Mission 1.2: Sinister Trail

Sep 19, 2021 7:33 am
The fight ended up with both sides taking injuries before it was stopped by Samantha, the guide for the party, and the Assistant Communications Officer of the colony. She was not alone, as a few other staff also came in to break up the brawl.

The result was that everyone was brought into the infirmary to recover and to be questioned. Jerome in particular did not know what was in the janitors Closet, and he was also pretty beaten up. He told his companions that he prefer to remain behind within the infirmary, as even when he recovers, he wish to do his own investigations and spiritual soothing of the colonists.

As for Zakk and Matsuki, how might you guys explain what happened to Samantha?
Sep 19, 2021 6:49 pm
Zakk plugs one nostril with thumb and breathes out before switches sides and sniffs.

"We went to talk to the Janitor, he has a moldy pillow also this moldy skull we placed in a bucket was in there... is that normal around here? And is the janitor really the janitor? If so whose severed head is this? Oh yeah those guys got violent, unsure if they wanted to cover up dead man's moldly skull or just had bottled up aggression but they asaaulted us even the priest and he's super nice so I figure oh these guys are dicks so I started to fight back because well I dont like getting smacked around by dicks... Zakk explains.
Last edited September 19, 2021 6:50 pm
Sep 19, 2021 10:08 pm
Matsuki smiles at Samantha, in that ingratiating way she has, and tells her own side of it. "Sick men want to keep their sick skull. So sick. When we took it, to take to security to identify, the sick men attack us, want to keep sick skull for their own perversions. Who knows what they do in closet with skull? I don't want to know. They lucky I don't shoot them in the crotches!"
Sep 22, 2021 5:26 am
Samantha looks worried and confused as she hears the explanation while she also examines the skull in the bucket.

"This is... Wow, I didn't think it would come to this. This would mean that we also have a murder case too. I already barely know how to handle the secret cult being formed, but now we have a group of actual criminals. We don't know how far this goes, so we should avoid causing a panic with this finding. As for who this skull belongs to, I don't know who. So far we haven't had any missing persons. So that means... it might belong to one of the members of the original team we sent out.

I guess it's time we talk about the actual mission I posed for you guys to come here. We could talk in my office where its safer. Or maybe you rather we talk about it here in this clinic?
Sep 22, 2021 1:22 pm
"Yeah no idea about the skull, I'd ask but I don't think it'd tell me much. Either works for me, unless you think someone in the clinic is going to try and kill us... for the record self defense is not causing a ruckus right?"
Sep 22, 2021 7:24 pm
"Let us go to office. Much safer is better when skulls go missing, yes?"
Sep 26, 2021 2:19 am
Samantha nods and leads the way.
"Acts of violence has to be reported to home world headquarters. Just to check on colony stability. Unfortunately, my superior tells me that suspicious cults being formed does not officially count as a reportable issue.

Oh, and do keep the skull hidden. Let's not draw extra attention."

It did not take long to reach her office. It is white walled with crimson carpeting. She opens up her folder once everyone gets in.

"Alright. I'll make it quick. You have different talents, but you have one main task. You are to investigate the site where it is informally called The Face. We had sent a team there before you arrive. It journey was fine, until they reach there location, then suddenly communications cut off. Some unidentified interference. When we check on the sattelite imaging, the vehicle they used to travel in is still parked there, and no bodies are visible.

There are many guesses as to what had happened, but none are conclusive. So now we need to send in another team to investigate, but to do so safely and return. While we desire as much information as possible, we need to prioritise that the expedition members return. Nobody here would want to risk their lives, and they have their own responsibilities to maintaining the base. And so we need new people to come in. I hope you don't think that we view your lives as expendable, but to put it bluntly, it kind of is. However, there will be payment. 1000 Credits to each individual who comes back with substantial evidence of The Face's nature and its danger level. 500 Credits will be paid if at least the danger or some idea of the situation can be identified. Reaching the site and deciding to come back due to reasonable danger will be worth 200 Credits. A vehicle will also be supplied with enough fuel to make the trip back.

You can choose to stay a while longer to solve the murder, and find where the Janitor might be hiding at. As for the skull, perhaps you can bring it to the local doctor to identify who it might belong to. You have visited the infirmary, so you should know the way."
Sep 28, 2021 4:26 pm
She continues. "Due to the fact that you have lost one of your numbers, I'll also suggest to the Colony Direct to have a few of our staff to accompany you. Not all agree though, but one or two should accept."
Sep 28, 2021 4:35 pm
Zakk sighs and checks around the office to tuck a piece of paper over the skull in a bucket before getting up to leave, "Works for me... Wonder why no drones were used or comms though..."
Sep 28, 2021 5:59 pm
"We did also tried to send a drone there. When it was near, there was some interference, and so we stopped sending further drones. It was the Director's decision to avoid further risk of resources to a location that was deemed to technically be of low concern. I disagree with that sentiment, but there is nothing further I can do except to ask for extra help."
Sep 29, 2021 1:34 am
"Telescopes or binomagnifiers? Well, I have a scope on my rifle, hopefully we can see danger before we go inside, yes?" she says to Zakk. "But we have to breathe that horrid air. Ah, well, that is why they send us."

To Samantha, she asks, "How much if we bring back their bodies?"
Sep 29, 2021 3:53 pm
Zakk gets distracted wondering on what kind of lyrics he can come up with.

"Black Skull... Space Void, Insanity Rage.. Hmm need some time to think..." he mutters to himself

"So we see the doc about the skull and look around for the janitor then go to the place everyone dies? When are we scheduled for some rack time?" Zakk states going through his more focused checklist.
Sep 29, 2021 5:21 pm
To Matsuki, Samantha says, "Well, you do have your oxygen tanks. Though right now it's more of a luxury than a necessity. As for finding bodies, bringing them back isn't the immediate priority. Though if you like, you can give them a burial. But if you can get samples regarding their deaths, it would help towards your overall reward of a thousand Credits.

Also, before I forget, here is your key cards to your rooms. If you ever wish to, you may rest there. Though don't rest too long, this place isn't a resort.

Finally, when you are ready to leave you will also be given a mapping device. It is very simple to use, and it has the bare minimum information of navigating out there. It will pinpoint the locations of this colony base, and the site of The Face. It should take a few hours to get there with your all-terrain truck."
Sep 29, 2021 11:35 pm
"You ready to go Mister Zakk? I drive, you write your fancy song and play guitar."

She smiles broadly, and it is, as always, difficult to tell if she is serious.

To Samantha, "I want to go now. Get it under way before more miscreants attack me or go first to set up sneak attack at Face."
Sep 30, 2021 12:02 am
"I guess we can drop off the skull and head out now, to bad we dont have any explosives we could blow the snot out of the face..."
Oct 1, 2021 8:47 pm
"Well, I suggest not to demolish that place yet, just in case it might be a powerful bomb, or contains valuable information of the past habitants of the ex-mining world. But if you want tools, you can buy them at one of the stores... sorry hold on a minute.

Samantha's communication device began to beep and she takes the call. Once she is done, she continues. "Alright, I got someone to join your team. Would you like to meet him here at my office, or will you guys gather at the Ground-Transport Garage for your departure?"
OOC:
Btw, where will Zakk leave the skull? At the office for Samantha to hold on, or to the clinic/medical bay for the skull to be studied?"
Oct 1, 2021 10:15 pm
Matsuki smiles even wider. "Let us go to Ground-Transport Garage.We can check truck while waiting for new friend."
Oct 2, 2021 11:06 am
OOC:
If she's not weirded out I'll just let her take care of transport.
Oct 2, 2021 8:04 pm
OOC:
@Remnant: sorry, did you mean you will have Matsuki drive, or that Samantha will take the skull?
Oct 4, 2021 1:59 pm
OOC:
Both? Ooo I can grab footage. Xd
Oct 6, 2021 11:23 am
OOC:
Yeah, I expected Zakk to be the camera man for the team. Which reminds me, I was the camera man of that sci-fi dystopian game I played here before. Ah yes, it is called Paranoia.
Oct 8, 2021 7:11 am
Zakk and Matsuki goes ahead to the vehicle bay as instructed, and the bucket with the skull is left behind in the office. Samantha can be seen putting it inside a cabinet before locking it up.

There, at the large garage almost the size of the space craft Hanger, the party can see rows of different vehicles parked. Upon explaining that they are part of the mission given by Samantha, the mechanics bring them over to a rudimentary transport truck. No fancy radar or other equipment is on it. The party is also given one Navigation Device.
Oct 8, 2021 12:17 pm
Matsuki sets the navigation device on the dash, and tosses her gear into the back, save for her sniper rifle, which she stashes just inside the drivers door. She checks the truck to make sure it has enough charge for the journey and functions properly.

"Where we get water for the day, and ready-heat meals?"
Oct 8, 2021 12:46 pm
Zakk checks out the passenger side and the door before opening up the oversized duffle bag he's be carrying around he starts positioning a hip mount and assemble a rather large weapon, "She makes a good point don't want to forget the basics..."
Oct 11, 2021 11:50 am
The truck have roughly enough seats for 7 people, and have the space for decent amount of baggage. The fuel indicator shows full.

The staff at the garage says that personal supplies can be purchased at the stores in the colony. Judging by the distance, it will take 3 Watches, or about 18 hours of driving.
OOC:
Debt: If needed to pay for anything, but you don't have enough credits, you will gain debt. There will be a 10% interest per month.

Truck Transport: 5 HP, 12 Str, detachment scale. All-terrain(Will not be affected by difficult terrain.)
Shall cost 5k Credits.

Overland Travel:
1 Hex is 12 miles wide. Foot travel is 1 Hex per Watch/6 hours. The truck speed shall be 10 Hex per Watch.
Oct 11, 2021 12:07 pm
Tariq tramps over, struggling with the unfamiliar weight of his heavy pack. He lets the rucksack hit the floor with a plop and summons a stern affect to replace the painful grimace amid his bushy, black beard. The portly man places a brown-skinned hand at his temple and gives an exaggerated salute to the man and woman loading the vehicle. "Tariq Ali Khan, reporting for duty." He lets the façade fall away and smiles. "So, looks like I'm not the only one who got roped into this little sightseeing tour, ah?"
Oct 11, 2021 6:03 pm
The small overly smiling asian lady says, "I am Matsuki Magami, and this is the Zakk Wylde," she covers her mouth shyly.

"Yes we were recruited by very important persons. We need to buy suites for the road. Water and food for me, you can get what you want. Is it just you or is there another person coming? Miss Samantha was very vague. We take whole base and not know!" She laughs.
Oct 12, 2021 12:43 pm
"Sup bud, I guess a tour of sorts no one has come back alive from where we're going... Tour of the Dead Among the Stars... I should write that down since it sounds good... thanks." Zakk states still getting set up.
Oct 12, 2021 1:11 pm
Tariq looks up from sorting his pack, pauses. "Wait... No one's every come back alive from this Face thingy? Uh, Sam didn't mention that. Anyone have any idea why?"
Oct 12, 2021 2:09 pm
"That's what we need to find out. Wouldn't need to investigate if we knew what was going on and why already." Zakk offers up as he tinkers.
Oct 13, 2021 10:37 am
At the mention of noone returning from The Face, the workers at the garage suddenly seem to act busy. One even began to whistle a random unharmonic tune as he looks over his tools.
OOC:
The 1 week rations will also have water for 1 week.
RoAries sent a note to RoAries
Oct 13, 2021 1:06 pm
Tariq buys a week's rations, as well.
OOC:
How important is equipment? I've only got 30 credits, so all he can really buy are rations. But I notice that Tariq doesn't have a backpack—am I to assume he's just carrying all his stuff in pockets?
Oct 14, 2021 5:23 am
OOC:
I'll consider that everyone start with a backpack of sorts and a vacsuit.
Oct 14, 2021 2:34 pm
Matsuki, after driving them to the commissary, buys a weeks rations. "Everybody ready? Mr. Zakk, Mr. Tariq? We should leave before more people want to come."
OOC:
Clearly we need to wait for Nikolai Volkov, but maybe make him run for the truck, haha.
Oct 14, 2021 3:46 pm
Zakk gets in once he figures out the logistics of his hip mount placement.
Oct 18, 2021 6:05 pm
Having got slightly lost on his way to the vehicle garage - with all the blandness and similarity between the standard colony buildings, it's a wonder anyone could find their way anywhere around here, - Wolf finally makes his way to his destination. He rarely needed to travel while staying at this base - since most electrical work had to be done on the base's own systems, - so he's curious to be here, looking around with a bland stare that in his dictionary of expressions indicates intrigue.

When he strolls into the hangar, Volkov pauses a few steps away from the entrance to survey the interior: he notes the oddly focused and hushed workers, a truck parked at the ready, and finally a ragtag group of people clustered around it. He watches them for a bit, considering whether he wants to confirm with the hangar workers first or act on a guess and assume that these people are other members of this so-called survey expedition. Admittedly it is a very well-founded guess, since neither of them looks like they'd have anything to do with each other otherwise. Albeit appearances can lie as good as words...

Nikolai sighs, bracing himself for social interaction, and walks over to the truck. He offers a brief wave to whoever notices him first, and then nods at the transport: "You the creepy site investigation team? I'm joining." He announces and crosses his arms, waiting for any reaction and hoping that they'll simply point him to get in without questions. Which translates into an unfriendly frown and a stormy look - probably isn't the best first impression, but Wolf can't be bothered.
OOC:
Is there anywhere I can look for other characters' appearance descriptions? :D Mine's on the sheet if anyone needs it! (Avatar kinda turned out more of a twink than he should've been, but hey, creative liberties with myself. XD)
Last edited October 18, 2021 6:09 pm
Oct 18, 2021 6:45 pm
"Who you calling creepy, fella?" Tariq summons his glariest glare, meeting the stranger's eyes. Then the façade drops, and he lets out a hearty chuckle. "I'm Tariq Ali Khan. Uh, I just met these two myself. Glad I'm not the only fresh face anymore."
FlyingSucculent says:
OOC:
Is there anywhere I can look for other characters' appearance descriptions? :D Mine's on the sheet if anyone needs it! (Avatar kinda turned out more of a twink than he should've been, but hey, creative liberties with myself. XD)
OOC:
I think I've made it so you can view Tariq's character sheet, but here's my description either way "Portly man of South Asian heritage with a luxurious mane and an even better beard. He wears a white lab coat over a button-down shirt and chino-style trousers"
Oct 18, 2021 7:22 pm
OOC:
Thank you! :D
Wolf blandly eyes the man who responds, though his lips twitch like he's mildly amused. "The site. I'm calling the site creepy. My electrician colleagues seemed to agree that it is almost the location's official name." He extends one of his hands - turning it so his signature gauntlet's blades are out of the way, - to offer Tariq a handshake. "Nikolai Volkov. Though call me whatever you want. Pleasure to meet."
Last edited October 18, 2021 7:22 pm
Oct 18, 2021 11:11 pm
Matsuki, the slender Japanese woman with an office worked kind of look, swings out from behind the truck's driver wheel and steps into the hangar deck. She holds out her arm straight, straight-backed and partially bows as she waits for the handshake to be complete. "Matsuki Magumi," She introduces herself.
Last edited October 18, 2021 11:11 pm
Oct 19, 2021 1:28 pm
Zakk sticks his head out since he just got situated, "I'm Zakk, you coming or what bud? We got a moldy skull to check out once we get back too so it's creepy all over this place."
Last edited October 19, 2021 1:44 pm
Oct 19, 2021 9:02 pm
Nikolai exchanges another handshake with Magumi and nods at Zakk in greeting, innerly delighted by this group's straight to the point approach. "Sounds lovely," he replies to the mention of a moldy skull - another one of these occult faces, perhaps, - and without further delay hauls himself into the vehicle, picking whichever seat is the easiest to jump out of and dropping his backpack by his feet.
Oct 21, 2021 2:27 pm
[ +- ] The map currently shows
OOC:
Is everyone ready to go? I'll begin. If you still want to do something, we can retcon a little.
Seeing as the suicide squad team is ready, the mechanics proceed to open up a large garage door. As it grinds open, the air of the outside world blows in, causing a few coughs from those that barely shield their noses and mouths. Luckily, the all the team members are in the truck, which also have its own ventilation system to filter out whatever unpleasant particles the atmosphere has.
Once the path is clear, the Matsuki sends the vehicle out, and into the gravelly surface of Mersk...
OOC:
If you wish to use O2, let me know, otherwise I will count as not in use.
As Matsuki is the driver, she would decide the route to take. So far, nothing is known, but with a simple list of random events I prepared, there may be some land marks coming up. The truck can travel 10 tiles per Watch, or 6 hours. You all will count as having been awake for 1 Watch. Do also decide how you may want to rotate your sleep during travel, if you wish.
Oct 21, 2021 10:04 pm
OOC:
Ready to proceed!
And I'm fine with taking any watches, though Wolf will like being awake at night.
Nikolai remains mostly quiet during travel, perfectly content to occupy his seat and watch landscapes of the planet stretch around them, his eyes trailing the mountains on the horizon. He never bothered to learn about what exactly they were excavating out there - and even if he did, he doubts it would be of any interest to him. Idly, he wonders if any of his new companions are miners; unlikely, given what he'd seen from them so far. Matsuki and Tariq both looked like science-y types.
Last edited October 21, 2021 10:05 pm
Oct 22, 2021 1:56 am
Matsuki heads in a mathematical straight line for the Face, or as close to that as the terrain will allow them to safely go. If forced to choose, she chooses right (right is right, right?).

"Tell us stories about yourself. You are workers here, right? Why don't we have mask filters?"
Oct 22, 2021 3:04 pm
RoAries sent a note to RoAries,SavageBob,FlyingSucculent
Oct 23, 2021 1:15 am
Tariq watches the monotonous landscape whiz by and welcomes Matsuki's question. "Yes, I am a worker in the colony. A veterinarian, actually." He sees the confused looks. He's used to them. "Yes, they seem to think there's no role for animals on this rock, but I'm here to tell you... that's not entirely true. I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't run into some weird fauna at this head thingie, to be honest..." The large man shrugs. "But who knows. As for the air filters, my guess is they don't have enough to go around. When you work in a veterinary lab, you see a lot of bureaucratic... ah, mismanagement."
Oct 23, 2021 2:37 pm
OOC:
Random Event rolling...
RoAries sent a note to RoAries
OOC:
I'll see if anyone else wants to make a response in a few days before I do the next round.

Also, everyone, roll Will Saving throw to avoid Will damage by the oncoming event.

Rolls

Random Event - (1d6)

(2) = 2

Event direction - (1d6)

(3) = 3

Event frequency - (1d2)

(2) = 2

Random Event 2 - (1d6)

(4) = 4

Event direction 2 - (1d6)

(4) = 4

Oct 23, 2021 4:36 pm
OOC:
Or are we rolling to avoid psychic damage from.Matsuki singing tone deafly to Zakks guitar?

Rolls

Will 10/12 - (1d20)

(1) = 1

Oct 23, 2021 7:59 pm
Nikolai only shrugs in response to the question about mask filters. He genuinely has no idea, since he never cared about the lack of safety gear for himself even in his own profession, and Tariq's explanation sounds plausible enough. He does, however, decide to make an effort in being cooperative and volunteers information about himself... in his own, laconic way. "I am a freelancer electrician. Ex-mercenary." He lifts up his hand, gauntlet claws glinting dully in the light.
Last edited October 23, 2021 8:00 pm

Rolls

Will Save (8) - (1d20)

(7) = 7

Oct 24, 2021 4:09 am
OOC:
Saving...

Rolls

Will Save (7) - (1d20)

(20) = 20

Oct 24, 2021 6:12 pm
OOC:
I'll continue. Zakk is left to roll.
Edit: Done
The journey went on in silence. There may be occasional chatter to pass the time. The scenery through the window of the vehicle shows the same scene of a grey landscape.

Zakk was watching the scenery by himself, when he suddenly feel like there is something weird about the ground. Like a shadow of a line stretching across the field. This is when the rockstar realise that what he is seeing is actually a massive ravine running alongside the truck.

