem accustomed to the cold so, I am not sure about that when it comes to them. These ones seem pretty immune to the cold. That ice one seemed vulnerable to impact and since it is ice, perhaps it is vulnerable to fire and flames. Do we have any plasma weapons, it might be good to at least test that theory. Also most demons tend to like chaos and causing fear and other emotions to feed on. Yet taking out the leader might shake the minions and make them run and scatter." He just looked around and each of them after he was done.

Ana raised her hand before typing out [Aren't lasers hot? Wouldn't that work?]

"Lasers do produce heat, since the wounds they produce are cauterized often, but they are very focused and hitting an ice demon they might refract or reflect like they do when they hit the shiny armor of a Glitterboy. Where plasma tends to hit a lot more surface area. Still that is a good point, enough laser fire should produce heat, I wish we could have found out more what our hosts used in that combat. We might even buy some alcohol and make some old fashioned fire weaponry with some rags, light and throw. More to it then that but thats the basics of making old fashioned tossed fire weapons."

Shooter, leaning against the bar without her crutch, will add, "Justice Hammer's weapon does have silver inlaid. As to the rest of us, just good old fashion lasers and ions. We can't afford that fancy stuff. Save the Admiral here," she says as she pats her NG-P7 Particle Beam Rifle. "This seemed to punch through them littler ones well enough. Didn't get a chance to shoot the big one with it before it took me down."

"Shooter, is it possible to borrow any of those things. I know we kind of screwed up. We didn't mean too. I understand if you don't want to after all this. I have a laser myself but I prefer old fashioned bullets and arrows. Still do you have anyone in town who might silver some arrows, bullets or my companions weapons ? Also thanks for staying to talk to us."

Kai looks around for said hammer to pick up.

"Maybe I can put it on my tail..." Kai mutters his face scrunching up in thought.

"Perhaps you missed the part where we said most of our weapons, the lasers and the ion guns, did little against the big demon, nothing at all. As to the smaller ones, they did some, but they had a hard time getting through that armor. If our weapons are better than what you brought, then you're all gonna die and giving you this stuff isn't gonna change that."

She looks down at her sniper rifle and the impact maul at her feet. "These alone would do. We'd be needing these back mind you. This town would be in mighty sore spot without them."

Graves behind the bar growls, "Shooter, you can't-"

She interrupts him with a pointed finger. "I love that old man like my own pappy, but something broke inside him. He ain't fighting again, not until he gets past that. Now these folks are here to finish the job he couldn't. We couldn't. Maybe if, maybe... he'll get some spirit back if his baby is there. As proxy."

"Kai, we can do that tie it to your tail, that is a good idea. I am sure your very strong that would really help with the impact of your blows. Plus as you said, we can let him know how his maul helped in bringing this demon down."

He turned to the others, "I might not have holy magic but I can bless my companion weapon to do better in combat. I only require some time to gather back my energies. My laser is more of a back up to my magic. My companions, well they have their own weapon but I only think about making them more effective against our foes. Who among us is the best sniper ?" We of course would return your weapons. Everyone, we can agree on that can't we ?"

I can shoot and don't forget the missile launcher on Echo. That's some blunt force trauma for ya.

"Ok Chay, why don't you use the Sniper rifle. I often forget about the weapons on Echo because we haven't needed to use them in the past but your right. Chay, those monsters hid in the snow, you think they might still give off heat so maybe we can detect an ambush ? I can sense for presenses if need be it will drain my magic resources a but but I would be willing to do so if need be."

"Tipolei do the tracking. Me can smell them. Me not brag but me probably best shooter, but me also best fighter, except maybe Kai..."

"Tipolei, your probably best up front your as tall as the soldier demon things. I can make your chainsword more effective. Your right about your nose. Hey smell the hammer it might have some blood or something from the demons on it from the combat. That would help you track right ?"

"Maybe we can drop a big rock too..." Kai states trying to judge the weight of the hammer.