He tells Matsuki about it, who turns out to be surprised as she hadn't notice it. She continue to drive at a distance from the valley, thankful that at least there are others with her to be alert.

However, Tariq was disturbed by it. The thought of suddenly falling into such a monstrously large hole gave him chills. Even he, who had was stationed at the planet, does not know if such a structure is a natural occurrence, or if something have caused this destruction. (Tariq received 1 will damage)
[ +- ] Matsuki
OOC:
I played minecraft, and have fallen into ravines when exploring.

Rolls

Will damage - (1d4)

(1) = 1

Oct 24, 2021 6:16 pm
OOC:
Zakk looks around for inspiration

Rolls

Will 6/7 - (1d20)

(3) = 3

Oct 25, 2021 1:11 am
Tariq feels his hair stand on end as the near-death encounter with the chasm sinks over him like a dose of detomidine. He sinks into his seat and catches his breath. "Maybe... Maybe slow down a bit?"
OOC:
Tariq talking, not me. Matsuki should do what Matsuki would do! :)
Oct 25, 2021 2:20 am
When the ravine becomes obvious, she does slow down. "That ravine hard to see. I slow down bit," she says in her accented slur. Her knuckles grip the steering appartus more firmly, and she tries to float into a Zen meditative sense of awareness, ignoring the conversation around her to watch the road.
Oct 25, 2021 11:33 am
"When the ground opens up to swallow you whole, the bells gonna sound you will hear the toll, awoke from the slumber consumed by rage...Just another story in the book gotta turn the page... Meeeh... don't know about the literary part..." Zakk mutters to himself quietly bobbing his head slightly before going back to looking around frowning a bit.
Oct 25, 2021 8:48 pm
Matsuki drives on, being in her zen mode. This caused her speed to slow down a bit, but still at decent pace. She keeps her eyes on the drop to her right, and when it seem to stop going on, she drives around it. Whatever it is, it's like a great earthquake have split the ground.

A few hours passed, and now the Spacers can see that they are passing by a massive hole on their right. The passengers can observe that it looks to be carved out, with the form of a smooth spiral funnel. Like a drill the size of a stadium had tried to bore through it. However, any signs of the machines that could have made it is now gone. In fact, no signs of human contructs can be seen in this barren wasteland.
OOC:
As the truck have traveled slower and more carefully, it now traveled 6 tiles this watch.
It's now 12 hours since the party slept. Shall we continue?

Rolls

Speed reduction - (1d4)

(4) = 4

Oct 25, 2021 9:21 pm
Wolf observes landscape elements with mild curiosity, but doesn't comment on either and simply ignores the strangeness of it all. Tectonic movement is not his area of expertise in the slightest, though on occassion he did have to account for it when setting up electrical connections - but not often enough to pick up any important knowledge to identify the crater or the ravine. The most he does in response to this new discovery is plan his action in case they accidentally tumble down somewhen later. (The plan consists primarily of "try not to impale himself".)
Oct 25, 2021 9:41 pm
"We should figure out a spot to knock out some rack time without falling into the oblivion.. oblivion, O-blii-viooon... hmm." Zakk comments before resaying the last word a few ways.
Oct 25, 2021 11:26 pm
"I done driving. Eyes sore. Whoever slept can drive now." She pulls to a halt, and let's the vehicle idle.
Oct 26, 2021 1:13 am
A yawn splits Tariq's bushy beard. "I can take a shift. Might take my mind off our hear-death experience." The big man takes the wheel and glances to the others. "Sleep if you can. Or sing. I don't mind the break in the monotony."
Oct 26, 2021 8:24 pm
OOC:
Rolling next random event
RoAries sent a note to RoAries
OOC:
I'll give a hint. The next event will affect whether or not you are awake or asleep. Or atleast being able to observe your surroundings.

Let me know if you choose to remain awake or sleep.

Rolls

Random Event - (1d6)

(1) = 1

Event direction - (1d6)

(1) = 1

Event Frequency - (1d2)

(1) = 1

Oct 27, 2021 12:11 am
Matsuki will sleep, her posture polite and rigid even as her head leans back and rests on the seat back, mouth slightly open.
Oct 27, 2021 1:40 am
Tariq continues driving, as it's his shift.
Oct 27, 2021 7:32 am
Nikolai, not yet tired enough to fall asleep instantly, continues his silent vigil over the surroundings until he manages to doze off to sound of the vehicle's engines, in the same position as he was sitting all this time. Probably not the most comfortable way to sleep, but if he wishes to keep watch during the night, extra energy will be invaluable.
Oct 27, 2021 1:19 pm
"Wake me up if things get dicey or weird." Zakk mentions before checking his camera and bracing himself to sleep sitting as is.
Oct 27, 2021 9:17 pm
The journey was the same as usual. As Tariq takes over to drive, Matsuki, Nikolai, and Zakk eventually fell asleep to the monotony.

While Tariq was driving through yet another stretch of rocky plains, he thought he saw something moving in the corner of his eyes. He thought it wasn't anything, until he sees movement again. It's like a something with legs just rushed by behind the boulders. However, judging by the way the shadows move under the head lights of the vehicle, it could also just be his imagination. Or maybe it could be a newly discovered species.
OOC:
What would his reaction be? Also, roll for Will saving throw.
Oct 28, 2021 1:58 am
Tariq brings the vehicle slowly to a stop. He looks toward where he saw the movement and tries to see if he spots it again.

Rolls

Will Save (6/7) - (1d20)

(7) = 7

Oct 30, 2021 2:23 pm
The sight of the movements causes Tariq's heart to beat faster. As he tries to squint at his surroundings, he can't see anything moving again, or the shape of anything that isn't rock-like.
OOC:
1 Will damage, and would Tariq continue to try to search, or ignore?

Rolls

Luck roll - (1d6)

(5) = 5

Oct 31, 2021 11:54 am
Tariq blinks his eyes for a moment into the darkness. He chuckles to himself. Must be his eyes playing tricks on him. At least that's what he tells himself. He ignores the anomaly and continues driving into the night.
Nov 1, 2021 12:55 pm
OOC:
I'm making/updating the map. Will be posted hopefully soon.
Tariq continues on driving. As he drives on, he seems to not see the thing he saw again. He accepts it as being an illusion.

By now, Tariq have driven for 6 hours. Everyone is beginning to wake up again.
OOC:
Would anyone rotate with Tariq? Any who have rested, reduce 1 day of rations, and restore all HP, or 1d6 of any attribute.
RoAries sent a note to RoAries

Rolls

Random Event - (1d6)

(5) = 5

Event direction - (1d6)

(3) = 3

Event Frequency - (1d2)

(1) = 1

Nov 1, 2021 1:40 pm
OOC:
-1 Ration, I'll take the HP restore since that's double the recovered points vs stat damage.
Zakk yawns after waking up. "We stopping for a bio break and rotation anytime soon?" he asked scratching his chest.
Nov 1, 2021 3:37 pm
'Suki wakes as the vehicle rolls to a stop. Paranoia wakes over her. Why are these people in my cell? before she remembers where they are. Oh right, it's okay, we're just on a toxic alien planet traveling to certain death. Whew!
OOC:
She'll take the Will recovery.

Rolls

Stat recovery - (1d6)

(4) = 4

Nov 1, 2021 5:23 pm
Tariq yawns. "Yeah, ladies room behind that rock, men's room in that crater, and gender-neutral facilities everyone else." He crunches on a nutrient-bar. "Who's driving next? I'm pretty frazzled from the night."
OOC:
-1 day of rations; rolling Will recovery.

Rolls

Will recovery - (1d6)

(1) = 1

Nov 3, 2021 5:36 am
[ +- ] map
OOC:
Would anyone take over the driving?
Nov 3, 2021 1:14 pm
Matsuki will drive again if the others aren't keen on it. She likes the control.
Nov 4, 2021 11:18 am
Everyone does whatever personal business quickly, including refueling the fuel tank of the vehicle. From there, Matsuki continues to take the wheel.

After a couple of hours, the truck comes across a field with a scattering of holes. These pits are not as large as the one seen earlier, but they are still large enough for the truck to tumble into if careless. So far, Matsuki is able to navigate through this area easily, as the holes are visible, and the space between them is decently large enough.
OOC:
Btw, the cross on the map is where the truck is currently. Also, would matsuki try to slow down to be more careful when driving through here, or would she keep at regular speed?
Nov 4, 2021 6:36 pm
She slows down to be entirely safe. Matsuki does not want to break down and be left breathing that sludge for the trip back.

Only, that's assuming that the fuel economy isn't hammered by doing that? She checks with the others if they know about space trucks.
Nov 5, 2021 7:03 am
OOC:
I am thinking about simulating fuel usage, even though it won't be of immediate importance right now. If I am to be some what realistic, I would say the truck will lose about 1 durability point for each watch it is moving. The truck itself have fuel Cannisters that can recover this. It starts with 10 points of extra fuel. Btw, when I said "truck", it is more like some lightly armoured transport vehicle than a modern concept of a road truck.
Nov 7, 2021 9:28 am
OOC:
I think I could have it also be a chance to avoid fuel usage. Matsuki, roll Dex save twice, to avoid spending 1 point for fuel/endurance during your lowered speed driving.
Nov 7, 2021 1:17 pm
OOC:
Requested dex saves

Rolls

Dex 10 saves - (1d20, 1d20)

1d20 : (8) = 8

1d20 : (12) = 12

Nov 7, 2021 1:26 pm
OOC:
2 points spent. 8 points extra left.
Btw, I'll not count the disadv for driving related.
Matsuki drives on pass the hole filled Landscape. In time, the truck arrives closer to the destination...
OOC:
There is still a bit of distance left. Another Watch have passed.

Rolls

Speed reduction - (1d4)

(1) = 1

Nov 9, 2021 3:53 am
[ +- ] Map
OOC:
Will Matsuki continue the remaining journey, or will someone take over? Also, will your speed be standard, slowed, or very slowed? Or fast? This will determine fuel usage and distance(which is not much there now, but reaching the destination with spare movement will mean the Watch period is still ongoing when exploring the place.

How would your characters try to prepare when they reach the site? And how close do they park?
Nov 9, 2021 3:29 pm
'Suki will drive the remainder of the way, and drive as fast as is safe. As soon as they get near enough to see it, she'll stop the vehicle so they can use distance vision equipment, like her sniper scope, to get a sense of the layout.
Nov 10, 2021 6:41 am
Matsuki drove as quick as possible. The path so far is flat, aside from a few hills.

In roughly another hour, the scene of the destination comes into view. Parking at a Long Distance away, the Matsuki brings out her rifle to look through its scope. She can see the pillars sticking out from the ground. They seem to be of some silvery metal, but there is black filth covering portions of these pillars. Strands of weed-like protrusions sticks out of the black stuff.

Rolls

Event frequency - (1d2-1)

(1) - 1 = 0

Luck roll - (1d6)

(5) = 5

Nov 10, 2021 2:15 pm
"We get any sample containers? Like those little cups you pee in with the lid."
Nov 10, 2021 2:58 pm
Remnant says:
"We get any sample containers? Like those little cups you pee in with the lid."
OOC:
Sounds like something Tariq would have, but I'm not sure how inventory works. If it's not on the sheet I don't have it, or assume I have standard equipment for my job? (I also have a medkit.)
Last edited November 10, 2021 2:59 pm
Nov 11, 2021 6:57 am
Tariq checks his bag. He notices that he actually have a single plastic container with a lid. It is not as small as a pee cup, though something that can fit a fist in, or a human brain. (This takes up 1 slot)

Rolls

Luck roll - (1d6)

(1) = 1

Nov 11, 2021 2:07 pm
Tariq produces the container. "Uh... I've got this. Probably more handy for animal droppings than a urine sample, though. What'd you have in mind?"
Nov 11, 2021 3:58 pm
OOC:
How long has it been since we left the base, if I may ask?
Once the truck comes to a stop, Wolf jumps out of it and busies himself by stretching his hands and pacing around to make his blood flow after a while of sitting almost motionless. Only after he is satisfied with his own state of battle readiness, does he turn towards the site and narrows his eyes at the pillars in the distance. "Solo scout, or all go in?" He questions the group aloud without addressing anyone in particular; if there is a leader, they'd answer.
Nov 11, 2021 5:05 pm
OOC:
It has been roughly 20 hours since you left the base.

Btw, as to also remind myself, this game is where rolling happens when there is an actual threat when performing actions. Besides me rolling luck to see how nice I want to be, there won't be any requests for stealth or perception checks.
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Nov 12, 2021 11:42 am
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(Small retcon)
Matsuki will also notice the truck of the previous team sent to the site. It is barely hidden behind a few boulders. It is near the rim of the face basin.
Nov 16, 2021 7:09 pm
"Well, that looks ominous," Tariq says, as he hops out of the truck and heads toward the previous team's vehicle.
Nov 17, 2021 2:46 am
Matsuki will pass around her sniper scope. "Let's get closer, yes?"
Nov 17, 2021 12:17 pm
"My video feed is a bit fuzzy anyone know how to figure out if that's normal due to interference in the area or well moldy skull related?" he asks looking outside the door to see if it's safe to hop out with his weapon.
Nov 17, 2021 2:09 pm
"Sorry, wish I knew about the interference. I need to stretch my legs. That ride was brutal. Meet you over there." Tariq continues walking toward the other truck.
Nov 19, 2021 6:37 am
The party slowly approach the other abandoned truck. As they reach it, they will notice that there is noone inside. The doors can be opened, and a food wrapper can be seen left under a seat. The key to the vehicle is not present though. From the disturbs of the ground, it seems like a number of people have exited the vehicle, paced around, before heading down the slope of the site.

As this truck is parked near the rim, the party can now see that close up, the Face is a half dug out pit. The metallic pillars pokes through the ground in the basin, and at the centre where the "nose" of the face illusion is, a white structure seems to be half buried in the mound of dirt.

(Luck roll of 6)

While checking out the truck, a piece of torn written paper can be seen on the ground. It could almost be missed as it was trapped at the door.
[ +- ] The paper
RoAries sent a note to Remnant

Rolls

Luck roll - (1d6)

(6) = 6

Nov 19, 2021 10:27 pm
Matsuki keeps get ruffle at the ready, watching while the others scramble about the truck.

"I want to look at the structure in the middle. They dig, maybe they fall in hole, maybe they get stuck."
Nov 22, 2021 2:49 am
Wolf only shrugs when his suggestion of sending a scout is ignored, and passively follows others in the rear, keeping eyes on any potential trouble approaching from unexpected directions. He remains vigilant once they reach the truck, standing on guard for a few moments more - right until he notices Matsuki doing the same, lets out an amused huff and joins the rummaging through the vehicle instead.

When they notice the paper, Nikolai quickly plucks it from the ground with his claws and examines the writing with interest before passing it to whoever is the closest at the moment. "Do not go insane." He recommends to the group with his best deadpan voice and then moves away, closer to the basin. Once there, he leans slightly forward to look down the hole and assessing how deep it is.
OOC:
So, it is a big crater with sloped sides, and at its bottom there are columns with black filth and weeds, as well as an unidentified half-buried white structure? (Just making sure I got it right!) Would it be easy to go down and, more importantly, up without any additional supports? Is it big in approximate diameter?
Last edited November 22, 2021 2:51 am
Nov 22, 2021 5:44 am
OOC:
It is a slightly oval crater with some mounds that creates the image of a grinning face in shadow when viewed from above. The columns with the filth are randomly standing within the area of this crater. The columns rise above the surface level, extending roughly 20 m(70 feet) overhead. The depth of the crater is roughly 15 m (50 feet). The diameter of it is roughly 100 m(330 feet) from "head" to "chin", and roughly 60 m(200 feet) wide.
The sides of the "face" can be descended easily if slowly traveled along a narrow path that zig zags towards the bottom. Climbing straight down or up without going around the sides will have risk of tumbling.

Note that my measurements is estimated, and the size could be bigger or smaller later.
Nov 27, 2021 4:46 pm
OOC:
How is everyone? It's OK if you need time. I'm just making sure that you're not waiting for me.

Do you guys want to do anything else, or are you ready to descend the slope? Will you go the steep way, or the longer but flatter way?
Nov 27, 2021 6:00 pm
"Lets take the slower gradience, I'll let you know when my electronics drop off from interference." Zakk offers up adjusting his equipment for a walk about.
OOC:
I'm assuming the 'holiday hold' is starting to latch onto games.
Nov 27, 2021 9:12 pm
"Okay, I set up on top and watch over as you go do, Mr. Zakk." She goes to the rim and finds a good place to lie down, the sniper rifle sweeping the area below.
Nov 28, 2021 2:36 am
OOC:
Yeah, just got back in town from a week away.
"I'll go with you," Tariq says. "I'll keep a look out for more tracks."
Nov 28, 2021 12:57 pm
OOC:
Alright. I'll assume you three will stick together whlle Mastsuki remains at the top to observe.
Nikolai, Zakk and Tariq start their way down the shadowy path, taking it easy along the edges of the Face. Zakk looks on the ground for tracks. He is able to spot the subtle foot prints of people taking the same path. There are also signs of the black mold/reeds growing from the crevasses in the rocks.
Zakk continues to view his recording device. He now notices that when he faces the camera away from the pit and the pillars, the video clears a little, but when he focuses back in, the static returns. (Would he investigate this further?)

Matsuki watches from above. Everything seems very quiet. She looks at the black growth on the pillars. They seem to be undulating a little, as if moved by a breeze. (Would she investigate further?)
OOC:
Everyone, would you be wearing your vacsuits now, and would you be using the oxygen tank? There are other things that may affect you when you are wearing it, such as not being able to sense the presence of wind.
After while, the 3 who descended reached the stretch of stones that forms the wide smile of The Face. They now have a choice. They could move around the "mouth" by the left, which will make them be visible to Matsuki looking out from above, or they could go right, which will make not been visible, but possibly seeing another view of the "nose" and the half buried white structure.

Rolls

Luck roll - (1d6)

(4) = 4

Nov 29, 2021 6:43 pm
Upon reaching the "mouth", Tariq notices that the trail of the 1st team starts becoming messy, and that it looks like somebody have fallen over. There are also bits of shell casings amongst the pebbles.

Tariq will regard this scene as a fight having taken place. Which means something might have attacked them here...
(1 will damage to Tariq)

Rolls

Tariq Will Save(6) - (1d20)

(20) = 20

Will damage - (1d4)

(1) = 1

Nov 30, 2021 3:16 am
OOC:
I'm not clear on whether vac suits are necessary here or not. Ditto oxygen canisters. Let's assume Tariq is holding the oxygen but not wearing the vac suit.
"Looks like some kind of... scuffle. Shell casings all over the place. What were they shooting at?" He looks toward the face for any sign of a living being. "Should we stay where Matsuki can see us?"
Nov 30, 2021 4:30 am
OOC:
Matsuki has her gear with her, but unless the air is much worse here, she'll breathe it straight.
She focuses her scope on the undulating grass, wondering what sort of plant can live in this place.
Nov 30, 2021 4:36 pm
"Watch your footing. Lets move down in shifts in case the gunfight shifted the terrain... See if you see anything damaged or fluids..." Zakk offers up adjusting his gun at his hip taking small steps to move into an area to provide overwatch on the way down.
Nov 30, 2021 10:34 pm
OOC:
Wolf wouldn't wear his vacsuit without explicit reason - so unless the air is very bad, he's not wearing it. Same for the oxygen.
Wolf follows the other two carefully, suspiciously eyeing the black mold whenever they pass it, while simultaneously trying to avoid turning his back to the structure in the middle of the crater. He pauses as they reach the stones, looking around for anything abnormal or indicative of what happened to the last group. When Tariq points out the shell casings, he leans down to pick up one for closer inspection.

"Lets not leave view. We can see other side later." He twirls the casing in his hand, then looks over at the structure. "Think we can throw something, bait foes out while there is a clear route of retreat?"
Dec 3, 2021 8:55 pm
The air currently is slightly irritable and smells odd. Breathing it gives one the feeling of coughing, but it's manageable to avoid doing so.

Tariq still can't see any living creatures, other than his companions and the black growth.

Matsuki watch the grass closely. She can now tell that the motion is too erratic to caused by the wind.

Nikolai watch the mold as he avoids it. As he pass them by, he notice that they seem to move to stretch out whenever someone goes near them. In fact, he sees them as grasping hands that blindly reach for the Spacers... (1 will damage. Wow, all damages so far are 1s.)
OOC:
Alright, what might be the marching order? As in, who is at the front, and who is at the back of the group? And shall I assume we will go by the visible route?

Rolls

Luck roll (air) - (1d6)

(3) = 3

Luck roll - (1d6)

(1) = 1

Matsuki will save (12) - (1d20)

(5) = 5

Nikolai will save (8) - (1d20)

(20) = 20

Nikolai Will damage - (1d6)

(1) = 1

Dec 5, 2021 12:48 am
Nikolai shudders in disgust upon noticing the movement - whether it is just a trick of imagination or genuine reaction of the flora, it is unpleasant to perceive. Idly, the electrician thinks that it's a shame that none of his allies seem like they would have a flamethrower hidden away... At least his claws are good at cutting plants. And tendrils.
OOC:
I'm fine going first. And I also wanted to throw something (casing, or rock) at the structure in the middle, if no one is against it?
Last edited December 5, 2021 12:49 am
Dec 7, 2021 9:24 pm
Tariq is tempted to take a sample of the mold, but he sees Nikolai preparing to throw something. "If there's a batsman on the other side, I'll eat my vacc suit."
OOC:
Go for it!
Dec 8, 2021 12:31 am
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Nikolai picks up an empty shell and readies his aim to send the casing over the row of tall rocks towards the structure at the centre.

There were the plinks of metal as the bait bounce about. Dramatic silence followed what might have been the tossing of the dice of fate. And then...

There is a hideous groaning noise, and it comes from the direction of the structure, a little to the right. It barely could be understood, but it sounds like a woman choking. "Save... me... some... body!"

Looking around now, a very disturbing scene followed. The black growth from the pillars began to form balloons at the tip of each agitated stalk. The larger of these balloons then form wide hollow eyes and excited chattering mouths. These features seems to be white, but at the same time not real (like those Illusions where you can see dots when you don't look directly.)

"Hey hey hey there!"
"Ha ha ha!"
"The bitch is crying hah!"
The faces chatter over each other.

Rolls

Luck roll (Bait throw) - (1d6)

(4) = 4

Nikolai Will save (groan) - (1d20)

(13) = 13

Nikolai will save (faces) - (1d20)

(15) = 15

Tariq will save (groan) - (1d20)

(10) = 10

Tariq will save (faces) - (1d20)

(19) = 19

Zakk will save (groan) - (1d20)

(5) = 5

Zakk will save(faces) - (1d20)

(11) = 11

Matsuki will save (groan) - (1d20)

(19) = 19

Matsuri will save (faces) - (1d20)

(6) = 6

Dec 9, 2021 7:27 am
OOC:
Nikolai fail both, Tariq fail both, Matsuki failed voice,
Zakk failed faces.
Nikolai's sanity have shattered from the combo of noises and supernatural faces, which gave him Visiosubrideophobia. (I think this name is made up for a horror game, but looks relevant.)

Currently, the party knows that the groaning is coming from the right path a medium distance away, and the source still can't be seen, even by Matsuki. The faces are slowly being spawned in from above. They are right now medium distance above, and long distance from Matsuki. There are 3 now, and is hard to tell if they are looking at the noise source, or the party.

Rolls

Nikolai Will damages - (1d4+1d6)

(3) + (5) = 8

Tariq will damages - (1d4+1d6)

(3) + (1) = 4

Matsuki will damage - (1d4)

(4) = 4

Zakk will damage - (1d4)

(4) = 4

Dec 10, 2021 9:23 pm
OOC:
This was a Crisis Event for me, correct? Do I do the Growth rolls?
Also, is my Will now 0 (or -1?) until we can rest?
Nikolai startles and instinctively backs away from the faces, before forcing himself to stop and stare at the disturbing - disgusting, - growth. He tries to push his own fear away, and instead focus on calculating whether he can reach any of the faces with his claws. If yes, he will try to do that, if not, he will charge towards the source of noise - in hopes that dealing with it will deal with the faces as well.
Last edited December 10, 2021 9:24 pm
Dec 11, 2021 6:56 am
OOC:
Yes, that phobia effect is a crisis event. Your attribute drops to 0. Yes, you get to do the growth rolls now.
The faces are currently above you guys and are not reachable by melee.

Btw, it's now a combat encounter, so everyone has to do an action in order to continue to next round. Its now the Party's turn.

I'm trying to find the rules on attacking and moving, but seems unable to. So I'll just give this assumption:
You can melee attack at close range for the round.
You can move up to Short range for the round. Medium is twice of short range, and Long range is either 3 or 4 rounds of movement. Distant range is 5+ rounds, and likely unreachable in combat.
You can shoot up to long range, unless the weapon have special rules.
Nikolai heads up to the right. As he turns around the corner, he finally sees the thing that was making noise. A Short distance away, a shambling woman faces Nikolai. She is wearing the familiar work clothes some of the members of the base were wearing. Her eyes and mouths were fully black, dripping with the mold.

"Who... is... there..." She croaked.

This awful sight caused Nikolai to stumble, hurting his ankle a bit. (1 Dexterity damage. Since your Will is 0, will saves are auto fail, so I make it as other effects.)
Dec 11, 2021 3:42 pm
OOC:
So, potential targets are the floating faces or this zombie-woman? Do the rest of us see the woman?
Dec 11, 2021 4:14 pm
OOC:
The rest of you don't see the woman yet. She is on the other side of the rocks. I'll give another option, you could climb up the rocks. I'll let this be either a Dex or Str save of your choice. Failure means falling and being hurt. From the top of the rocks, you can see the woman, and you will be nearer to where the faces are.

Matsuki is able to use her action to move into another position to see the zombie woman, or shoot the ballooning faces spawned above the party.

I should draw and post a map.
Dec 11, 2021 5:34 pm
OOC:
Matsuki will shoot the ballooning faces. I don't think she knows enough to want to move to see something she doesn't see.
Dec 11, 2021 6:09 pm
Tariq hears Nikolai screams. He pauses for a moment, then circles the rocks to see what has happened, keeping his distance as he does so.
OOC:
Assuming a Will save, which will kill my Will if failed... :)
Dec 13, 2021 10:49 am
Matsuki aims for one of the heads that appeared. The target blew up in pieces, like a balloon. The rest of the heads began to look around, as if in a panic.
OOC:
That roll could have been a pass, but as I checked the stats I made up for these guys, that is an instant kill damage.
Tariq turns the corner. His sanity is shaken as he sees the woman who looks like she shouldn't be alive and speaking, but is somehow is. However, perhaps it's that he is bracing himself for the horrors that is now coming, that instead of being weakened, he became more stoic, atleast for the moment.
OOC:
Tariq is now 0 Will, but since its 1 damage, the rules says he gets advantage on all saves for 1d6 turns. Rolled 2.
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Rolls

Matsuki sniper rifle - (1d8)

(7) = 7

Enemy str save - (1d20)

(1) = 1

Tariq will save - (1d20)

(9) = 9

Turns for effect - (1d6)

(2) = 2

Dec 15, 2021 8:04 pm
OOC:
May I ask a mechanics question?
Is there such thing as a max value for an attribute? Like when it says that you heal 1d6 STR during resting, can it go over your starting value, or does it not matter what you had initially? And when attribute grows, is it max value that grows (since it's only by 1), or is it technically the same as healing?
Nikolai hisses at pain in his ankle, but that only serves to distract him from the growing unease at all of the strangeness happening around. The sound of Matsuki's shots is even more reassuring, as that is something anchored in familiarity. It is enough for Nikolai to force himself to ignore the troubling nature of everything that's happened so far and regain some control over his own fear.

He extends a hand to point his claws at the woman. "Can you hear and understand me? Don't approach, or I will attack you," Wolf warns, as calm as he can, stance wary. He's prepared to fight if the woman tries to fight him, but hesitates to attack without knowledge of what exactly is wrong with her and whether she's coherent.

While she struggles to answer, he loudly calls out to Zakk and Matsuki: "There is a woman covered in mold here, walking, maybe alive? Seems to be from the previous group!"
Last edited December 15, 2021 8:07 pm

Rolls

Growth - HP - (1d6)

(2) = 2

Growth - Dexterity - (1d20)

(8) = 8

Dec 15, 2021 9:43 pm
OOC:
Tariq wants to get his tranq gun out. How do I roll for that? Assuming my 0 Will doesn't prevent me from doing so?
Tariq is shocked by the woman's state. He quickly drops his pack and begins rummaging for his tranquilizer gun. She's not an animal, but she still may be dangerous...
Dec 17, 2021 7:29 am
OOC:
You should heal up to your max. And attribute max increase when rolling growth. So keep track of max and current values.

Tariq: No, your Will won't affect retrieving equipment. Its a 2d6 roll to get your items in an encounter.

Btw, for Zakk, his earlier attempt to find a good spot for overwatch, I am willing to allow you to see the zombie woman on the next turn, and make it like a hold action to attack as reaction kind of thing. Though, I will let you decide which side you are on. The Left or Right. I'll carry on the round.
[ +- ] Face Map
The Faces now are on the move. They stretch out from the pillars, the black stuff still connecting them like really long necks that zigs zags the further they extend. One lowers down towards the undying woman, the other sees Matsuki, and began to approach her. Both are now Short Distance from their targets.
"Who is that? More cry babies? Haha..."
"Shooty... Shooty Girlie..."


The woman continues to walk towards the Spacers that are currently standing in fear and shock of her. But halfway through, she was showered by bullets from the gatling gun of Zakk. Chunks are blown off, as she flies and lands near to Tariq's feet.
"Arhh... Finally... No more... watching lights..." She manages to say. Her limbs are still twitching a bit as she remains sprawled.

Nikolai and Tariq, after recovering from the initial shock, now can notice the white structure. It is box-shaped and the size of a small hut, with a door that has a wheel valve at the centre facing their direction. Dirty claw marks can be seen on the lower half. They also notice that a name tag on the woman's uniform reads "Christina".

At this point, more faces emerge and grow out. One appears at the pillars above near the centre, and another appears at the Chin of The Face.

(Party's Turn!)
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Rolls

Luck roll - (1d6)

(3) = 3

Zakk's Gatling gun - (1d10)

(5) = 5

Enemy str save - (1d20)

(15) = 15

Dec 19, 2021 3:55 pm
Nikolai flinches slightly as the woman is thrown down by a volley of bullets - unfortunate, but judging by her words, perhaps for the best. Whether she is still alive thanks to the unnatural growth or not, he doesn't have knowledge or means to help her; and if anything, finishing this whole situation as fast as possible would be the best course of action for everyone involved. (He can't help but feel that they're running out of time.)

The moment he notices the door on the structure, Wolf's focus narrows down and he takes off, sprinting straight for the valve. The entire structure makes him think psychotropic weapons - hallucinogen gas, perhaps? - and Nikolai hopes that turning it off will assist them. Provided that the faces (these darn, creepy smiling faces...) are not real. And the growth, the black mold... Well, he doesn't have luxury to hesitate.
OOC:
Run to the valve, try to figure out if it's an on/off valve, try turning it - that's the plan!
Last edited December 19, 2021 3:56 pm
Dec 19, 2021 4:19 pm
Matsuki continues to blast the balloon people. They seem dodgy, and she's against that.
Dec 19, 2021 10:58 pm
Nikolai skirts around the body as he runs to the construct. Over there, he spins the valve anti-clockwise, which interestingly spins easily despite the stains. The door the valve is attached to swings outwards, and inside is a dark chamber that Nikolai"s eyes haven't adjusted to see clearly yet. There is a stronger smell coming from inside that pours out, causing the one who opened it to cough a bit.

Matsuki shoots down the face that is coming to her. It ruptures, and the neck extension goes limp as it falls gently like a leaf. This ropelike thing is also being slowly retracted back to the point where it grew out from on the pillar.

(Tariq and Zakk turn left.)

Rolls

Matsuki sniper rifle - (1d8)

(5) = 5

Enemy str save - (1d20)

(13) = 13

Dec 20, 2021 3:38 am
Tariq runs as far from the faces and zombies as possible, back toward the truck.
Dec 20, 2021 6:40 am
OOC:
Tariq have a couple options. He could go straight in the truck direction. That would take him across the Face, and having to go the steep way up.
He could go back the way he came from, via the chin and a slower but safer way up. But there will be a face in that area.
Or he could take the steep way immediately out of the Face, and onto ground level.

I'll give a special action of trying to sprint. It will have risks as normally your action is to move short distance.
Sprinting will require a Dexterity save. If pass, you will move medium distance without trouble. If fail, you have two options. Move short distance and take 1d4 dex damage, or move medium distance and take 1d6 dex damage.
(15 Jan update!
Sprinting uses up Movement and Action, and the effects are still the same.)
Dec 20, 2021 2:21 pm
OOC:
I suppose he'll go the steep way out of the Face and onto ground level. Looks like a fail, so let's take the 1d6. LOL. I'm thinking we have stumbled into a TPK.
Last edited December 20, 2021 2:22 pm

Rolls

Dex (11) - (1d20)

(17) = 17

1d6 Dex damage - (1d6)

(6) = 6

Dec 21, 2021 9:09 am
OOC:
I'll take it that you are only doing climbing action. Because trying to climb fast is much more difficult.
Also, as a hint, you have the option to flee, or continue deeper. I gave tiers to the mission reward to see far you can go.
Tariq, being aware that the danger will escalate, have decided to escape from The Face from his immediate position. He turns to the side of the basin, and began to climb the rocky wall. But as he was nearly out, he slipped, and tumbled back down, suffering injuries to his legs and arms.
Dec 21, 2021 2:57 pm
OOC:
So did Tariq get out or not? In your post it sounded like failure would mean moving Medium distance, but still taking damage. But now it sounds like he failed to get out AND took the damage. Just want to be sure I'm understanding correctly.
Dec 22, 2021 12:03 am
OOC:
I should make it more clear that moving out via the steep way is another challenge.
Edit: I now realise you might have meant to go the left/West side to escape. Confirm again for me if that is the case. Because my post took it as you leaving via the immediate right/east.
[ +- ] More options for Right side escape.
.
Dec 22, 2021 5:04 am
RoAries says:
[/ooc]I'll give a special action of trying to sprint. It will have risks as normally your action is to move short distance.
Sprinting will require a Dexterity save. If pass, you will move medium distance without trouble. If fail, you have two options. Move short distance and take 1d4 dex damage, or move medium distance and take 1d6 dex damage.[/ooc]
OOC:
I was responding to this: Dex save to sprint. Fail and either move short distance for 1d4, or medium distance for 1d6. I'm trying to get away from the face, so I figured I'd sprint and take the higher damage for more distance on a fail. If that's not an option, I'd like to take whatever method of egress gets me away from the face, no matter how much damage it costs. If failing to climb means I get no distance away, I don't want to do that. :)
Last edited December 22, 2021 5:04 am
Dec 23, 2021 1:24 am
OOC:
Nothing much to add, just waiting till you all figure out the current situation unsure what can be done to assist since I'm on overwatch.
I approve of the shooting since that was in line with what I intended to do since he's staying in a vantage for that purpose and to spot the area.
Dec 23, 2021 2:49 pm
OOC:
Zakk can do whatever he thinks seems like a good thing to do. He can move to the centre/nose, shoot at a face(pick one location.), or escape. However, I need you to pick first, Left or Right?

As for Tariq, I will assume he will go the route of moving as much as possible without climbing the steep path. Which is to backtrack.
I will recorrect what you did in this post:
Tariq turns around and run back the way the party have came from. As he approach the foot of the slope, he sees a black balloon face now growing from the crevice where the mold is. He evades it barely as he runs pass it before ascending up. As he was halfway through running up the gentler slope, he fumbled and slammed against the rock wall surface as he turns around to see if he is followed. His joints flared in pain from this.
Dec 26, 2021 8:18 pm
OOC:
I guess I'll shoot at targets whatever provide better support from my current position without starting up friendly fire?
Dec 27, 2021 3:50 pm
Zakk fires his Gatling Gun at the Face at the "Chin" to the south. The one that Tariq ran past. Zakk is currently on a small hill on the western "cheek", keeping watch on the "nose" and "chin" areas.

The face that was shot didn't expect itself to be receive a hail of bullets, as even the rocks surrounding its growth spot flew apart, sending pieces of its neck flying.

Rolls

Left or Right - (1d2)

(1) = 1

Zakk's Gatling damage - (1d10)

(3) = 3

Enemy str save - (1d20)

(20) = 20

Dec 27, 2021 5:02 pm
Matsuki will continue to cover them and shoot any balloon people.
Dec 30, 2021 8:17 am
Enemy Turn

The woman doesn't get up. She remains silent, and twitches less over time.

The face above the central area is aware that its kin is slain noisily by Zakk, and begins to float towards him, and is Short Distance away above.

Round End

The faces are spawned again. This time, one is at the "Nose", giving Nikolai a heart attack(1 Str damage). It emerge from between the rocks that lay above the top of the white entrance structure.

Another came from the pillars at the centre area, short distance from the ground, and is Short Distance from Nikolai and Zakk.
The third comes from the "Chin", taking over the position of the dead face that is now being retracted.


Party's turn

Nikolai can now see that the inside of the doorway is a small chamber, where the floor has an open hatch with ladders leading further down. The smell is still as strong. Cabinet-like objects line the walls.

Matsuki shoots at the face that is moving towards Zakk. It tears off a piece of it, but it still is alive, with its facial features still glowing.
"What? Something happened to me?" It says mirthfully as it flinched.

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Rolls

Luck roll - (1d6)

(1) = 1

Matsuki sniper rifle - (1d8)

(1) = 1

Enemy str save - (1d20)

(6) = 6

Dec 30, 2021 12:47 pm
"Yeah brother, you just became a lyric." Zakk states focusing on the near face that talks to him. "We got enough lets walk it back and beat feet." he yells to the others before squeezing the trigger.
Dec 31, 2021 4:45 am
"Lyric?-"
It try to ask before it gets ripped up by bullets. It tried to dodge most of them, but it has taken enough damage for the glow to fade out. The ruptured head then gets slowly pulled back towards the pitch-black mold.

Rolls

Zakk's Gatling gun - (1d10)

(1) = 1

Enemy str save - (1d20)

(9) = 9

Jan 4, 2022 8:58 pm
OOC:
Does this mean the threat is passed? Sorry for my absence; we had a snowpocalypse here, and I lost power for a long while.
Jan 5, 2022 7:17 pm
OOC:
I guess the head closest to you is not threatening since it's gone to respawn, the terrain, the situation, possible brown and yellow checks.
Jan 6, 2022 4:52 pm
OOC:
I believe I can't fight the faces in melee, so I'm going deeper.
Nikolai quickly glances around the room and steps inside, trying to ignore the sounds of gunfire outside. He reaches into the pocket of his coat to produce a flashlight and shine down the open hatch to check for dangers. He half-expects to see black growth or even more laughing faces, but it's not like he has much choice. (There is no way he's going outside again, not until these things are gone. He can't even claw them from below.)

If he sees nothing too out of ordinary, he'll climb down the ladder, the flashlight still on and lighting up the area from his pocket.
Jan 10, 2022 9:12 am
OOC:
Sorry about all that delays, I'll offer to have you all pick an attribute, and roll 1d20 to have a chance to increase it. This upgrade will also mean that your current health of the attribute will increase.

I shall also assume that Tariq will continue on his attempt to escape. But I'll let you decide to move as standard, or to sprint. You are now Short Distance from reaching the ground level, where Matsuki will be. If you Sprint, you will reach midway point to your original truck.