"Sounds like we have a plan, in the works," Ben says. "All we need now is a direction. Are we able to get out to the site with our vehicle, or do we need other means of transportation?"

You have directions that follow trader roads. Echo should be able to handle it.

Kyron writes a few things down on his pad then tears the page out.
He then reaches into his robes gets something and passes the page and item over to Shooter.

"Thank you for all your help, and information. We will get those items back to you."

"I think we'd better get out of here sooner, rather than later," Ben whispers t to the others. We haven't worn out our welcome, but I feel like we may run the risk of that quickly." Ben thanks the Coffin Nails for their assistance, and makes his way out the door. I'll be with Echo. When you're ready, let's move.

Kyron nods to Ben and thanks Shooter one last time and says farewell to Shooter and Graves.
He catches up with Ben, "Hopefully I can get two hours or at least one to meditate and regain my energies. Still if we need to rush I will try and make due."

He then looks to Kai, "Bring the hammer we can try that idea that should be one hell of a whallop !"
Kyron head into the echo focused on gathering his energies back for the conflict ahead.

Ana waves to everyone she can to say bye and heads to the Echo. She climbs in and lets out a mute sigh. She remembers that she'd bought herself some armour and tried to get someone's attention so they could help her.

Kyron glances over, "Need help ?"

Ana nods quickly [Never done this before]

"Yeah I had to get used to wearing armor and all this gear too. The thing is to balance it well."

Kyron helps out with Ana's armor clipping and strapping it making sure it is not too tight, but tight enough and having her walk around to see if it is comfortable or not.

Ana walks around for a minute to get used to it before giving a twirl and a thumbs up

Kyron smiles and gives her a thumbs up back.

"If you want to double check ask Ben or Tipolei, they are probably the most used to wearing armor of any of us."

Chay pushes the button to drop the engine rods into Echo's nuclear engine compartment and a muted clank indicates the rods are in place. He drops his kerchief to his neck, revealing the object of many people's derision. He feels safe enough with this group though now and likes to breathe air devoid of kerchief every once in awhile. Then he turns to look at Kyron.

You should be able to rest during the ride. Who is going to be my navigator?

"Maybe Ben or Ana, she is smart and Ben is a knight. Kai is pretty young and I don't know what training Tipolei has but cramping him up here in the front might be tough."

Ana nods to Kyron before he suggests she navigate. [I'm good at noticing things...but maybe driving and texting isn't the best idea]

"Hmmm maybe your right, were pretty much going north and following an old road. I suppose you could point things out. Chay has incredible reflexes, but let's see if Ben is a good navigator."

Looks Chay over and gets a curious look then heads out of the echo to retrieve the sniper rifle.

"Ana and I will probably stay at range, I know you will too Chay. Echo has plenty of weapons to test on demons." He sets the NG Rifle on the seat next to him.

"I need to stretch, I'll circle back if I notice something." kai states once they're outside. He plops the hammer inside the vehicle before jumping up in the air, his body budges unrealistically and expands in mass before he flies up in the sky headed in direction they of their query.

Screams and gasps can be heard from outside the tavern as the town folk react to the dragon's supernatural aura.

Leaving things in a considerable tension with the Coffin Nails, you hear up, mount up, dragon up, and head along the crude trails to the demon zone. The trail is well worn, though perhaps not intended for a vehicle as large as Echo. Still, the ATV makes quick work smashing small trees and trampling brush, and going over even modest obstacles.

Chay's navigation gets you the ten clicks to the demon zone. You can tell because it starts snowing. A blowing fog whips around isolating the vehicle from their airborn companion. Echo comes to a halt with that first crunch of snow beneath its nuclear powered wheels.

How do you proceed?

Chay jumps out and immediately pulls up his kerchief and draws his hands into his jacket. Shoulders scrunched up close to his neck he proclaims, Well...this must be the winter wonderland. It's damn cold!

"Chay, you have thermal goggles or a site ? Remember these demons were hiding under the snow to ambush the last group out this way." Kyron stretched a bit adjusted his mask and reached out to pull the ley line energies to him to help out.