Nikolai was able to melee the Close By face in his turn, btw. Also, I also understand that the rules say you use your Action to retrieve your inventory, so that will be your action this turn.
Nikolai enters the chamber quickly. He brings down his bag and began to search for his Flashlight, which he finds easily. He have enough time to flick it on, and see that the ladder leads not too far down, just a level lower into another dark lower room. The chamber he is in right now has a few containers left ajar, and some are still closed. Signs of grime disturbances show that some have been opened recently.

Rolls

Nikolai inventory drawing roll - (2d6)

(65) = 11

Jan 10, 2022 3:05 pm
OOC:
Tariq will join Matsuki, so whatever movement that entails. I'm just no use in a fight, so need to get somewhere until things are safe.
Tariq joins Matsuki and drops to his belly in the dirt. "What the f... Any sign of more of those things?"

Rolls

Will (0/7) increase roll - (1d20)

(8) = 8

Jan 10, 2022 3:40 pm
OOC:
Well, then I'll claw them later! It's probably not too practical anyway, since my new phobia will ruin my rolls. XD
Nikolai flashes the light upon containers, squinting at them suspiciously, but decides that there is no point in investigating them right now. He is no chemist, and if the things above - mold, or the faces, or whatever claimed the sanity of that poor woman,- originated from them, then opening the remaining ones is just not a good life decision.

Instead he keeps the flashlight on and turns towards the hatch, planning to climb the ladder down before situation escalates further. At least it doesn't look like the faces have any interest in appearing indoors...
OOC:
Action for the turn: climb down the ladder. I don't know if I'm allowed to keep the flashlight on while doing it, but I'd like to!
Last edited January 10, 2022 3:40 pm
Jan 10, 2022 5:31 pm
"What were those? They looked like balloons from back here, but you didn't look like you were looking at balloons." She continues to spy through the sniper rifle scope.

Rolls

Dex 10 - (1d20)

(14) = 14

Jan 10, 2022 8:12 pm
"Don't know but the first team is probably dead so maybe it was them? That lady is definitely not doing great." Zakk belts back motioning with his firearm in the direction of the oddities, "Also didn't we have someone else with us?" he asks looking around the area.
Jan 11, 2022 7:33 am
OOC:
Tariq's Will becomes 1/8 now. Matsuki's Dex becomes 11/11.
Tariq moves in good time to Matsuki who was busy shooting the ballooning heads.

Enemy turn

The face that is spawned near Nikolai stretched over to peek at the entrance of the chamber. "Hmm? Hellooo..." It doesn't get inside to attack, but remain outside to observe Nikolai.

The face spawned at the centre now notices Zakk shooting at the other one next to it, and descends towards him. "Ratatata..."
It is now Close Distance to him, and Far Distance from Matsuki.

The face spawned at the "Chin" begins to follow after Tariq, and is now midway to the ground level. "Why are you running? Ha ha..."It is Short Distance from Matsuki and Tariq.

End of Round

Spawns at Mid slope, Chin, East Cheek, Centre Mid.

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Rolls

Luck roll - (1d6)

(5) = 5

Jan 11, 2022 11:44 am
Zakk focuses fire on the one advancing at him, "Brother don't get jealous of the legs he has for running, you don't have to run or worry about your legs getting tired." he tries to console his non current target, "Hey ya think black bucket skull would have been like this if we brought it along?" he throws out as a random thought as he shots from the hip.
Jan 12, 2022 2:07 am
OOC:
Erm, so did I actually climb down? What's in the room below? I don't really care about the face as long as it's outside, so I'm not sure what are my options outside of interacting with it.

Also, forgot about the stat increase, sorry! Let me add it now, maybe Nikolai has a chance for a bit of clarity. XD

Rolls

Growth - Willpower - (1d20)

(17) = 17

Jan 12, 2022 4:54 pm
RoAries says:
The face spawned at the "Chin" begins to follow after Tariq, and is now midway to the ground level. "Why are you running? Ha ha..."It is Short Distance from Matsuki and Tariq.
Matsuki refocuses on the close one, says, "You got this one, Tariq?" and then fires at that one near Zakk.
Last edited January 12, 2022 4:54 pm
Jan 12, 2022 6:42 pm
Tariq gives the woman an unbelieving look. "You got a spare gun? Unless you think a tranquilizer dart will affect that thing..."
Jan 15, 2022 11:23 am
OOC:
For locations, when I say Mid or High it likely means the elevation, where Mid is short distance to ground, and High is Far distance from ground. Few exceptions, like Mid Slope is the south western slope path of the Face pit. Sometimes I may interchange West for Left, East for Right, and "nose" for centre.

Nikolai, you haven't climbed last turn, only fetching the flashlight. Also, your Will is now 1/9. That's sort of good. You may trigger another crisis event, but have a chance to upgrade again.
Nikolai makes sure his bag is secured and flashlight well gripped in his hand as he descends down. He makes sure that nothing is waiting for him in the corners, and seeing that it seems nothing else is present, he goes all the way down. From the room below, he sees more of the walls that used to be white but is now covered in grimey filth, but no growth stalks like the ones outside. He sees 3 door ways leading out from the room. One is closed, and two are opened. The closed one has no handles and is a smooth but stained surface. One doorway seems to lead to a corridor of what look like fridges, and another leads out to a spiral stairwell that goes further down. There are signs next to each doorway, but instead of words, it is icons. As he observes, he coughs again from the air.
[ +- ] For Nikolai
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Zakk's shooting is a little unfocused, but it gets the job done as it seems that the faces are weak to bullets. His target ruptures dead.

Matsuki's shot eliminates the approaching target.

Rolls

Zakk's Gatling gun - (1d10)

(2) = 2

Enemy str save - (1d20)

(11) = 11

Matsuki sniper rifle - (1d8)

(6) = 6

Enemy str save 2 - (1d20)

(5) = 5

Jan 15, 2022 11:59 am
OOC:
Who knows, maybe a Tranq gun could also be usable. I could offer to give rules for attacking with it. Do you want to try it out to see the effect or I explain straight up? Tariq still has an action, but I'll move to next round now.

Also Zakk can make a growth roll to have a chance to improve one attribute.
Enemy turn

Zakk will notice that the face at the "nose" is struggling to enter the structure. "Why did you have to go in? In... in..."

The face spawned at the midway of slope continues on to the top, Close to Matsuki and Tariq.

The face spawned at the "chin" sees Zakk and goes to him, now Close distance.

The face spawned at "east cheek" circles around the "smile" and is Close to the "nose".

The face spawned above the "smile" moves above Zakk, which is now Short distance to him, Matsuki, and Tariq.

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End of round

While Matsuki is looking down the scope to spot more threats, she didn't realise that there is a new face growing out at the cliff edge very near her position until Tariq gave a shout. (I edited Matsuki sheet will hp. Edit: I helped to edit both of yours again.
Matsuki's and Tariq's will damage is 1 from the ambush spawning.)

2 more faces spawned. 1 high up from the pillar at the "forehead", and the other at the halfway of the tall pillars at the east "cheek", which Matsuki location can see at Far Distance.

Party's turn
OOC:
Btw, I now recalled that I made the planet's gravity to be Slightly Lower, which means your saves should be at advantage when not wearing the vacsuit. To be nice, I'll make the roll again for Tariq's sprinting action. Seems that it is pass, and I will restore your lost dex hp.
Also, Zakk's and Matsuki's weapons would have lost 1 point of Durability due to having rolled 1s earlier for damage.
Edit: As I read the rules on Considerbly Higher Gravity, it says you can only move or make an action in the round. That would mean that you can actually move and act in a round. So, I apologise for that. Compensation is an additional chance for Growth rolls for everyone, unless you suggest something else.

Rolls

Luck roll (spawn) - (1d6)

(1) = 1

Matsuki will save - (1d20)

(17) = 17

Tariq will save - (1d20)

(20) = 20

Tariq crit will damage - (1d4)

(1) = 1

Tariq's sprint advantage - (1d20)

(7) = 7

Jan 16, 2022 6:12 pm
Nikolai looks between the doors with slight desperation, his stance tense, the light of his flashlight pausing on each symbol in turn as he considers. Wolf's initial plan of finding the source of the faces above is proving more complicated than expected, as the building seems more and more like a secret bunker laboratory - and these tend to be expansive. But at the same time there must be something down here to help, and he is in the best position to find it.

He coughs into the sleeve of his coat again, frowning at the musty air but trying not to think too much about what unknown particles might be in it, and steps towards the closed door. Wolf is not about to start with the fridges, since the symbol next to their door looks the most suspicious, and staircase can wait. So he tries the closed door, checking if it's locked and opening it if not - as carefully as he can.
OOC:
Another growth roll? We might not get eaten yet!
Edit: nevermind, someone clearly wants to get eaten. XD
Last edited January 16, 2022 6:13 pm

Rolls

Growth - Dexterity - (1d20)

(2) = 2

Jan 17, 2022 4:46 am
OOC:
Yup, Growth roll failed.
Nikolai approach the shut door. At a closer look, there seems to be no handles. There are ridges though, but despite his best efforts, Nikolai can't move the barrier out of the way. He sees that there is a panel with buttons labelled with more unclear symbols. Even when he presses them, nothing happens.
Jan 17, 2022 12:15 pm
OOC:
Do these things seem biological? If so, Tariq will fish out his tranq gun. Is it a separate roll for both the gun and the ampoules?
Jan 17, 2022 2:25 pm
Matsuki turns and fires at the close face. "I got it," she says as she blasts it away. "Are they holograms?l

Rolls

Dex 11 growth - (1d20)

(9) = 9

Jan 18, 2022 11:52 am
"Dark faces all around, returning metal to the underground..." Zakk states gutterly, "Demon guides from my back, Killing in the name of" he adds his voice bellowing, "Zaaaaaakeke!" he lets out as a war cry of sorts moving his firearm to walking it into the line of faces to shoot.

Rolls

Growth roll 1 Will 6/7 - (1d20)

(9) = 9

Growth roll 2? Will 6/7 - (1d20)

(18) = 18

Jan 27, 2022 8:02 am
OOC:
I'll count the gun as being loaded. But yes, the gun and Ampoules will be separate items if needed.

Also, you all will get to roll Growth again at disadvantage. You can tell me which attribute you want, and I'll roll for you.
Jan 27, 2022 5:32 pm
OOC:
I already acted this turn, correct? So I can't do anything else right now.
Here is the disadvantage Growth roll though!

Rolls

Growth - Dexterity (disadvantage) - (1d20, 1d20)

1d20 : (7) = 7

1d20 : (16) = 16

Jan 27, 2022 6:33 pm
OOC:
I missed the second growth roll.

Also, Tariq is trying to determine if the heads look biological. Any insight there? That will determine whether he tries to tranq one.

Rolls

Will (1/8) increase rolle - (1d20)

(8) = 8

Jan 29, 2022 6:54 am
The heads looks to be made from the material of the black reed growths. However, the facial features appear odd, as they seem like after images, rather than glowing from within the heads.
OOC:
Matsuki's 2nd compensation growth roll failed and 3rd passed, so Dex is now 12/12. Zakk's 1st and 2nd compensation growth passed and 3rd failed, and Will is now 8/9. Nikolai's 3rd compensation growth roll passed, and Dex is now 5/7. Tariq's 2nd compensation growth roll failed and 3rd passed, and Will is now 1/9.

Due to the earlier ambush spawn reducing Tariq's Will to 0 and the damage is 1, he gain advantage to all saves for 5 turns.
Also, Tariq is now supposed to do 2 crisis growth rolls. I'll help with HP. Tariq, let me know which 2 attribute you want for the 2nd crisis growth.
1st crisis roll failed. Tariq's hp is now 6/6.

Note everyone can do an action and move short distance.

Rolls

Matsuki dex growth disadvantage - (2d20)

(1516) = 31

Zakk will growth disadvantage - (2d20)

(916) = 25

Tariq will growth disadvantage - (2d20)

(1014) = 24

tariq's crisis duration - (1d6)

(5) = 5

Tariq 1st HP crisis growth - (1d6)

(2) = 2

Tariq's 2nd HP crisis growth - (2d6)

(51) = 6

Tariq's 1st attribute crisis growth, Will - (1d20)

(5) = 5

Tariq retrieving roll - (2d6)

(53) = 8

Jan 29, 2022 7:26 am
Matsuki shoots at the ambushing face, killing it. One more is still Close to her and Tariq.
OOC:
Zakk, do you want to move to Nose, and do you want to do burst fire?
[ +- ] faces locations at present

Rolls

Matsuki sniper rifle - (1d8)

(2) = 2

Enemy str save - (1d20)

(18) = 18

Jan 31, 2022 12:57 pm
OOC:
I am currently waiting for some of you to reply if you want to move, or attack which target.

If it takes a while, I will carry on to assume how you act from your post.
Jan 31, 2022 8:37 pm
Matsuki will keep shooting the heads. She next pick the one that's second on your list.

Rolls

Damage - (1d8)

(2) = 2

Feb 1, 2022 7:43 am
OOC:
Matsuki have already killed one this round, btw. She could choose to move short distance away in a direction if she wishes to avoid the 1 now close to her and Tariq.
Feb 1, 2022 4:41 pm
OOC:
She'll sit tight.
Feb 1, 2022 8:17 pm
After having no luck with the closed door, Nikolai turns his attention towards its neighbour and carefully makes his way inside the room full of fridge-looking objects. He doesn't want to linger here for too long, his only intent to see if there is anything at the end of the corridor and maybe try to figure out what the fridges are. Probably nothing good, some sort of a cryogenic storage with who-knows-what inside...
OOC:
I'd like to move down the corridor and, if possible, use an action to examine the fridges (without opening them).
Feb 1, 2022 8:43 pm
Tariq struggles to find his tranquilizer gun and a dart. "Maybe I can tranq that thing.."
OOC:
Not sure how inventory retrieval works.
Feb 2, 2022 12:56 am
OOC:
I figure burst/suppressive fire closer to who's ever grubby face is closest to biting someone?
Feb 5, 2022 3:25 pm
Tariq is able to retrieve his tranq gun from his bag.

Zakk open fire at the face Close to Matsuki. It gets shredded apart without a chance to survive. He will also move back from the face Close to him, and is now at the Chin.
OOC:
Nikolai have done action to attempt to open the shut door.
Nikolai Enters the corridor. The "fridges" looks to be openable via the handles. None seem to be opened so far. There seems to be led lights on them, though they are off as well. From where he stands. It seems to be like there are more rows of these containers than he previously thought from the chamber(accessing the left and right row from the centre requires Short Movement).
Enemy turn

The one above Zakk goes towards Matsuki, and is now Close to her and Tariq.
The one that was Close to Zakk now follows him again, and is Close to him. Matsuki can't see him.
The two at the nose continue to look at the structure, seeing as it is still open, but they can't seem to enter the entrance.
The one at the forehead medium from ground moves to west cheek short distance from ground, and is short distance from Matsuki.
The one at east cheek and short distance above ground moves to above the mouth, and is medium distance from Matsuki, and short distance from Zakk.
End of round

6 faces spawn at once high up amongst the pillars. They are swarming close together.

Party's turn!

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Rolls

Zakk's Gatling gun - (1d10)

(8) = 8

Spawn roll - (1d6)

(6) = 6

Feb 5, 2022 7:32 pm
OOC:
I feel like I keep thinking the turn is over and then it's not. XD Sorry about that. I need to stop counting posts and instead go by your marks alone. Well, anyway...
Once he discovers that the room is more spacious than he expected, Wolf curses under his breath and scratches the door with his claws in frustration. He doesn't have time to wander around checking for other entrances, and these fridges unnerve him too much to try and open one without some kind of protection. But he also really doesn't want to go back and fight the laughing faces for a chance to reunite with the others. Nikolai probably should've invested into a radio before they left the station.

Displeased with his own lack of foresight and with the situation in general, he turns around and returns to the staircase, keeping an ear out for whatever he can hear from above.
OOC:
Move back to the chamber with the doors and the staircase. Nothing to do for action.
Last edited February 5, 2022 7:33 pm
Feb 6, 2022 7:52 am
OOC:
Just heads up, you all are not counted as having vacsuit. You don't get def, but due to lighter gravity, your movement related saves are advantage, unless countered by disadvantage.
Nikolai heads back to the main chamber again. He can hear the taunting laughter of the heads above, now there seem to be more. Nikolai coughs again from the musty air, causing echoes to bounce around. Then an image flashes into his mind.
[ +- ] Vision
Outside, the new spawned faces are chattering to one another.
"What is here?"
"Hey guys, what's the latest?"
"Some baby people have came again, call the rest to hurry over..."
Feb 7, 2022 12:16 pm
Matsuki shoots from her hip to take out the very near face. It ruptures instantly.

Tariq checks that his gun is loaded with a tranq dart, and fires it at the face coming in from the "forehead" direction. It gets hit, and appear to slow down, before sinking to the ground. "Huh? What? My connection is..." The face lights fade out.

Rolls

Matsuki sniper rifle - (1d8)

(2) = 2

Enemy str save - (1d20)

(7) = 7

Enemy str save 2 - (1d20)

(19) = 19

Feb 7, 2022 4:22 pm
OOC:
Is the tranq'ed face still there? What do you mean by "lights fade out"?
Last edited February 7, 2022 4:22 pm
Feb 11, 2022 10:58 am
OOC:
Not much to add from my point of view, I guess Zakk would shoot at the one closest to him then walk fire up to the group if no one is in the way and it doesn't cause debris on friendlies?
Feb 12, 2022 2:21 pm
OOC:
The tranq'ed face head floated down to the ground, and not being retracted like when killed. "lights fade out" mean that the white facial features disappear from the black bulb head.

Remnant: Are you saying you will move in the safe path to Matsuki and Tariq, or will you move to the entrance door at the "nose" where 2 faces are?
The face Close to Zakk took a bullet or 2, but unfortunately it seems to still be conscious. "You bang bang me, I bang bang you..." The voice emitted sounds to have an echo with static.

Rolls

Zakk's Gatling gun - (1d10)

(2) = 2

Enemy str save - (1d20)

(3) = 3

Feb 12, 2022 4:05 pm
Matsuki keeps firing at the closest faces, and then those near Zakk if she runs out. To Tariq, she asks, "What are things, these face things? Did they (pew pew) touch something down there to activate them? Where are they appearing (pew pew) from?"
Feb 13, 2022 6:13 am
OOC:
Matsuki have attacked this turn.

Btw, I think you guys should really be planning what to do now. It seems like the faces will keep spawning more over time.
Would you follow after Nikolai, or escape to your vehicle? Or maybe you want to see how to stop this phenomenon.
Feb 13, 2022 12:23 pm
OOC:
I suspect there's something inside the facility causing them to spawn. But do we have any means of contacting Nikolai, like coms or walkie-talkies or something?
Feb 14, 2022 7:24 am
OOC:
You both don't have one. However, I'm willing to do a luck roll that have a chance to give you the ability to communicate with walkie talkies, but with a chance that a face boss will spawn immediately. Shall we do this?

1) "boss" spawns
2) 2 faces spawn
3) nothing
4) nothing
5) 2 faces spawn and result 6 happens.
6) Nikolai and Tariq get 1 walkie talkie.
Feb 14, 2022 9:01 am
OOC:
I shall decide what Zakk is doing. He goes to Matsuki area.
As Zakk tries to shoot at the face, he also moves back up the slope out of the large face-shaped pit.

Enemy turn

The face that was close to Zakk follows after him again and is Close.
The 2 faces at the nose entrance now change their mind of staying there, and now move towards Matsuki, now Short distance to her and Tariq.
1 face is now seemingly sleeping at West Cheek, at the bottom of the slope of Tariq's location.
1 that was above the Mouth now moves to the location where the 2 faces are.
The 6 that was spawned high up at the centre of the basin is now doing something. The faces have joined together at the neck, causing their long stems to bundle up into one. "Welcome." "Nice!" "Come on.. come on..." Small faces start to bubble out from this cluster.
End of round

3 faces spawn at Forehead, medium distance from ground, and 3 spawn at the Chin, short distance behind Zakk.