If the NG Sniper rifle has a multi-optic scope he hands it to Chay to look about with.

"Need some cable if were going to tie that hammer to Kai."

If close enough to pull in ley line energy

Kyron can tell that the key line is a half mile into the snowy area, which is too far to draw energy from at this time.

"Chay, is there any way you can scan the area to find out how big the snowy terrain is currently covering, or if there's a particular point where it seems to be most intense than anywhere else?" Ben turns to the others, "Ana, how is it coming with your prep? Have you got yourself ready, or did you need some assistance?"

"Sir Volent, They are probably close to the Ley Line at least the big one since it seemed to be a spell weaver. The line is about half a mile that way." He points.

[I'm ready, Mister! Kyron helped me!]

"Ben, Chay, this sniper rifle they loaned us is a bit heavy but I think you two could handle it. Whichever of you would like to use it." He passes the Rifle to them.

Looking around, "Way too cold, and I hate shoveling snow, we have got to stop this invasion."

He wraps his hands the way his mentor had taught him.

"Sir Volent, your our team leader and commander. We look towards you for direction in how we should approach this our teams first mission together. You have my backing and counsel. I have a number of things I would like to bring up, and now is the time we should all discuss how we might all best aid in this particular mission. Powers, skills, knowledge, experience. I don't want to end up like Justice Hammer, Demons are terrifying and one of the things we should do is boost our morale as much as possible against such a foe. A rousing speech, a shot of alcohol, or bond of friendship might all help us on some level."

Kyron for all his gregarious nature is doing his best to stand at attention and look militaristic.

"Sure, I can take this rifle if Chay doesn't want it. I've used ones such as these before. Its not as elegant as my blade, but I'll do my best to put it to good use. Additionally, if you have anything you feel you want to bring up to the group, please do so. I won't stop you unless it's harmful," Ben says to Kyron. "My reason for asking about the size and center of the snowy terrain was to get an idea of how it compares to the information we received from the Coffin Nails. I'm concerned that someone, or something may be trying to create a hold here. So close to the ley lines would be problematic if our adversaries are magical. As for a rousing speech, I'm sorry. That's not something I've ever been very good at. So goes the quote, "Valor is superior to numbers", and I've always believed in that, even when things were at their worst. Maybe it's naive, but you're all here to risk your lives to help the world have a brighter future. There's not really anyone can ask for beyond that. If you have ideas for how we might make this a more successful mission, I'd be more than happy to entertain them."

Kai touches down kicking up much debris and doesnt bother to shift forms.

"Snows bout half mile wide, center has more dense snow might be getting bigger from how its shaped. Funny shaped box shadow in the center maybe made out of snow and ice." he states his long neck motioning the way deeper into the coldzone.

I'll pass on the rifle, Kyron. I got a hankering to play with Echo's missile launcher, truth be told.

...Me was thinking, maybe me should use hammer to honor Justice?...

Kyron nods to Ben, "I am still, looking forward to seeing that blade of yours. Heard about the Cyberknights and their Psi Swords. As far as a rousing speech, I think you did fine."

When Kai touched down and kicked up snow Kyron turned quickly and let his eyes take in the sight. Hearing Kai's voice was reassuring. "Good job, scouting things out Kai."

"Chay, I kind of figured you might want to launch a volley or two."

"We were going to tie the Hammer to Kai's tail but if you want to honor Justice by using it instead of that huge sword of yours, would that be ok with you Kai ?"

"As for suggestions, I know in the military there is usually a commander and second in command. I think Tripolei with his military experience would probably make a good second in command for you Sir Volent. With Kai being able to fly, that gives us air superiority, since we never heard of enemy fliers. If the battle is along the Ley Line I will be able to fly as well. I remember Justice saying that he and the Coffin Nails walked in a particular formation. I really don't know much about such things so will have to rely on those who do. I have many abilities but am not really a blast type mage. I could provide you my companions magic armor and enhance your weapons, I think that would be the best use of my magic and then hang back taking the occasional shot with a weapon, while maintaining my magic on all of you. If the fight is on the Ley Line I will be able to unleash the occasional spell also. These demons were not described as having ranged weapons, mostly axes and shields. So perhaps if they could be lead into a trap of ranged weapons that might help whittle them down. The big Ice one sounds like it could go invisible I might be able to sense it's presence, and Tipolei your nose will be pretty helpful also."