Party's turn!

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Rolls

Spawn roll - (1d6)

(4) = 4

Feb 15, 2022 12:24 am
Nikolai waves his hand around, trying to clear the musty air a bit and pointedly ignoring the unnerving image which popped up in his brain for the undoubtedly moss-related reason. He starts seriously reconsidering not doing anything about the probably-contaminated atmosphere, and his head hurts at the sound of continuous laughter mixed with gunfire from above. On the plus side, it means that the others are still fighting.

Without loitering in the chamber for long, Wolf turns towards the last unchecked direction - the staircase. Going underground doesn't bide well for his chances of contacting the others, but at least it's familiar in an odd way. A lot of repairs he has to do for his normal job happen underground.
OOC:
Question: can we put on vacsuits as an item retrieval action? Because if yes, I would like to do that before going further. If not, then just go down the stairs.

I don't think acquiring walkie-talkies now makes much sense narratively, but maybe they all just forgot about them. XD
I'll leave the decision about luck roll to others since they will be more affected by face spawns.
Last edited February 15, 2022 12:25 am
Feb 15, 2022 2:38 am
OOC:
Yeah, a 1/3 chance of having walkies doesn't seem very good. One of us will have to run down to join Nikolai. The game is very stingy with starting cash, so it really wasn't feasible to even have a walkie with my starting moolah. Alas.
Tariq curses. "We have to go see where they're coming from. It has to be something inside that structure. I will join Nikolai." He runs full-bore toward the structure where Nikolai disappeared.
Feb 15, 2022 11:25 am
OOC:
Nikolai: I can't find the rule on donning armour, but I'll take it as it taking an action, with retrieving items another action. However, walking out of the room into the main area of the level is 1 movement.
Looks like a fail. Next round's action will allow you to take it out properly.

Nikolai, would you want to run down the steep slope, or the gentle but longer slope? You will get advantage because you actually are not wearing vacsuit and gravity is slightly low.
Nikolai tries to remove his vacsuit from his bag. Unfortunately, he is having trouble, as it is bulky and is slightly stuck. He manages to make it out of the creepy room at least.

Matsuki shoots at the face Closest to Zakk. The one that was injured. Her attack has properly finished it off.

Rolls

Nikolai inventory drawing roll - (2d6)

(21) = 3

Matsuki sniper rifle - (1d8)

(8) = 8

Feb 15, 2022 3:12 pm
RoAries says:
OOC:
Nikolai, would you want to run down the steep slope, or the gentle but longer slope? You will get advantage because you actually are not wearing vacsuit and gravity is slightly low.
OOC:
I think you mean Tariq! :) I'll take the longer slope.
Feb 15, 2022 4:15 pm
OOC:
Thanks. I mess up sometimes.
I checked your sheet. You should have taken 6 damage. I'll update. Also, I have decided to change the damage to be nicer now.
Tariq runs to gentle slope. He tries his best, running pass faces and Zakk, but ended up tripping over himself. He is now at the Chin, where he is surrounded by 3 faces.
[ +- ] Rule update for Running

Rolls

Tariq dex save - (1d20)

(19) = 19

dex damage - (1d4)

(4) = 4

Feb 25, 2022 3:31 pm
As new faces keep popping up Matsuki tries something else. She moves out of the way of the faces as much as possible and begins to talk to them.
Can you back off a bit? Is there something you want? Or do you need help?
OOC:
My character sheet still needs approval btw.

Rolls

Will save - 7 - (1d20)

(12) = 12

Feb 25, 2022 4:26 pm
OOC:
I am at Dex -3 after tripping and falling again. What happens?
Mar 3, 2022 10:37 am
OOC:
Sorry for being slow. I am sick right now, but recovering well. Idk I want to trouble you all to make compensation growth rolls again. Let me know SavageBob, do you want? But then, if it ends up I miss 2 weeks, I'll offer normal growth roll instead of disadvantage.

SavageBob: Having Dex 0 should mean you are paralyzed. Sorry to say. But since I try to be merciful, I'll find how to make you survive. Unless you give up.

Scrol: Your sheet looks ok. Now I should make Zakk act, then figure out the enemy turn.
Mar 3, 2022 11:21 am
OOC:
I want to apologise again for failing to make the experience not like what the rules might have advised. I should telegraph danger and decribe things more. One thing, do I still want to make it a thing to have WIL save when ambush occurs for these guys?

Scrol: I'll be nice, and allow you to talk even when you have already done an action.
Sniper rifle supposed to have -1 durablity I remember.

SavageBob: do you want Zakk to risk his life to carry Tariq to safety? Note, the faces will be not fooling around now. I need to make that change.

My god, my rolls are cruel to you guys.
Edited Zakk's and Scrol's sheet.
Zakk tries to shoot at the gathering faces that are now looking down at the crippled Tariq. He opt to unload a lot at once.
Despite all that, one face is hit, but it's still alive.

RoAries sent a note to RoAries

Rolls

burst fire - (1d6)

(1) = 1

Zakk's Gatling gun - (1d10)

(6) = 6

Enemy save. - (1d20)

(1) = 1

Mar 4, 2022 1:10 am
OOC:
I mean, it seems like you want the game to be more deadly, so if Tariq dies because he tripped and fell, then so be it.
Mar 4, 2022 8:19 am
OOC:
If you are ok with it, then I will have Zakk save himself.
Zakk moves on, feeling awful for being helpless to save his friend. He still tries to draw attention to himself with his lyrics, taunting the faces that seem to be getting more dexterous for dodging his bullet shower. He is now next to Matsuki at the edge.

Matsuki's attempt to negotiate is met with an assortment of mockery and nonsense. She then moves back away from the edge, and is now Short distance from their truck. The cluster of faces however, seems to answer amongst the din.

"We need help? Yes. Thank you for drawing us into being. Individually, we are but foolish nodes. But where we emerge, more follow, and our minds will unite to hunger for more. To know more. And we know not why this abandoned outpost exists. I will need to take your bodies, you humans. This fungal vessel is good enough to connect the Network to this real space, but the network needs to look deeper. Something denies us. Something of the Network, but is antagonistic of it. A traitor. Your bodies shall be controlled by us, instead of single directionless souls..."
Enemy turn

The 6 headed Cluster had another head fully matured. They began to chant in an alien tongue. Their light turns from white to red, and red alien glyphs began to glow from the metallic pillars. The glyhps of which looks familiar to the ones in the janitor made.

"Alright, blabbering fools, this is now official investigative business. This is not a show anymore. We will not have redundant heads crowding the crime scene. No, these humans are no longer zoo animals to gawk at, they are tools to spy the traitor hiding under there! Shoo!" The Cluster announced aloud to the other faces. The other faces began to sigh complain about being late to call more friends.

(What I am doing is to slow down the spawning now.)

The Cluster, now done with taking control of the pillars, goes down and towards Matsuki. Short distance above west cheek, Short distance to Tariq and Zakk.

The face behind Zakk follows him again. It instead of focusing on Zakk, looks to Matsuki, short distance away. "I see you now. Your fears... Your secrets that you deserve to be killed for taking..." (Matsuki, roll WIL save.)
The 3 faces at west cheek now moves to Zakk. They also began to terrify her, visions of death is whispered to her. (roll 3 more WIL saves.)

The face sleeping at West Cheek is still sleeping.

The 3 spawned faces at forehead medium distance from ground now moves to West Cheek, short distance from ground. They then merge with the Cluster, forming 10 faces.

The 3 spawned faces at Chin now begin to assault Tariq. The injured one will laugh at him for trying to sleep, while the other 2 pummels him with their heads. (Tariq, roll WIL save)
Those that are pummelling find their heads being hurt, and began to slink away.
End of Turn

2 faces spawned at the middle of the gentle slope.

There is a vision that flash into the minds of everyone now that the Cluster have appeared.
[ +- ] Vision

Party's turn

RoAries sent a note to RoAries

Rolls

tariq damage - (1d4)

(1) = 1

Tariq damage 2 - (1d4)

(2) = 2

Enemy str save - (1d20)

(19) = 19

Enemy str save 2 - (1d20)

(18) = 18

Spawn roll - (1d6)

(3) = 3

Mar 4, 2022 5:37 pm
OOC:
I'm at -3 Will and -3 Dex. Paralyzed and catatonic?
Mar 4, 2022 7:55 pm
The images that appear in Matsuki's head partially unsettle her but ultimately she can hold it together.
Traitor under there? Matsuki thinks...Probably some kind of cellar. And where's Nikolai?

She turns, shoots the face that addressed her and then proceeds to look for a way to get below the complex
OOC:

Matsuki takes 2 Will damage
I assume that she doesn't know that Nikolai went below the complex but she will find the door where he went.
Last edited March 4, 2022 8:12 pm

Rolls

Will save - 6 - (1d20)

(4) = 4

Will save - 6 - (1d20)

(1) = 1

Will save - 6 - (1d20)

(12) = 12

Will save - 5 - (1d20)

(20) = 20

Attack face - (1d8)

(8) = 8

Mar 10, 2022 9:55 am
OOC:
There is no negative value for stats. But I think you have somewhat accepted your fate. I have to be unbias now to decide fate, otherwise, Zakk will be risked to falling too. Sorry for the result of your character, SavageBob. I looked forward to what your character may do, but I have to follow with the rules I have set. The rules, I will readjust, but again, sorry for it being too late. I hope you find enjoyment in another game now, as you have told me your decision to leave.

I am admittedly intimidated to think about posting in this thread. So guys, expect me being a little slow still. Also appologies for my offences of any insults I may have unwittingly expressed. I too feel like giving up, but since there are new players now, I guess I shouldn't yet. If you are bored, do chat in the other threads. It's easier to read things there.
(Nevermind, I am posting now.)

Edit: With 0 Dex and Wil, then Str save is rolled. And the dice really have no chill. Crit damage, 1d4 will roll.

Scrol: I want to make homebrew rule that crits of 20s or 1s will have an effect. I'll say your roll of 1 cancels out the extra penalty from the 20. So yes, you take 2 Wil damage.
The rounds Matsuki fire shred up the face cluster, destroying 8 heads, leaving 2 mature heads left.
OOC:
Now, moving forward, I have made the penalty for failing to sprint to be taking 1 dex damage instead and tripping. Or, the sprinter can choose to not make the extra movement to avoid the damage, but still have the flavour effect of stumbling.

Rolls

Tariq str save - (1d20)

(20) = 20

Tariq Str damage - (1d4)

(4) = 4

Mar 10, 2022 5:03 pm
OOC:
Have fun folks! Please spare a few moments' thought for poor Tariq.
Mar 25, 2022 2:21 am
OOC:
Looks like no one replied anything. I'll roll growth as compensation. I'll make it Wil.
Result:
Matsuki didn't gain.
Nikolai max Wil is now 2/10.
Zakk max Will is now 7/8.
Updated for both.
Zakk makes his way over to Matsuki, who is at the midpoint between the truck and the edge of the pit. He asks her what they should do now, sharing that he saw Tariq rushing past him back into the basin again before being struck down by the faces, and that he thinks Nikolai might have entered the white structure at the centre.
OOC:
The known ways to enter is now dangerous. Too many faces have gathered in the present routes, and bypassing them would be challenging as they could catch up easily. Not to mention the mental whispers that pierced your minds just now.

However, it is still possible, but making a mad dash got Tariq downed. Or maybe, take another risk, and drive your truck down the pit. Perhaps the truck of the past team could be used...

I will leave a few days for Scrol to decide.
Meanwhile, Nikolai has managed to pull out his vac suit by now.

Rolls

Matsuki Wil growth compensation - (1d20)

(10) = 10

Nikolai Wil growth compensation - (1d20)

(18) = 18

Zakk Wil growth compensation - (1d20)

(14) = 14

Mar 25, 2022 9:04 am
Matsuki breathes heavily. Nikolai entered the structure? The heads talked about 'A traitor under here'. Maybe they meant under the central structure Let's check the structure out.
Matsuki rushes towards the structure in the center
Last edited March 25, 2022 9:05 am
Mar 25, 2022 5:12 pm
OOC:
Just donning the vacsuit on as my action!
Below the structure and the improvised battlefield, Nikolai finally wrangles his vacsuit out of his pack and hurries with unfolding and pulling it on. He's still rather frazzled by the entire situation, but even his recklessness has limits - no way he's going further without some protection. As much as he hopes he's not about to run into some laboratory full of smiling hallucinations, proper safety procedure is a must in any case... Too bad dressing is somewhat challenging with his claws on.
Last edited March 25, 2022 5:13 pm
Mar 28, 2022 8:13 am
Matsuki makes her way towards the edge, where the slope downwards is steep. The faces are now surrounding her.
OOC:
I mistook that I made a mistake. Ignore the roll I made. Matsuki have 2 options next, go down the slope at risk(roll Dex save, 1d4 damage if fail, none if pass. Or the gentle slope, which is a longer way around to the centre.

Ignore enemy str save roll too.
Enemy Turn

The 2 headed cluster now grows out another head. It commands the other faces to come to it.

1 of the heads next to Matuski slams itself against her. (1 dam taken)
The other 3 moves over to the cluster, where they merge themselves together with it. (Now 6 heads)

The 2 faces at the gentle slope moves over to the cluster, also merging together. (Now 8 heads)

The face at the Chin next to Tariq now gets over to him. The balloon goes onto Tariq's face, wrapping its deflating form over him. The body struggles trying to breath, jerking and twitching as Tariq's orificies are drenched in the black material. This sight does not sit well with matsuki. (received 1 Wil damage. Now 3/12.)

End turn

2 faces are spawned at Forehead, Medium distance from ground.

Party's turn
[ +- ] Map at start of Party's turn
RoAries sent a note to RoAries

Rolls

Matsuki dex save - (1d20)

(7) = 7

Enemy slamming damage - (1d4)

(1) = 1

Matsuki Wil save - (1d20)

(13) = 13

Spawn roll - (1d6)

(2) = 2

Enemy str save - (1d20)

(1) = 1

Mar 28, 2022 10:08 am
Zakk moves after Matsuki. As he gets near her, he unleashes his rounds at the face that attacked her, while also making some witty quips.
He manages to carefully avoid hitting his friend, though it ends up resulting in his target being merely injured, but still not being torn up fully.

Nikolai calmly wore his vac suit on, making sure not to damage it. He manages to wear the his claw gauntlets over the gloves of the suit too.


RoAries sent a note to RoAries

Rolls

Zakk's Gatling gun - (1d10)

(2) = 2

Enemy str save - (1d20)

(2) = 2

Mar 28, 2022 6:48 pm
Matsuki looks around. She nearly has to throw up as she sees Tariq how is swallowed by the faces.
But now is not the time to be sensitive. Tears will be shed, but later. Time to find this "traitor down below"

Matsuki takes a deep breath and jumps down the slope...

Unfortunately Tariq's demise seems to have clouded her senses. Just as she is about to land, she stumbles and hits her head on the ground
At least now she's a bit farther from those gruesome faces
OOC:
Is the damage taken DEX damage or STR damage?
Last edited March 28, 2022 6:51 pm

Rolls

Dex save (12) - (1d20)

(13) = 13

Damage from fall - (1d4)

(1) = 1

Mar 29, 2022 5:41 am
OOC:
If I don't specify, it would mean Str as usual.

Does Matsuki want to attack, or sprint with risk? Failing to sprint is either not moving, or moving but gaining 1 dex damage. Your choice.
Apr 1, 2022 7:47 pm
His vacsuit finally in place, Nikolai heads for the staircase at a brisk pace, not willing to waste even more time - especially not when the sound of gunfire outside seems to grow more frantic, and the visions of unsettling forms and smiling faces threaten to shake his nerves. He needs to find the source of this... this whole thing, and quickly.
Last edited April 1, 2022 7:48 pm
Apr 1, 2022 9:11 pm
RoAries says:
OOC:
If I don't specify, it would mean Str as usual.

Does Matsuki want to attack, or sprint with risk? Failing to sprint is either not moving, or moving but gaining 1 dex damage. Your choice.
Matsuki takes her weapon, turns around and fires obliterating as many faces as possible.
OOC:
Okay Matsuki took 1 STR damage
Last edited April 1, 2022 9:12 pm

Rolls

Weapon attack - (1d12)

(8) = 8

Apr 6, 2022 2:54 pm
OOC:
When I say damage, it means deduct from hp first, then str, and then you have to roll str if that happens. I'll help you.

Matsuki's sniper rifle can't shoot multiple targets as it can't burst fire. But I'll take it she is shooting the cluster
Matsuki slides and tumbles down the short cliff, landing badly and injuring herself. This caused her to gain a scar on her chest. While she won't see it now, her sides are having internal bleeding from a broken rib. While picking herself up, she aims her rifle at the face cluster, causing a great number to pop.

The Cluster gave agonising screams as it deflates. 1 head remains struggling to be alive. "Raaaarh! It's... not the end! My will.. will remain!"

(The cluster actually doesn't take str save yet.)

Enemy Turn:

The 1 headed Cluster heals itself, while retracting the ruptured heads into itself.

The injured face that attacked Matsuki moves over to where the "cluster" is, where it merges with it, resulting in 2 heads.

There is still a sleeping face, very near Matsuki.

The 2 faces at medium above ground at forehead moves over to the cluster, where it merges, forming 4 heads now.

The face assaulting and assimilating with Tariq now fully enters his eyes, mouths, ears and nose. Tariq is now trembling violently, as if he is trying to get up.

End turn:

2 new faces spawn at ground level of East Cheek.

Party's turn!
[ +- ] Proper map this time!
RoAries sent a note to RoAries

Rolls

Matsuki scar - (1d6)

(4) = 4

Enemy str save - (1d20)

(13) = 13

Spawn roll - (1d6)

(4) = 4

Apr 6, 2022 4:36 pm
OOC:
So what do I see downstairs, RoAries?

And it is a bit of meta-gaming, but Scrol, do you think I should return? When I went for the structure originally it was because I thought there would be an easy way to stop the faces, but that's clearly not the case. But since Nikolai now has a phobia, joining the fight might be a problem too...
Apr 7, 2022 12:05 pm
Nikolai gets ready with his vacuit on. He quickly descends the flight of stairs, his torch light lighting up the dark spiral path. He enters into a similar chamber as above, but a little bigger. He sees that the stains have grown a little worse. As for the air, he is protected by his own suit, so he can't tell how bad it is. There are 6 doors here.

1 leads to another flight of stairs deeper below.
[ +- ] Icon:
Another is opened fully, leading to a room full of cables.
[ +- ] Icon:
The other is slightly opened, with black scrape marks along the opening.
[ +- ] Icon:
The remaining 3 are shut, without power to open.
[ +- ] Icons:
1 of which, is blocked by a human-sized panel of sorts leaning against it.
[ +- ] Icon:
OOC:
Zakk can move again, but with the risk of not moving, or moving but with slipping on the moldy floor.
Apr 8, 2022 10:17 pm
Somthing stings evertime Matsuki takes a breath. Gotta checks this out once we're out of here she thinks
Nevertheless she sees the danger of the approaching faces, but also that they can be killed.
She turns to the face cluster and mutters That's for Tariq
Then she pulls the trigger...
RoAries says:
OOC:
When I say damage, it means deduct from hp first, then str, and then you have to roll str if that happens. I'll help you.

Matsuki's sniper rifle can't shoot multiple targets as it can't burst fire. But I'll take it she is shooting the cluster
OOC:
Oh thanks. Didn't think of that...