Ana just sits and watches them all, well out of her element. She's used to running AWAY from the danger.

"If you would prefer me to have a 2nd in command, so to speak, then I'm fine with that. I'll leave that up to all of you. Whichever group member you'd be comfortable with following in my place, your choice. Until then, I remain accountable for what happens to us. The larger notion of a tactical approach to the impending battle is only proper. I'm happy to take that rifle, but I'll probably be best in the thick of things. Spells that might impede movement could be handy as well, and of course, Kai, I'm assuming we have something we can use to communicate with while airborne. Correct? If not, we'll have to remedy that. We'll need to be in constant communication with one another. Chay, you'll likely need to be covering us if you're going to be using the rocket launcher. Maybe we could even mount that rifle on top of Echo. Then you could use both. Sound possible?" Turning to Ana, who is at the moment trying to blend into the background, Ben asks "how close will you need to be to participate in combat? Will you need to be right up front, or will you placing yourself at a distance, like Kyron?"

Kyron looks to Tipolei, "How about it, you have the experience and military knowledge are you ok with being second in command ?"

Kyron then glanced to Ana with an almost apologetic look. She looked like she didn't want to be part of this.
"Chay might need a copilot if you wish to stay with the Echo."

Ana seems to be surprised she's addressed. She thinks for a second before holding up her pistol. It was her only weapon. She then writes out a number in the air [60]

Addressed by Kyron as well (woah, she's so popular), Ana furrows her brow, thinking, before typing [If he needs one, i might be able to...but I want to be able to help]

"Maybe we can get a spare rifle for Ana ? Something with more punch. I have the same pistol as her. It's a good pistol but a rifle might be nice if we have one that she would be able to use."

...Sorry, me think I not be good leader. Me was made to kill. Only time Tipolei was leader, other soldiers all dog boys. Only have to be strong to lead dog boys...

Kyron nods to Tipolei, "You have more then strength my friend. I have seen you have empathy and strength of character, not just of arms. I will respect your decision though."

The wind picks up a bit. Is it getting colder? And there is snow behind Echo, filling in the shallow tracks it left in the ground.

Ben, I can jury rig that rifle next to the missile launcher. They didn't nickname me McGuyver for nothin'. Heh.
If Chay could strut he'd be doing it now.

But look, this snow is piing up around Echo. She may be an amazing machine, but she does have her limits. We best push on, no? Frown lines of worry and a little bit of puzzlement, line Chay's face.

Kyron shivers and crosses his arms rubbing his shoulders.

He then takes his bow out assembling and stringing it. He hands his wilks pistol and 2 e clips to Ana. "It's the same weapon as yours but will give you back up should you need it." He loads his shotgun.

The blast of wind and cold was a reminder of what dangerous territory they were now in.

"I'm okay with or without the hammer... if some is really troublesome I can just pick them up and drop them when I get high enough."

"Kai, I never asked, can you breath fire or anything like that ? I think when we first see these demons if you have a roar to remind us we have a dragon on our side it would really help our morale."

"I can spit fire, last time I roared in town gramps and all his friends got sleepy though and didnt wake up for a day..."

"Wait, snow is falling behind us?" Ben asks. "That doesn't make any sense. It's time to move. Let's have Echo cover our tracks, but the ones will be setting out on foot should suit up now. The ones who are staying here," Ben glances at Ana and Chay "should prepare themselves as well."

Taking a moment, Ben flexes his armor on and off, as well as a his sword, which flashes out in a burst looking like a blue opalescent claymore. "I'm ready when you are."

"Well if you think your roar might put us to sleep, we can skip that but good to hear you can breathe fire it is freezing out. Kai uhm does your roar do you think have the ability to maybe put our enemies to sleep ?"

EDITED

Kyron's eyes grow wide when he sees Ben create his sword. "Wow."

"Should I bless peoples weapons now Sir ?"

With the cold creeping in and being on the point of facing some kind of ice demon, without asking or saying why Tipolei opens the door and sniffs the air for traces of a supernatural presence...

Coming back inside, Tipolei takes Justice's Hammer and brings it in front of Kyron...
"Can Kyron bless hammer? Me think Justice happy if Tipolei kills ice demon with it..."

"I dont know, old people are weird. Everyone screamed and fell over and went to sleep..."

Ana put her hand up before writing [I think they passed out from fear]

"I sure can Tipolei, the people who are going to be up close fighting I can bless their weapons doing so to the hammer is no problem, I can do so on your sword as well Sir Volent, Kai I think the people may have feinted not fell asleep from what you are saying. Ok bring the weapons you wish blessed to me and share your energies with me."

Tipolei smells traces of something awful, like rotting seaweed under rotten ice. But it's not nearby.

"I shall take blessing myself, Kyron." Ben says "Thank you."

"Ok Chay get us moving, the closer to the ley line the better. Thats probably where that block is that Kai saw."

Kyron holds his hands out over the weapons to enchant calling upon his knowledge of the Smite spell and his Mastery of Magic.
He pulls in offered PPE from everyone (Has to be voluntary everyone has 4+Size in PPE to offer except for Kai who has 10 PPE)

The stuff of dreams and nightmares pours from him as ectoplasm wrapping about the weapons along with a bright glow. The weapons set before him at least to appearances take on the look of the iconic dream or nightmare image of the weapon that they are along with glowing accents that pulse brightly.

Smite Spell

YAY a raise so you add +6 to damage and if it isn't already it does Mega Damage now.
You also have +6 Armor Peircing and if you shake or wound your foe they get fatigue.
The way I view the fatigue as per trapping is they experience a nightmare or dream that fatigues them.
the AP and Fatigue are Power Modifiers base SWADE book.

How Kyron's shotgun looks after the Smite Spell.

Everybody can take 1 Bennie for great role-playing so far.

How do you proceed? Maybe some (Tip and Ben) are walking ahead, Chay and Ana following in Echo, Kai walking or flying? Kyron in the middle or on the bus?

Kyron can be in the middle he wants to be able to move about and report what he senses to everyone.

He would like to get closer to the ley line before armoring people.

Detect Arcana w/Presence Sense
PRESENCE SENSE (+1): The caster is
able to sense the presence and exact
location of living beings within range
like a radar; detect arcana activated with
Presence Sense no longer requires line
of sight to locate living beings.

Up goes the kerchief, Chay hops into Echo and starts to set off in the direction of the ley line. The missile launcher was ready and using his never-ending tinkering abilities, Chay managed to mount the rifle next to it.

Kyron doesn't detect anything in range (Smarts die x 2 meters). Note: the spell lasts for 5 rounds, which expires well before the text below.

Traveling into the snow-covered area, it's slow going. You can't help but make noise as your boots crunch through the powder. After a hundred meters, the temperature has dropped and if you're not wearing armor, you're probably shivering.

You hear a crack beneath Tipolei, as he snaps a log in half, frozen solid.

While the movement provides some resistance to the effects of cold, you know that you'll have difficulties after an hour or two.

The snow grows deeper, and firmer. Tipolei's large size and weight mean that he pushes through the waist deep snow. This prodigious strength and vigor alone layup him moving at any speed. Kai similarly chews up a lot of snow as he passes, leaving a churned wake behind him.

Ben, however, finds he can soon walk on the top if he places his feet carefully, and is now eye to eye with his dog boy companion. The snow isn't even, and he periodically punches through, ending leg deep inside before he can crawl out. Kyron also will find the path of virgin snowpack on Ben's side easier to traverse.