Rolls

Damage - (1d12)

(9) = 9

Apr 14, 2022 12:21 pm
Nikolai groans in frustration upon the sight of six doors, examining the symbols on them with no small amount of frustration. He is starting to doubt that this building is the source of the faces at all, but at this point returning will simply waste time. Small consolation is that one of the icons seems to depict a battery - either that, or a pod with one of these creatures, - and if the structure truly was a laboratory or storage of sorts, they might have had a security system. It might be useful to investigate, so Nikolai makes his way towards this room, carefully brushing aside the cables to look around and try to figure out if his hypothesis is correct.
OOC:
Best bait for an electrician - a room of cables. XD
Last edited April 14, 2022 12:22 pm
Apr 18, 2022 12:32 pm
OOC:
!! Matsuki's sniper rifle deals 1d8 damage, not 1d12! I will roll. Oh. -1 durability.

Small rule change notice: tripping from moving fast will take damage to hp/str, not dex.

Also, I will now make use of the slightly lower gravity to give this advantage.
Matsuki's shot destroys a head. It struggles to stay afloat, but it is still fine. Matsuki moves to the centre where the entrance to the underground is, and she realises that she is soon running out of bullets.

Zakk attempts to descend the cliff, following after Matsuki. He manages to land at the bottom without trouble. He then fires his gatling gun at one of the faces at the East Cheek. He manages to kill 1. (I'll say that the face's str save is first one)

Enemy turn:

The cluster grows another face, with 4 again. It moves over to the centre, short distance from the ground. "You fools... If you kill us... to kill me... I will not be able to gain control of my kin. It's better for you to allow me to take over your bodies..."

The unconscious face is still unmoving, right next to Zakk.

The 1 face at East Cheek now moves over to the centre. They also gets absorbed into the cluster, resulting in 5 heads.

Tariq now fully gets up. He shambles his way around the "Mouth". He is now visible at the East Cheek, where blackness is bleeding from his eyes and mouth.

End of Turn:

You notice that no more faces are being spawned.

Party's turn!
[ +- ] Map!

Rolls

Enemy str save - (1d20)

(20) = 20

Zakk dex save adv - (2d20)

(311) = 14

Zakk's Gatling gun - (1d10)

(3) = 3

Matsuki sniper rifle - (1d8)

(1) = 1

Apr 18, 2022 6:43 pm
Nikolai looks around the room filled with cables, trying to find any generator, battery, switch or literally anything he can identify and manipulate. This room must exist for some purpose.
OOC:
Not sure if this warrants any rolls, but I do have the right profession. :D
Last edited April 18, 2022 6:44 pm
Apr 19, 2022 12:49 am
Nikolai enters the room full of cables. From inside, everything feels more familiar. While all names and numbers are different, Nikolai have a sense of what they would mean. From what he can tell, this place is an electrical room for managing and supplying power to this underground building. No screens
are present, but buttons line some of the walls. It seems like the main power box is forcefully broken open, with a large switch flipped down and some cables being forced out. The connectors seem slightly damaged, but could still be usable.
OOC:
If you want, roll dex save with advantage to return power. Messing up here will be painful.
Apr 19, 2022 12:56 pm
OOC:
1/4 chance, ey? No risk no gain, I guess. XD
Nikolai examines the power box thoughtfully. There is a chance that restoring power might turn out less than ideal, from defense systems considering him and his companions intruders to doors automatically closing and locking. But on the other hand, having better source of light will be an asset and maybe there is something that will help against the faces above.

Carefully, Wolf puts his flashlight on the corner of the box, sheathes the claws on his gauntlets and reaches inside, trying to reach for the switch while avoiding the elements which seem unstable.

Rolls

Dexterity (5) - (1d20, 1d20)

1d20 : (4) = 4

1d20 : (12) = 12

Apr 21, 2022 10:07 am
Nikolai handles the wiring and switches with care. From his experience, certain surfaces may be unsafe to touch. With delicate handling and a final quick flip of the large switch, a loud hum can be heard as sparks danced around the control panel for a moment. Nikolai is safe from being hit by electricity. One by one, lights flicker on from the ceiling, and the buttons. He can hear a shifting motion, as the door mechanics are working again.

Looking at the wall of switches, he can see that he can toggle on and off the lights, doors, and other unknown devices in this complex. All of then are labeled by icons again. For some reason, words are not used to communicate in this abandoned place.
Apr 21, 2022 5:37 pm
Matsuki initially headed for the entrance to the structure but as she sees that no faces are spawning any more she decides to end them all.
As she raises the weapon she notices a long crack along the stock of the weapon.
Crap! Please hold a while longer my dear gun she mutters.
Then she aims at the 4 head cluster and pulls the trigger again.
OOC:
Oh sorry. I think I confused the weapon dice with the dex dice o.O

Rolls

Sniper damage - 1d8 - (1d8)

(6) = 6

Apr 21, 2022 11:01 pm
Nikolai looks up, watching the lights flickering to life and silently wondering how exactly this facility is operational and who built it. Must have been recent if it still has evergy; but why? His wondering takes about half a minute before he focuses on the present reality again, examining the icons attached by the switches.

The first thing he does is toggle on every switch he believes to be light-related - especially if he finds any that look like any kind of outside illumination, hoping to signal his activity to the allies above. Once that is done, he tries to see if there are any icons reminiscent of the faces or black mold, or barring that any weaponry.
May 16, 2022 7:15 am
Matsuki tore apart the cluster with her bullet. Her gun now on the edge of needing repair before it stops functioning.

As the cluster gets struck at the weakest point, red smoke blows out from the stem opening before turning black and stopping with the organic rope falling lifelessly.

Zakk moves in to next to Matsuki, near the underground entrance. He sees that their friend is now shambling over and gurgling. Zakk just stares in shock as he tries to calm himself with thinking about a verse about friends becoming zombies.
Enemy turn:

The KOed face sleeps.

Tariq drags himself over, arms outstretched. "Glllrgk, Ghaaalp Meeee!.... Guhh, Staaahp Meeee!"
He begins grip his throat, as if fighting against himself. While the situation is already unpleasant and horrifying, this scene close up makes it worse.
OOC:
Roll for will save, Matsuki!
Zakk failed. 1 Will damage.
"Oh fuck! What do we do, Matsuki?" He shouts in growing panic.
End of turn:

The metal pillars that stands tall over the basin that have red runes glowing on them now begin to pulse.
Players turn!


RoAries sent a note to RoAries

Rolls

Enemy str save - (1d20)

(11) = 11

Luck roll(Zakk decision) - (1d6)

(2) = 2

Zakk will save - (1d20)

(11) = 11

May 23, 2022 7:31 pm
A sinking feeling spreads inside Matsuki's stomach as Tariq's zombie-like appearance drags itself over to Matsuke and Zakk screams at her.
She feels as if she was dragged down in a whirlpool of suffering and emotions. With tears in her eyes she turns to Zakk
You know exactly what we have to do... she says in a coarse voice.
She wiped the tears from her eyes, aims at Tariq's head and shoots
Last edited May 23, 2022 7:36 pm

Rolls

Will save - 3 - (1d20)

(13) = 13

Sniper damage - 1d8 - (1d8)

(7) = 7

Jun 14, 2022 5:58 am
(Sorry, intense training and writers block got me putting off posting here. I'll see to continue.

Compensation:
Nikolai now have 6/8 Dex, and 3/11 Wil.
---
Matsuki gets 1 Wil damage from closely witnessing the choking zombie friend. 1/12 Wil now.)

Matsuki watch as the head-blasted body of tariq still stands for a moment before it falls over. Its fingers twitches a little as black blood flows out.

Zakk fires his gun at the twitching body. He doesn't try to give a second glance as he begins to make his way inside the entrance chamber, and climbing down the stairs. "Come on! Tariq should be properly dead now. Let's quickly find Nikolai!"

As he descends, Zakk flinched as lights come on. The lamp outside the entrance chamber, the ring of lights lighting up the small lockers inside the chamber, and the lobby of level -1 are visibly lit up. Matsuki can see under the light, the shredded corpse is now unmoving.

The red runes on the pillars are still steadily pulsing. Though, it seems like they are getting weaker.

What will Matsuki now do?
---

Nikolai identifies and flips on all the lights. He can't find icons of faces, but there are a few that might be look like it if he look at it unfocused. Some looks like weapons. The L shape looks like a rifle. He could flip them all on, what is the worst that could happen?

(If nikolai choose to randomly turn on switches, roll Dex Save at advantage to not accidently turn on something he feels is bad.
---
Alright. I'll consider that combat is over. My strictness on turn actions and turn order is loosened. However, there is still a hidden time limit, so don't hang around too long.)

Rolls

Enemy str save - (1d20)

(12) = 12

Zakk's Gatling gun - (1d10)

(7) = 7

Jun 14, 2022 7:26 am
Nikolai sighs in relief when the room is filled with light, the illumination soothing to him as it reduces the number of hiding spots for potential opponents. Hopefully, it can also assist the people above - if not in combat, then perhaps in letting them knows that this structure is more massive than it seemed at first glance.

He then gives one hesitant look to other switches. Even if he enables the weapons, there is no guarantee that these weapons won't turn against his own allies; not to mention that this place seems dangerous enough to have some kind of a self-destruction protocol... He doesn't fear risking himself, but he'd rather not make it harder for others. Yet.

So instead Nikolai leaves the power room and goes to check the other doors on this floor, opening which he can and looking inside without stepping in. Now that the power is back, most of them should be open; and hopefully the room with black marks is also easier to survey from afar...
Last edited June 14, 2022 7:26 am
Jun 14, 2022 8:21 am
Nikolai steps out into the main room of level -2. It is well lit, allowing him to see into the other rooms.

The door with the black stains are shut close. Which is strange, because earlier he saw that they were partially opened.

The rest are also closed, except for the cable room.

1 of the closed have a large panel in the way.

Nikolai can tell that the construction of this underground building is modular. Even the stairs to different floors seems to be broken up into separate doorways. He can tell he can now easily open up the closed doors by pressing the button that is lit up near the doors.

There are small patches of black stains on some of the surfaces. No reed growths are visible though.

Map of the place
Jun 14, 2022 11:10 am
OOC:
Can I check what is behind every door which opens before moving anywhere? Just glance inside, carefully. :D
Jun 15, 2022 2:21 am
OOC:
Nikolai will find that the mechanism of the doors opening and shutting are automatic. Halfway opening is not possible, unless something special effects forces it open. There are no gaps for human fingers to slip under to lift open.

Will he just carefully open up all the doors?
Jun 15, 2022 11:55 pm
OOC:
Yeah, opening fully works too! Just without stepping inside. Though now that you asked it, I'm suspicious something is waiting for him... XD
Jun 16, 2022 9:07 pm
Matsuki tries to ignore Tariq's body and quickly follows Zakk into the building and looks out for Nikolai
Jun 21, 2022 4:54 am
Nikolai opens up all the doors.

The door to the south west is a similar stairswell that leads down. The black patches are slightly more common inside.

To the East, the stained door slides open, revealing a nasty looking mess of a room. The floor, walls and cubicles are covered in the black stuff. The lights in the room shows that there are growths on a few surfaces, but shorter than the ones at the surface level outside. There are 2 or 3 filthy cubicles inside. One door is shut, and the other is ajar, but less dirty.

The north east door leads to a room with a long table. Some thin glass bottles are seen lying about, some shattered on the floor. The floor is stained with colours of yellow or red.

When the north west door opens, the panel in the way will fall over. Nikolai would likely not want to make too make too much noise, so he gently brings it down first. This doorway leads to an unlit corridor. Black stained scratches can be seen running along the floor. It looks like the lights of this place have been smashed, as pieces of glass is scattered on the floor. The end of the corridor is too dark to see with the lights from the main room of level -2.

The west door opens up to a room with what looks like tables and chairs, and a few person-tall machines.

Meanwhile, foot steps can now be heard coming from above...
---

Matsuki and Zakk will notice that the air inside is more irritating than the outside. And when they try to approach the stairs down, it gets worse. (Would you want to wear your vac suit, or brave going down without it?)
Jun 21, 2022 8:18 am
"Ehhh..." Nikolai grimaces at the sights the doors reveal, each one more alarming than the other. If this was once a laboratory - as he suspects from shattered glass vials in the second room and fridges on the floor above, - then it met one grisly end, and probably from its own research. The number of black stains alone makes him wonder if he is about to encounter more of these distorted, terrifying smiling faces... Hopefully not, but Nikolai still unsheathes the claws on one of his gauntlets for reassurance.

He is debating which direction to follow, leaning towards the room with machinery, when he hears the footsteps above. Wolf frowns, glancing at the staircase he came from, his usual cautioness kicking in as he sneaks towards it. Still, there is very slim possibility that there are other human beings than his own companions in the area, and if there is an enemy, they would already know where he is. After some debating, he finally calls out: "Hey, is that you, Tariq?"
Last edited June 21, 2022 8:19 am
Jun 29, 2022 4:41 am
OOC:
If Matsuki don't post soon, I'll just continue as appropriate.
Jun 29, 2022 4:20 pm
Matsuki coughs. Poison gas? is her first thought. She is about to don her vac suit when she hears a voice from downstairs.
Nikolai...
Tariq.... Tariq is dead... she replies.
I'll... I'll just don my vac suit and come down. Then I'll explain she says and begins to put on the suit
OOC:
Sorry for posting this late The post must've slipped my mind
Jun 30, 2022 4:00 am
Matsuki and Zakk take their time to put on their suit before going down the stairs.

Nikolai will see that his companions have reached him at last, but they have a bad news to share about what happened to their veterinarian friend, Tariq.

While these three may talk with one another, a subtle knocking sound can be heard coming from a cubicle in the East door....
Jun 30, 2022 8:40 pm
Matsuki immediately draws her sniper rifle and points it at the source of the knocking sound.

Nikolai... can you... can you open the door and immediately jump to the side so that I can shoot whatever is behind it? she says in a strangely calm tone. As if she was ordering a coffee

The time of tragedy was over for now. Matsuki was dead focused on finishing this mission without another casualty. Whoever was behind this door would be killed if it was even remotely hostile...
Jul 2, 2022 3:14 pm
Nikolai sighs upon hearing the news about Tariq; not the first time he had to deal with losing a companion and likely not the last, and it doesn't faze him as badly as it would someone else - but nevertheless, he liked the veterinarian, and the knowledge of his death tastes decidedly sour.

"I have restored power to this level, and-" He starts talking, but quickly stops himself after hearing the knocking. Instinctively he crouches, side-stepping out of view of the eastern door and unsheathing his claws. He narrows his eyes, surveying the mess in the cubicle room and looking for the source of the sound.

"If I get infected by all this black moss, you owe me a cocktail," he mutters half-jokingly in response to Matsuki, before carefully making his way inside the room and approaching the cubicle door - all the while trying his best to avoid touching any of the stains.
OOC:
I imagine the sound was coming from the shut cubicle, right? Now that I am closer, can I identify what the sound is, approximately? If not, I'll just check if I can open it as Matsuki wants Wolf to do.
Jul 4, 2022 10:06 am
Nikolai approaches the room full of the black filth. He is fortunately wearing his vacsuit, and can't breath the immediate air right now. He tries his best not to step on the stains anyways. Now that he is inside, he can see that there are 3 cubicle doors. 2 are unlocked, and 1 is closed and locked. There are mirrors and basins on one wall that are almost fully covered in the mold.

Since he is near, he can hear the noise clearer, even through the material of the vacsuit. It sounds like a random series of knocking, like someone or something is persistently trying to open the locked door. Something like laboured breathing can also be barely heard...
OOC:
Nikolai could break open the door lock easily with his claws. Or, Matsuki can blindly shoot through the door itself. If she does so, I'll say the damage dealt to whatever is on the other side is reduced by 2, as if the obscuring door give armour defense of 2.
Jul 5, 2022 10:58 pm
Nikolai looks back at Matsuki and raises his clawed hand in a silent question of whether she is ready for him to open the door. Personally, the electrician is almost certain that what awaits on the other side is yet another black moss zombie - for the lack of a better term, - like the unfortunate woman outside.
OOC:
I vote we stick with opening the door. Shooting blindly is rarely a good idea. XD
Last edited July 5, 2022 10:59 pm
Jul 6, 2022 9:37 pm
Matsuki nods, aims her rifle at the door and places her finger on the trigger.
If whatever is behind this door threatens to harm Nikolai, she'll end the creature before it even has time to think about it.
Jul 7, 2022 8:30 am
As Nikolai breaks the lock, the door swings open wide. On the other side is a man who has the same awful zombie-like symptoms as the lady outside and the now recently lost Tariq.

Matsuki can instantly tell this is a threat before it turns to look at the one who freed it.
OOC:
Oof, kinda low roll.
The rifle bullet tore through the shoulder of the mold covered man. The host flinched, but it still manages to steady itself on its 2 legs. It gurgles aloud. "Who...grr... are..."
OOC:
I'll say Nikolai can act again. He could attack or do something, and move back into main room, or stay and be as a front line for Matsuki.
RoAries sent a note to RoAries

Rolls

Matsuki sniper rifle - (1d8)

(2) = 2

Jul 8, 2022 12:21 am
"Sorry pal, but hopefully it's for the best," Nikolai comments as he uses the zombie's momentary lack of balance to strike, aiming his claws at the creature's unprotected side, one hand in an upwards strike and the other sideways. The moment his attack is done, he is planning to jump away - not out of range, but just enough to allow Matsuki a clear line of view for another shot.
OOC:
Now that is a low roll!
Last edited July 8, 2022 12:21 am

Rolls

Claws - (1d8)

(1) = 1

Jul 14, 2022 3:01 am
As Nikolai swings his claw gauntlets at the zombie, he struck the doors and the cubicle walls. It seems that he is a little too excited to give merciful death to this walking corpse that he didn't notice the tight space of his surroundings. While the mold victim is still scratched a bit, Nikolai also notices that his gauntlets are a little dented.
OOC:
Damage dealt is still 1. The zombie does not need str save yet. Nikolai's weapon lost 1 durability point.
The orifice-filled man proceeds to tackle Nikolai with somewhat strengthen arms... (2 damage to Nikolai, but vacsuit cushioned it to be losing 1 HP.)
"Leave... me!..." It croaked.

Matsuki takes another shot at the angered zombie...

This time, the bullet exploded the man's head. It gurgles still as it wavers a bit. Just before Nikolai might swing at it again, it falls over backwards, still twitching.
OOC:
Combat is over, though the zombie is still moving a bit on the floor. Nikolai could try to further destroy the body, at risk to slightly worsen his sanity. Or he can explore the cubicle that the zombie was in.

I'll help to edit sheet now.

Rolls

Enemy attack - (1d4)

(2) = 2

Matsuki sniper rifle - (1d8)

(5) = 5

Enemy str save - (1d20)

(11) = 11

Jul 14, 2022 7:59 am
OOC:
Thanks for letting me know about editing my sheet! It's very disorienting when GMs do it silently.
"Good shot, Matsuki." Nikolai calls over his shoulder, then grimaces at the twitching body on the floor and steps over it and into the cubicle. He doesn't necessarily expect to find much here, so he only glances around briefly, in case he can spot anything of note.
Jul 15, 2022 11:10 am
OOC:
No problem. Sometimes players dont update their sheets, and so I will take initiative to fill it up to avoid the checking back on previous posts to make sure it is correct.
Nikolai avoids the body as he makes his way in to check on the spot where it was. He also keeps an eye on it to be sure that it won't get back up and attack him.

The cubicle has something that looks like a seat with a hole. From all he can understand, this room is a toilet, but looks a little different from a regular toilet he used to see. There are no drains, the seat is too round, and the walls look like screwed on panels.

The seat is the most covered in mold, like it held the zombie until it broke free. There is a bag lying in a corner, and what looks to be a notebook as well. They probably belonged to the zombie, who can be identified as Chong Lee, as his name tag is on his ruined uniform.
Jul 15, 2022 6:23 pm
OOC:
I usually update my sheets immediately upon noticing changes to stats, so you can not worry about Nikolai's. :D I'm way too much of a perfectionist to not keep track of numbers. XD
Wolf silently examines the insides of the cubicle, his brows involuntarily rising upon seeing the stange contraption inside. Once assured that there is nothing else of interest or danger inside - aside from the mold, - he takes the bag and the notebook and brings them out for Matsuki and Zakk's perusal.

He gives the notebook to the sniper, and focuses on the bag himself, rifling through it in case there is anything useful while half-expecting to find more of the black moss. He keeps some of his attention on the room with cubicles though, in case more of the zombies show up.
Last edited July 15, 2022 6:24 pm
Jul 25, 2022 3:47 am
As Wolf steps over the body, its arm jerks, making him jump a little... (oh, nat 20...)

Nikolai did not react well to the corpse still trying to attack again, and so he shreds up the limbs in panic. As he calms down, he sees that he made a bit of a mess. Fortunately, his nerves is not too badly shaken. (1 Will damage.)

Matsuki takes the book and reads it. It contains a journaled account of someone named Chong Lee. The latest entries is about being put together into a team to investigate the site of an old ancestor-excavated hole that have the shape of a face. Everyone on board of the vehicle is uncomfortable, or starting drama.

The last page is messy, and is the author's final entry:
"This is it. I got myself infected by those things that got Christina. Coming here is the worst mistake we have done. We might have doomed mankind with what we have unleashed. The ugly thing that we found on the otherside of the hallway. It gave me the poison as it chased us. After my two remaining friends dragged me to safety, I locked myself in this small room. I am glad they are worried about me, but I know it is too late. I will become a monster. At least they might still carry on safely, and end this hell.

I can hear them now. The aliens. I see them hiding in the void under reality. If anyone finds this, I am Chong Lee, and I am sorryrkshdhjesn"


The writing ends in messy scribbles.
Matsuki feels a chill in her spine as she had a taste of something seemingly worse than death. However, adrenaline sets in instead of paralysing fear... (1 will damage.)

(I will update your sheets.
Nikolai Will was 3, now 2.
Matsuki Will was 1, now 0. Crisis event. She have advantage to all saves for 2 turns.
How many times is Crisis event for Matsuki now?)

Zakk has been nearby all this while. He did not use his gatling gun, as Nikolai was right next to the zombie. He had been still recording the whole time, as the camera can be mounted to his suit. He comments that the video is now very fuzzy, almost impossible to see...

Rolls

Nikolai Will save - (1d20)

(20) = 20

Nikolai Will damage - (1d4)

(1) = 1

Matsuki Wil save - (1d20)

(17) = 17

Duration - (1d6)

(2) = 2

Jul 25, 2022 1:04 pm
Having found nothing else of interest, Nikolai returns to Matsuki's side, nodding at the journal while trying to clean the blades on his gauntlets against each other. "Anything interesting? It would be handy if there was an answer to how to get rid of these things." He sighs. "I thought I'll find the source of the faces down here, but... At least it seems that there are none of these creatures down here, only zombies."

He looks over the main room again, then approaches the western door. "Do you think it is worth it to investigate all of these rooms, or should we try to search for the source specifically? I doubts it's on this level, although the dark corridor," Wolf gestures towards the northwest panel, "might lead somewhere worthwhile."
Jul 25, 2022 8:20 pm
Matsuki slowly lifts her head. She wanted to cry but something inside her told her that she has to hold it together. She can become desperate as soon as this is over. No sooner...
Nothing new. The people were in order to investigate those ruins and they got infected by this... fungus... I guess. It seems to mess with your brain...
She looks around the room
I think it's best to get to the source of this as soon as possible. Else we may be infected too she responds to Wolf.
She points her rifle at the northwestern panel
Lead on....
RoAries says:

How many times is Crisis event for Matsuki now?)
I think this is the first one. At least as long as I've played Matsuki
Jul 26, 2022 12:25 am
While Matsuki reads, Nikolai lingers by the stained door, giving one last look of disgust to the black moss growth all around it. "Whoever they'll send after us, they'll need a flamethrower to deal with this," he scoffs, poking a patch of fungus with his claw, before turning away and approaching the dark corridor. "If we're going in, let's make it quick. Who knows how many floors are in this damned place."

He straightens his coat, unsheathes his claws and steps into the hallway. "There is glass scattered everywhere," he murmurs as a warning in case anyone else plans to follow him and then confidently strides forward, half-expecting something straight out of their nightmares to jump at him from the darkness. Something made these scratches on the floor, after all, and Wolf is ready to fight it.
Last edited July 26, 2022 12:26 am
Jul 26, 2022 3:52 am
Nikolai bravely walks down the dark corridor with his flashlights. The crunch of glass can be heard as the weighty vacsuit steps on them. Whatever rampaged here, it probably does not like the lights.

The tunnel bends to the right, and into another room. This one is as big as the main room of the level, but it is badly covered in the black fungus. And the wall panels seem to be ripped off the walls and floors, exposing unknown wires and pipes. Red light glows from a section of the damaged floor, perhaps coming from the level below. Two other doorways in this room is covered in thick mold, except for one other one...
OOC:
Matsuki, you get a chance to increase Will, Strength or Dexterity Save from Crisis Event. Which do you want?

Link to the map of new room:
http://imgur.com/a/mRkSBW5
Jul 28, 2022 4:21 am
Wolf pauses at the doorstep of the new room, warily observing the fungus for a few moments - although soon after his interest is swept by the exposed wiring in the walls, Nikolai's professional curiosity hijacking his careful approach. "Seems like nothing good happened here," he comments over his shoulder to Matsuki and Zakk. "Room's half-destroyed and filled with this black flora again. There are three ways out, with two of them slathered in growth and likely inaccessible... Do I proceed to the one that isn't, or should we return to the stairs?"
Last edited July 28, 2022 4:21 am
Jul 29, 2022 12:20 pm
Matsuki's eyes are fixed at the hole in the floor.
The door that isn't corrupted is probably our best bet. But before that....This looks interesting... she remarks, raises her rifle to the cheek, aims it at the hole and with slow, small steps she nears the hole and peers down...
RoAries says:
OOC:
Matsuki, you get a chance to increase Will, Strength or Dexterity Save from Crisis Event. Which do you want?
OOC:
Then I'll choose Will :D
Aug 1, 2022 5:53 am
OOC:
Matsuki unfortunately did not increase her HP or Will. As said, it is a chance, and it failed. But note down somewhere that you have crisis event growth done once.
Matsuki inched her way to the hole, careful not to trip over the damaged floor. There are beams running under the floor, and some pipes and wires too. Under those things, Matsuki can see the next level below, which is about a 20ft drop. The red light is coming from a large screen, which is slightly cracked. Under the screen is a platform with rows of flickering buttons. There are cables running all over the place, as well as large growths of the black fungus that have become as thick as a pillar of the building.

While Matsuki studies this. Nikolai notices that the mold around the 2 covered doors is now subtly glowing white lights in the tips of their stems which is like a ball.

Rolls

HP and Will growth roll - (1d6, 1d20)

1d6 : (1) = 1

1d20 : (10) = 10

Aug 1, 2022 9:37 am
More fungus and some cables. If we had a rope we could climb down there.
But I think the door without mold is a better bet
she dryly remarks after investigating the opening

She withdraws from the hole and points her rifle towards the clean door.
OOC:
Crisis event noted ;)
Last edited August 1, 2022 9:39 am
Aug 2, 2022 11:03 pm
Nikolai is immediately alarmed by the change in the mold, unsheathing his claws and watching it suspiciously. "The fungus is glowing," he informs his companions in a grim tone of voice, gesturing towards the subtle lights. "Usually, I would suggest we leave. Even if we go for the unblocked door, this growth can block our escape. And if it is something... psychological, then being near it doesn't seem like a good time."

He pauses, then glances at Matsuki. "That said, I have no idea what our employers would consider a satisfactory evidence of this place's nature. So perhaps checking every corner is viable, if dangerous; but we should do it quickly, before whatever did this starts paying attention." He steps forward and tests the clean door, to see if it will open freely. "Zakk, stay between us and keep recording."
Last edited August 2, 2022 11:04 pm
Aug 3, 2022 6:06 am
OOC:
Matsuki would not have the advantage effect from the crisis event by now.
The opened door is less covered, but seems to suffer the similar large scratches. As Nikolai looks in with his flashlight, he sees that the inside is fairly larger than the other rooms. Along the walls, there are large glass vats, most of which are shattered. There are also the black growths lining the walls too, but their pattern looks like arteries or wall vines instead of the usual clusters of stems. It seems that this type grew out from the broken vats. On the other end of this chamber, is a wall thick with the growth of the mold.

Then Zakk gave a gasp of surprise. He shows his companions what he sees on the camera. The video is full of buzzing static, except for certain shapes that form. It looks like the black pixels of the static gathers around the image of the new branch like growths, revealing what looks like squiggly alien writing or glyphs. The static-glyphs gets more sharper slowly, and a soft buzzing sound can be heard from the recording device, beating in a rhythmic pattern...
OOC:
Are you going to keep observing the video, or try to turn it off?
Aug 3, 2022 6:34 am
Matsuki furrows her eyebrows.
This is odd. It reminds me of an old TV series I watched during a transfer flight. There were two protagonists who hunted ghosts but they could only be seen on video camera.
Can you move the camera around a bit? To see if the distortions become stronger.
Maybe we can get to the source of it all via the video...
Aug 3, 2022 8:56 am
Zakk follows Matsuki's suggestion, and scans the whole room with his recording camera. When he points it at the other end of the room, it can be noticed that there is a mass of black pixels gathered at where the centre of the thick wall is. The glyphs by now seem to become red, as if the dark pixels of the static gained colour.

When anyone sees this, and looks up at the room again, their eyes can see the red writing on the mold vines and mold wall. The runes writhe and wriggle, and when the eyes move away, the iconographies still remain on their retinas. Meanwhile, the red afterimage of... something is pulsing in the wall...
OOC:
Would Nikolai have also checked on the video too?

Rolls

Zakk will save - (1d20)

(20) = 20

Nikolai Will save advantage - (2d20)

(184) = 22

Aug 3, 2022 2:27 pm
OOC:
If they both are looking at the camera, Nikolai would be keeping watch - so probably no.
Nikolai looks around the room with a weary expression, ready to act if something moves in a way no mold, fungus or vines should be moving. "This looks like a lab," he points the flashlight at one of the broken vats, shining light upon the glass. "And unless this entire facility was only for storage, there should be records somewhere - research, safety protocols. We can try to find an archive."

The electrician moves his flashlight again, checking the room for any furniture aside from the vats - terminals, perhaps, or other forms of computers.
Aug 4, 2022 11:12 am
Nikolai will notice there are something like control panels next to each vat. They are also covered with thin layers of the mold. He can tell some are damaged from the lack of lit up buttons, but some still functions. One of the unbroken vats still contain a dirty looking liquid, and a silhouette of some kind of tall shriveled up plant.

---

Meanwhile, Zakk and Matsuki will feel a sense of dread, like something evil is taking a hold of their senses. A sensation of numbness comes over them as the red hallucinations dance and buzzing rings in their ears.
(Zakk 1 will damage, Matsuki 1 dex damage. I will edit now. Zakk Will 6>5, Matsuki Dex 12>11.)

"Haha... ooh, my eyes are seeing something funny now... Wait those things remind me of those weird drawings we found in that cultist Janitor diary... " Zakk comments aloud.

Despite wearing the vacsuits and not breathing the air, the room still seems to cause a strange effect...
OOC:
Note of my custom rule: if you have run out of either Will or dex, and you need to make a saving roll for them, you will automatically fail, and take damage of another attribute.
Aug 5, 2022 8:44 am
Matsuki shakes her head, closes her eyes and breathes heavily. Nononono...
She opens her eyes again, grabs Zakk's shoulder and drags him out of the room
Whatever is happening here, it seems to affect the settlement too. I think the janitor was under the same influence as whatever tried to take hold of us here.
We must go deeper, find it and eliminate it.

She looks into the room and sees Nikolai investigating the vats.
Be careful and leave the room as soon as your vision starts to distort.
After you're finished we have to go through one of the other doors. The sooner we end this, the better
she says to Nikolai while cold sweat runs down her face...
Aug 5, 2022 11:24 am
As matsuki and Zakk leave the room, the hallucinations start to fade away. The fungus bulbs near the covered doors seem to not be glowing now.

Nikolai does not experience any hallucinations, however, he can still feel that this room possess a presense of something wrong.
Aug 7, 2022 2:59 am
"Visions?" Nikolai's voice is dubious and suspicious as he watches Zakk and Matsuki hastily retreat from the room. "You are seeing something? I don't think it is affecting me, if that's the case." The man eyes the glass tank with a plant inside. "But I can't say I'm tempted to stay here much longer either. It can be good research material for whoever they'll send to clean this place after us, but I doubt we can do anything with this stuff now. Not safely, at least."

He throws one last look towards the vats and the black fungus, and then follows after the other two - walking backwards, just in case there is anything to strike while their backs are all turned. Once they return to the main chamber, Wolf nods at the staircase: "Going downstairs, then? If you want to go deeper."
Last edited August 7, 2022 3:03 am
Aug 9, 2022 1:21 pm
Yes... Visions. The camera screen... I started to see glyphs. And then something evil was trying to occupy my mind.
It was weird
.

Matsuki shakes her head

But we can analyse what happened later.
Now it's important to shut this place down. Yes let's head downstairs...

She says, fakes a smile and gets her gun ready
Aug 10, 2022 6:36 am
A clever decision. Nikolai leads the way from the vat room that seems to be strangely affecting his companions. As they walk back into the corridor, Zakk notices something.
"Hey, um. I have stopped hearing the ringing, but... it might be my mind, but I think I heard something moving behind us."

If anyone were to immediately look behind, they will see nothing is off.
OOC:
Do you want to go back and investigate again, or ignore and continue to the stairs to the next level down?
Aug 10, 2022 8:39 am
Matsuki looks over her shoulder. Nothing.

Probably this fungus is playing mind games on us. I see nothing. We should stay careful though. Let's proceed but I will secure the rear.


Matsuki positions herself in the rear of the group and regularly turns around with her gun ready to fire...
Aug 10, 2022 9:18 am
Matsuki keeps watch in the back. She tries her best to shoot at first sign of approaching threat, but also being careful to not be trigger happy at firing at shadows. This place have already done its damage on the senses of what is and is not reality, but what is known is that the danger of the alien fungus is real.
The fear of threats around the corner exists, but no sign of another creature is found as the team reach the level called -3. When they enter the main room, they will see a similar intensity of the black growth as the earlier one they just left. There are 4 doorways. 1 leads north, straight ahead into a mold-coated corridor lit up with red light. This corridor must lead to the room Matsuki saw through the floor. The other 3 doorways are covered in the thick fungus. There are no bulbs like the ones seen near the vat room. The lights in this room is covered up by the thick growth, and only the flashlights and the red light illuminates this place.
Aug 10, 2022 1:33 pm
OOC:
Is this the last level? No more stairs down?
Nikolai sighs at the sight of more growth and methodically examines every black-mold-covered door in case any of them look like they can be opened. "Do you suppose this was a lab once upon the time? Or a cryogenic storage?" He questions Matsuki and Zakk, before turning towards the corridor bathed in red emergency light. "Guess we only have one obvious path forward."
Aug 12, 2022 9:47 pm
Matsuki looks left and right
Definitively a lab. My guess that they experimented with something and it got out.
Just like the film I saw in prison. "The Experiments of Professor Akunda"


Looking at the mould covered doors she nods in response to Nikolai's remarks.
Yep I think we should proceed there. Maybe we'll find a nice little self destruct button. Would definitely make things easier
Aug 16, 2022 5:45 am
The doorway to the stairs to go further down probably exists here, but it's covered up by the growth.

The party now see that they have only viable place left to explore. As they walk down the corridor, the red glow cast creepy shadows all around as black roots wrap around the surfaces of the immediate area. As everyone enter the room, they will see roots and cables criss cross all over the floors. Along the walls are screens and control panels, each hugged by more growths. At the other end of the room is a large screen displaying a harsh red light. Zakk comments that his filming device is now showing weird red texts again. This time, when pointed at the big screen, the red text are flashing through, like a computer running programs in an alien language.

Before anyone may try anything else, a mass of the fungus in a corner start to writhe. The red lights makes it hard to see well, but the size seems to be like a person cocooned in the black material.
"It has been... a while... for new guests to arrive..." It whispers in a jumble of voices, similar to the faces instead of a zombie.
Aug 16, 2022 9:34 pm
Yes! Because you kill everyone who wants to come visit you. We are a team who has been sent to investigate the influence that you cast upon this area. We are ready to talk and negotiate but I have to warn you. We are armed with X4 charges and if we have to make the decision between getting fungified and turning this place into a smoldering crater we will choose the latter... Matsuki loudly exclaims with as much determination as she can muster. She is tired both physically and mentally but the prospect of getting to the root of this whole matter and possibly eradicating the threat that took so many lifes fuels her with a bit of fresh energy....

At least enough energy to pull off a bluff...
Aug 17, 2022 3:57 am
Nikolai shifts into a fighting stance, ready to leap forward if the situation calls for it. Negotiation isn't his forte, and he doubts that it's even possible to negotiate with whatever it is in the first place; but if the thing talks, he supposes they might as well draw information out of it before cleaning up the mess. Although the moment he sees any sign of hostility, he isn't going to wait for it to summon the faces or induce more of its weird hallucinations - he's slicing it through.
Aug 17, 2022 4:10 am
The cocooned being rises upright. Its head is bloated, making it seem very inhuman. It slowly drifts a little to the group as it listens to Matsuki's demands and threats.

"That is... Very fair!... We are looking to speak too... Forgive... Forgive our rude form. We wish to speak as one... A Human vessel... We have taken a humble and understanding man known as Samuel. He is a son of your people known as The Union. We saw his friend, James, being less than friendly to us. Samuel knew the right thing to do, and he ends the life of this James. Samuel knows us, as he fathers told him he had to do one day. Join as friends or be punished. That is a simple human way to describe it. We offer our presence to the humans, one way or another. James now serves as a skull most useful. We sent him to your people on this world, and he shall be our method of communications.

But... something is wrong now. Our communicator is not with our human ambassador. Instead, a human woman hides it away. Resisting it. We need to do more... Our time is limited too. Our others do not like our close involvement, but your species deserve a second chance. Will you be our new ambassadors? If you choose willingly, we may not need to take your bodies..."
Aug 20, 2022 3:29 am
Nikolai's eyes track the movement of the figure, barely blinking or showing any emotion. "What an offer, to be your willing ambassadors," his voice is less impassive when he speaks, sarcasm clear in the intonations, "lest you possess us by force. You suck at diplomacy, you know it? Not sure how it works for your species, but among humans this is what you'd usually consider a threat." His glasses flash as he slightly raises his gauntlents. "And do keep your distance. One movement closer, and I'm going to attack you. So let's not make it more painful for us both."
OOC:
I'm letting Matsuki lead the conversation, this is just a warning for it. XD
Last edited August 20, 2022 3:30 am
Aug 20, 2022 10:08 am
Matsuki furrows her eyebrows. Suddenly this thing wants to talk? She's on high alert, doesn't lower her weapon and is ready to shoot, sprint, jump or whatever it takes to save the life of her companions and her if things went south
We can... certainly be an ambassador. But we would very much prefer to stay in our human form if that's alright.
I have a few questions though:

Matsuki tries to stay as calm as possible but inside she's shivering. On one side she's ready to let hell loose on the other side she has a casual conversation with a fungus monster. No training prepared her for this
First off: Why did you attack us and the people that came before us? You could've talked to us and therefore avoided unnecessary bloodshed on both side.
Secondly: Your influence seems to spread. Some people in the outpost nearby are somehow manipulated by you. We even had deaths. Do you do this willingly? Do you choose to brainwash people?
And lastly: What is it that you want? What is your goal both general and in relation to us humans


Matsuki breathes heavily and awaits the answers
Last edited August 20, 2022 10:09 am
Aug 22, 2022 7:27 am
The intelligent monster silently shakes as it listens. It stops moving closer this time.