Echo doesn't care or really notice, other than using slightly more power than on clear ground.

The howling wind, the treacherous snow, make for a strenuous time.

Just over half way, after about a half hour in the snow, you feel a change in the air, a prickle at the back of your neck. You're still one or two hundred meters from the ley line and the structure Kai spotted.

What do you do?

Kyron holds his arm up fist clenched when he feels the prickle at the back of his neck.

On the radio to the ones in front, ~Hold up~

Detect Arcana *Presence Sense* Again

On Radio ~Directly infront of you Ben and Tip and one back by the Echo Chay. I seem to be flanked all under the snow.~

Whispered up to Kai, "Wanna melt a little snow in front of our front line."

Now is the time to armor at least the people outside. Vehicles.

Protection Spell, Mega Protection and Toughness on himself and Ben and Tipolei.
1 PPE, +1 Toughness, +3 Mega Protection,+2 to armor Ben and Tipolei.

Ok since a raise that will be 8 Mega Damage Toughness for the three of us.
That is not subject to armor piercing.

Note to Self: PPE: 3 left.

Tipolei walks almost unhindered in the snow thanks to his size and strength, holding his trusty JA-11 rifle in hand. Justice's hammer is strapped on his back, enhanced by Kyron's blessing spell, looked shinier than ever, almost like it was the weapon of an angel. It contrasted severely with the look his armor took with Kiron's spell of protection... his armor seemed blacker than a moonless sky, with bony spikes still dripping with the blood of long forgotten enemies...
Focused on his surroundings, Tipolei keep sniffing the air, hoping to find the enemy before they found him...

Doing his best to take the point on the ground, Ben slogs on through the snow. "This isn't the worst thing I've ever dealt with, but it isn't the greatest either," he thinks to himself. "I hope Echo doesn't get stuck in all this." As he proceeds, he realizes that, strategically, his group are at an extreme disadvantage in this snow. "We'd almost be forced to fight from the top of Echo if it comes down to it. We'd never be able to dodge a blow in all of this misplaced winter." Looking over at Tip he says, "we may need to find some firmer terrain, otherwise, we could be in real trouble should the enemy approach. Keep your nose sharp in case they're nearby."

Ben relays some of his strategic concerns to Chay, with regards to using Echo as how to stage an attack, knowing that it makes them all targets.

Tipolei does scent something alarming, but can't place a direction.

Tipolei signals the group to stop, "Me think they are near... Be ready..."

Chay tells Ben that Echo is a pretty good defense shield as she has megadamage capacity. Her big knobby tires should help in the snow, for awhile at least, depending on how deep it gets. Chay knows it's time to concentrate on detecting a potential surprise attack or danger.

Uh folks! I think we need to get in or behind Echo? And yesterday!

Kyron, Radio "Roger." crunching his way back towards the Echo with his shotgun out.

Radio,"Ben, Tip, beware they might spring up the second you turn your backs."

Kyron uses his presence sense to evade the one near him.

"Spitting loogie all the way there will take a while..." Kai pipes up from looking around a claw scratching his cheek.

"We need to clear a battle site." Said to Kai.

Determining how many feet from Tipolei and Ben the enemy is he gives that distance to Kai.

"Could you please, it should help us if you could remove some snow and the enemy is under there."

"On our way, Chay!" Ben shouts back promptly over the radio. "Have you spotted something? Do we have confirmed incoming hostiles?" Ben lights up his sword and dons his armor for good measure. "Best be prepared, even if ambushed," he thinks to himself.

Radio, "Yes Ben under the snow approximately (Gives distance in feet and location) That's the one closest to you. Tipolei has one in front of him (Gives footage.) I have one coming up on my right and the Echo has one coming up on it's left." (Gives footage).

Chay climbs up to the missile launcher, grabs the handle and trains it on the location where Kyron placed the nearest hostiles.

Ana follows Chay, standing with him while holding her pistol. She'd never been in a fight she hadn't run from...at least, that she could remember

Kai tries to figure the area he's suppose to start spitting at.