"Diplomacy... A human concept we are still learning. Forgive us for our... incompatibility. We understand you value this concept of individuality, free will, and natural health. We see such ideas as a joke. But... you humans fear surrendering your consciousness to us, even if it is beneficial. Humanity is delaying the inevitable. We have power and knowledge your species do not have. What foolishness. But we shall entertain your questions, just as you have entertained us.

Why have we attacked you first? We, most honestly, don't have full control over our kind. It is a struggle we have. You probably have seen third party interferers. I sensed them, desired for them to leave. They came because you awakened our organic nodal system. Through our system on the surface, they came attracted to your immature human presence, hungry to know what we are secretly doing here. We can't leave this human construction, and so we used your happy human visage to draw you here. It works, but human communication is still difficult. We do not know how to progress without taking your bodies. Our Others purposely made this difficult, but we succeeded so far.

As for your human outpost, that is the best we could do. You call it brainwash, we see it as persuasion. Our communion with the people there, they see us as gods. If gods mean powerful and intelligent beings, then we are. They see that they have to kill? Maybe, if it works to gain control. They will help us gain control, and save mankind.

And, our goal? We do not trust our collective alliance to keep you humans alone and weak. In our past, we don't care for young species like you. We lived longer, and deserve to make this universe ours. But, you humans have a special weapon. Threatened our old leader. We surrendered and pursue peace. We... we stole your power and potential. We had big problems that you humans will only make worse. The alliance thinks this is enough. We don't think so. If we take your species to join us, you can help. And we will teach and transform mankind for this. At any cost."


Then the cocoon wrapping around the creature is punctured by a pair of badly rotten arms. The arms continued to claw at the material, tearing an opening that reveals inky darkness full of white eyes and wide grins. This sight will badly shake Nikolai.

"Come on... Try to be a willing learner like Samuel... You ignorant babies..."
Aug 22, 2022 6:56 pm
Matsuki stares at the rupture in the cocoon. She slowly nods with her eyes wide open.
I... understand I think. We will communicate your desires to our employers. They will surely bring a lot of people here who will be more than willing to join your communion. We will not commune with you for now because if we came back overgrown with... you... we would surely get shot on sight before we were able to explain.
So we will see us later

Matsuki fakes a wide smile turns to Nikolai and Zakk and beckons them to leave.
Slowly she advances back to the stairs, never breaking sight contact to the strange being
Last edited August 22, 2022 7:31 pm
Aug 23, 2022 5:27 pm
As the cocoon ruptures, Nikolai feels breath catch in his throat, recent memories of the laughing faces from above filling his mind. It's enough for him to completely freeze for a moment, a distraction which would be deadly if the alien went in for a kill.

He manages to shake off the shock when Matsuki moves and forces himself to tear his gaze away from the monstrosity, nodding and following her and Zakk out of the room - but never forgetting about the eyes staring after them.
Last edited August 23, 2022 5:27 pm
Aug 24, 2022 3:25 am
As the 3 of them slowly leave the room, the mass of faces starts to give echoing laughs. When they speak, they now speak not as one anymore.

"Ha ha he...
No, not funny...
Very funny, humans are scared...
Let's get them...
No, we are to let them walk free...
Stop pushing me...
Hah ha!...
We will lose our opportunity to leave...
No, we need ambassdors. In the past we did...
Hey guys! I'm Samuel! Please free me!...
No, no shut up you jokester...
Haha, Samuel is with us...
No, I'm the real Samuel!...
Then I'm James...
No, we made James into a communicator for the nearby humans...
Hahaha, baby humans, scared of us..."


As the almost skeletal hands rip up more of the material off, the cluster of balloon-like heads are fully seen. They appear to connect directly into the neck of the corpse of Samuel via black stems. The remains of the cocoon are still wrapped around his legs, where something like an umbilical cord connects it to the thick growth on the room wall.

By now, the 3 Spacers have made their way into the corridor. Their eyes watching the monstrosity that haven't moved closer to them.
Aug 24, 2022 7:10 pm
Await our envoy! We will send one right as we arrive back at the outpost! Matsuki exclaims with a big, fake smile as they retreat to the stairs

She turns around and mutters Let's...get...out..of...here through clenched teeth while she pulls both Nikolai and Zakk up the first set of stairs
Last edited August 24, 2022 7:11 pm
Aug 25, 2022 9:39 am
OOC:
I'll take it that Nikolai also agree to the decision to escape.
Matsuki forced everyone else to stop staring back and run away quickly. As the 3 people in Vacsuits find that they have seen enough, their body now focuses on running up the stairs, avoiding to trip on any of the steps.

Behind them, the chilling voices continue to talk amongst themselves, partly to argue about the decision, partly to taunt the fleeing humans. A beeping noise is heard, possibly coming from the main computer in the large room. The group are now on the stairs to not see what is happening.

As they continue on to the next level, they now notice the strange small devices in some of the corners of the structure. It could be mistake for an odd ceiling light, except now they are blinking a red led light erratically. A camera? A bomb? Something else?

While this happens, a distant slamming noise can be heard. As if something bashed against a wall or a floor. Seems to be coming from the corridor of level -2...
OOC:
Would you choose to ignore the distractions and continue escaping, or try to do something else?
Aug 25, 2022 9:28 pm
Something's moving over there... that is not good! Red blinking is also never good! We should get out of here ASAP! Matsuki calls out and continues to rush up the stairs
OOC:
@FlyingSucculent don't feel forced to comply with Matsuki's orders. If Nikolai wants to he can of course investigate the sound. She won't abandon you but in her mind they fulfilled their mission by investigating the structure fully and she has no reason to stay in this potentially deadly situation. Especially with no willpower left :P
Aug 25, 2022 10:16 pm
OOC:
I was going to propose fleeing almost the moment we discovered "Samuel". XD With my Willpower of 2, I don't think I'm up for fighting mind-bending creatures - which I have a phobia of, to boot.
"Don't need to ask me twice," Nikolai throws in response, his posture tense as they turn the corner of the staircase - claws at the ready, eyes narrowed, and focus steady on their surroundings in case anything tries to interrupt them. He keeps up the rear to ensure that both Zakk and Matsuki are slightly safer if the cocoon creature decides to follow, but he is also ready to jump forward if there are more surprises crawling out of the corners of this forsaken lab.
Last edited August 25, 2022 10:16 pm
Aug 26, 2022 9:30 am
With focused determination to not die in this cursed complex, the group of 3 make their way quickly out. They don't wish to know what else there is, as their traumatic experience should be enough evidence that this strange location is something they are not equipped to handle.

They climb up the ladder of the -1 level and emerge from the entrance of the structure. As they catch their breath a bit, they will see the starry sky again along with the towering mysterious pillars. On the pillar tops, the mold glow red as lights now pulse rhythmically. There are the face balloons now swaying high above the ground level. Their attention are on the pillars, and some are looking down at the escaped Spacers.

"Hi there...
Ooh, they are running...
Ha ha ha, run...
Ooh, will they betray us?...
Ha ha, red light, human creation...
Funny, stupid humans..."


As the group make their way out, the Faces don't seem to chase them. With this, the group will easily reach the rim of the pit, and they will see the vehicle they took to come here, and the abandoned vehicle of the previous team.
Aug 26, 2022 9:39 am
Wolf stoically ignores the mocking faces, keeping his eyes on their transport as they ascend the Face's steep slope. He only pauses once, seeing what he supposes must be Tariq's lifeless body, and offers their fallen companion a respectful nod for a goodbye. There is unlikely enough time to safely retrieve the body - and with the mold growing all over him, maybe there is no safe way to do it all.

When they get back to the vehicle, Nikolai gives Matsuki a quick look. "If they chase us, your rifle will be more useful. Shall I drive?"
Last edited August 26, 2022 9:40 am
Aug 26, 2022 10:30 am
Indeed, the slain body of Tariq lies ruined near the entrance of the structure, with the woman known as Christina not too far away as well. It is a very cruel end for a caring doctor animals. There is subtle signs of breathing from Tariq's corpse. As if to taunt that his body is still not fully at rest.
Aug 27, 2022 1:49 am
Matsuki fires a shell into Tariq's lifeless body better be dead than a slave to... whatever.. she thinks

Yeah! You drive! Floor it! I cover our retreat she calls out to Nikolai while she drags Zakk into the vehicle

Then she positions herself in the rear, ready to shoot anyone who follows them
Last edited August 27, 2022 1:50 am

Rolls

Tariq Attack - (1d8)

(6) = 6

Aug 28, 2022 12:40 pm
OOC:
I will use the same method for generating events as last time. I will not track fuel, as the amount I gave will make it unlikely to lose all fuel.
The truck can travel 10 tiles per Watch, or 6 hours. You all will count as having been awake for 1 Watch. Do also decide how you may want to rotate your sleep during travel, if you wish.

The star in circle is the base. The icons above that shows the regions of experimental mining. The triangle in circle is the point of interest, the location of the cursed face hole. Each tile is 6 miles on a side, 12 miles across.
The horizontal icons are the ravines. The circle dot is the giant hole. The triangle is the location of the movement seen. There may be different formations, but are more or less plains or hills.
The dots are the field of holes.
Nikolai will drive away. Matsuki keeps watch on the back with her sniper scope. So far, nothing chases after them. Only the haunting gaze of the balloon faces can be seen watching the groups departure.
OOC:
Will Nikolai drive to the West, or South West? Or is there any specific pathway he might try?

I have no idea why my rolls are doubled. I'll go with the 1st 2.
[ +- ] Map at current
RoAries sent a note to RoAries

Rolls

event roll - (1d6)

(2) = 2

direction - (1d6)

(6) = 6

event roll - (1d6)

(4) = 4

direction - (1d6)

(6) = 6

Aug 28, 2022 6:57 pm
OOC:
I'll try to follow the same way we drove to here unless we spot anything abnormal, and will drive for as long as Wolf can. He is technically at 20 hours with no rest right now and won't be able to rest because he has no food, but I counted and I think the distance isn't enough to push him into Exhaused condition before we reach the base. So I can cover the whole distance of travel. :D

Also in advance if needed, he'll drive slower through the field of holes.
Aug 28, 2022 9:16 pm
OOC:
I'm completely fine with the direction and pace. Matsuki will cover the back for the first part of the drive. Also she still has 6 rations so she can give Wolf one of them in order to rest if needed
Aug 29, 2022 8:17 am
OOC:
Ok, Rations and other items can be shared amongst yourselves. I count a pack of 7 days of rations to take 1 slot.
Nikolai have driven for a few hours to the West when the engine seems to stutter a bit. Zakk has been also awake, and is looking through the footage he got. So far, it is as expected, the video starts getting fuzzy when they enter the pit, and slowly grew worse the deeper they descended the structure. The strange red graphical artifacts can be seen too. He then exclaimed a bit, saying that his filming device have randomly been turning off and on.

Looking at the landscape, there doesn't seem to be anything off, other than the region of holes in the visible far distance.
OOC:
Does Nikolai or Matsuki react to this?
Also, I will consider slow and careful vehicle speed to require 4 tiles of movement to move 1 tile. 2 tiles of movement to travel 1 tile for navigating like hills or cities. Moving as normal is like travelling on a highway or flat lands.
Aug 29, 2022 12:21 pm
"Maybe don't mess with it too much," Wolf comments, throwing a quick glance over his shoulder at where Zakk is fiddling with the recording. "We have no idea how that alien thing works, but we know it reaches far. And if it made your camera into another one of its methods of communications, maybe it's best if it stays off until we arrive and deliver it to proper authorities." He snorts. "Apparently they already have one and know how to deal with it."
OOC:
Continuing moving!
Aug 29, 2022 7:08 pm
Agreed! Matsuki answers shortly to Nikolai's warning.
The engine seems to act up. But I hope it holds up until we get back to the base. Not that we have much choice. she continues while still fixating the landscape behind the car...
Aug 30, 2022 1:32 am
Zakk quickly turns his camera off, which stops the problem for it for now. After while, the engine stops making odd noises and returns to normal engine noise.

By now, at least 6 hours have passed since the truck left the Face. Nikolai drove it through the fields of holes. How deep the holes are, it is hard to tell from inside the vehicle, but from the shadows it has, it is like capable of trapping it if it fell in. Since Nikolai is now also growing tired, he will not take the risk of driving too fast.

Since he goes slower, it takes a longer time to travel through. Eventually he passes it without trouble, and heads south West. Meanwhile, Zakk takes the opportunity to sleep.
(I'll be nice and not ask for any saves for this.
Also, I checked, and the rules say Exhausted condition happens after 2 days of no long rest, I'll not apply disadvantages yet.)

A few hours more, Matsuki spots something in the distance to the North West. It looks like more tall shiny pillars, identical in shape to the ones the structure had. This one isn't blinking.
(Check it out, or ignore?)

Rolls

event roll - (1d6)

(2) = 2

Direction - (1d6)

(6) = 6

Roll again - (1d6)

(1) = 1

Aug 31, 2022 4:52 pm
OOC:
I vote to abstain from any more potential trouble. We can note the location for the future, but for now I'd rather prioritize picking up Oddball.
Aug 31, 2022 7:07 pm
Matsuki watches the structure on the horizon through the scope of her rifle.
There is another of these structures but it seems to be inactive. Could be be worth investigating... at another time. My rifle is battered and I'm physically and mentally exhausted. For now I've seen enough. Let's go home...
Matsuki notes the position of the structure on a sheet of paper and continues to watch the surroundings for trouble
OOC:
I too am not too keen on exploring more ruins in our current condition :D
https://i.imgflip.com/6rsodz.jpg
Last edited August 31, 2022 7:08 pm
Sep 1, 2022 1:51 am
Indeed, there is too much adventure for one day. Risking another confrontation with the fungus aliens or similar is undesired. As pillars disappear over the horizon, Matsuki have a feeling that something is watching them, but it could just be paranoia.

As Nikolai passes through a hill valley, he remembers that his friend Tariq mentioned that he saw movements around the area. Right now, Nikolai cannot see anything off, but he can't help but feel that now it is not impossible for there to be other creatures hidden on this world other than the colonising humans.

By now, more than 12 hours have passed since they left the Structure.

Zakk wakes up suddenly, in a sweat. He says he had a nightmare. He saw himself in his own music studio, recording his new album on the wonders of travelling through space on a rocket ship. As he reached the last part of the song, the lyrics began to grow intense, about dying alone, consumed by laughing darkness. Outside his recording room window, the room grows dark, as the white smiling faces headbang and chant to the deteriorating rock music. As the song ends, the faces began to make hollering noises and applause as they bash themselves through the window.

Fortunately, he manages to crack a joke at it, saying how even the aliens liked his music. (Will save passed.)
He however is still quite affected by it, so he offers to stay up to take over either Matsuki's watch of the back, or Nikolai's driving, so they could rest if they wish.

Rolls

event roll - (1d6, 1d6)

1d6 : (1) = 1

1d6 : (5) = 5

Event direction - (1d6)

(5) = 5

Zakk will save - (1d20)

(4) = 4

Sep 2, 2022 10:09 am
I think weird dreams are to be expected after this encounter. If Wolf needs a rest you can take over for him. I'll keep on keeping watch. I'll sleep when we get back....
Matsuki murmurs while screening the surroundings with her scope
Sep 5, 2022 11:53 am
Nikolai shrugs, not tearing his eyes away from the road. "I can drive for longer; it is relaxing. Maybe later., when we get closer to the base - as long as you promise not to get us stuck in the ravine there."
Sep 7, 2022 5:09 am
OOC:
Do wait a while more, I want to be able to edit the map again on my home computer to see where your position will be now before I continue.
Sep 8, 2022 5:58 am
The map:
http://imgur.com/a/VTJZQkB
Nikolai drives all the way back for almost 24 hours. Apparently, having an eldritch near death experience is a good motivation for that. But also, this group is the only sane survivors left that know of the alien presence and conspiracy.

After going pass the giant ravine, the electrician sees the colony base in the distance, and can finally feel relief. The truck soon reach the giant garage and swiftly parked there. The car mechanics and other staff stared at the team with curiosity, wondering what this group of people the stubborn Assistant Communications Officer had sent out have found.
OOC:
I also now remember, I want to ask, your vacsuits have been dirtied with bits of the black substance, and is a potential biohazard. Is there a way you want to prepare before you disembark?
Do you try to clean it? Take it off and store it somewhere? I'll say that the truck have 1 inbuilt radio to communicate with base.

Rolls

Will event happen? (1: N, 2:Y) - (1d2)

(1) = 1

Sep 10, 2022 1:36 pm
Matsuki takes the radio
Scouting party reporting back. Things went.... badly. We've been in contact with a biohazardous substance and need a decontamination team here
She turns the radio off and looks at Wolf and Zakk
Let's stay inside until the team is here. Don't want the people here to turn into fungus zombies as well
Last edited September 10, 2022 1:36 pm
Sep 12, 2022 5:40 am
The call was made before the truck enters into the Garage(slight retcon). Waiting inside the truck, the 3 Spacers see that a team in white hazmat suits approach the vehicle. They got to work spraying the vehicle thoroughly before asking for the doors to be opened. While the insides and the vacsuits are being sterilsed, the 3 individuals have themselves checked and confirmed to not be displaying any odd symptoms. Samples of the disinfected mold are taken from the boots for further studies.

After having a thorough shower, Matsuki, Zakk, and Nikolai will be allowed to freely enter the base, where Samantha is waiting for them.

"I am really glad to see you all back and safe. Or, almost all. I am having my IT guy to have a look through Zakk's video camera at the moment. Before I see it, tell me, what happened over there? Tell me everything. And what is this biohazardous substance you came across?"
OOC:
Shall I assume you will simply share everything you experienced?
Sep 13, 2022 9:57 pm
OOC:
I'm not against sharing everything.
Wolf lets Matsuki and Zakk handle the conversation, more interested in grabbing a drink than remembering the disgusting laughing faces and the odd alien thing with questionable morals. He only pipes up with a brief descriptions of his own actions while alone in the facility, but otherwise stays quiet and uninvolved, idly sheathing and unsheathing his claws while others talk. He yawns a few times, clearly tired after the drive, and by the end of the debriefing actually starts to nod off.
Last edited September 13, 2022 9:57 pm
Sep 13, 2022 10:19 pm
Matsuki gives a detailed account on what happened without leaving anything out. When she is finished telling what they experienced she ends with
And if I can make a suggestion it would be to either evacuate this outpost and move somewhere far away from these fungus monsters or blow the whole compound up with as much explosives as you can muster.
They already made clear that they can and will infiltrate our mind in order to use us against some kind of alliance. If you think about further studying those structures: We've seen similiar structures on our way back here that seem to be inactive. So if you blow up the one we came from, we still have other, less dangerous, ones to study
Last edited September 13, 2022 10:20 pm
Sep 14, 2022 3:04 am
Quote:
However, there will be payment. 1000 Credits to each individual who comes back with substantial evidence of The Face's nature and its danger level. 500 Credits will be paid if at least the danger or some idea of the situation can be identified. Reaching the site and deciding to come back due to reasonable danger will be worth 200 Credits.
Samantha pays attention to the details from Matsuki and Zakk and writes it down on her notepad. She then takes out her phone and taps away on it.

"Thanks for risking your lives for me. And I am sorry to hear how we have lost Tariq. I'm sure his vet colleague will take over his duties well, and have any of his family members notified and compensated. I'm sure his death will not be in vain, as we now have evidence to show to HQ that we need greater support to deal with the new alien threat. As for now, you survivors shall get your reward from me. It's the least I can do. Each of you now have 1000 Credits transfered to your accounts. Go ahead to spend it however you wish, but I recommend that you equip yourselves for future tasks. Now, i have to return to my office to write up a report on our situation.

Meanwhile, if you still want to do something for me, you could investigate the group that was influenced by the fungus aliens you found. 200 credits each for any new intel."
OOC:
Would any of you buy something? And will you go to the dining hall and meet up with Oddball? Or maybe you will do that after you have your sleep in your rooms?

Btw, by now, each of you have spent 1 O2 cannister. I'll edit for Zakk only.

And now, I'll make a new thread.

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