Once they have all navigated the ladder and are in the cellar below the dairy, they find a cellar. At the edge of the dairy cellar, there are three tunnels leading off. The air is old and musty, and small niches and alcoves, carved and worn with time, suggest some ancient purpose forgotten by modern man. Nothing is currently stored here, but there are signs of foot traffic.

[OOC: A Reason + Survival test with a difficulty of 1 when inspecting the footprints... What other things do you do?]

Captain

Once they could no longer hear German being spoken above nor any sounds of movement, he gave them another couple of minutes. Finally, he said, "ok, pull out your torches, let's scout around." Kneeling he looks at the foot prints "doesn't look like anyone has been here in a long time." Even the foot prints have dust on them.


Captain Swann Look Around Target 13 2 successes
Pandemonium rolled 1d20,1d20 and got 4, 9

Jean-Jacques Lupien

Jean-Jacques let out a silent sigh of relief from the top of the ladder, axe in hand. By the time he reached the bottom of the ladder, he was all smiles. He winked at the Austrian. "You see, eh? No problems here."

He nodded to the captain about the footprints and then, flicking on a torch, had a peek down each of the tunnels to see what his guts were telling him about the way to go.

Jean-Jacques Lupien
Cursory Look at the Footprints
Reason + Survival: Target 8
Vryx rolled d20,d20 and got 7, 9
One Success

Jean-Jacques Lupien
Peeking down tunnels
Insight + Observation: Target 10
Vryx rolled d20,d20 and got 19, 2
One success, a crit for Observation (Instincts), so that makes it two successes

[OOC: These passages are twisty and turney. Think of a honeycomb. They haven't been used in years with no traffic, so it isn't obvious which of the three passages is the correct one. However, we have 2 successes towards the undisclosed difficulty number for finding the right path. Going to let our other player contribute her successes and ideas on how to navigate before I add more NPC stuff. Just didn't want you to think I was ignoring you. ]

{Isabella}

She had climbed down into the tunnels and was impressed by the big Canuck's ability obfuscate their presence. Isabella couldn't help but grin back and nod when he winked at her. **Perhaps we do have some odds...** she thought.

As they made their way deeper, Isabella the archaeologist couldn't help but note how the honeycomb pattern of tunnels worked. She looked for clues amongst the niches with an eye to understanding when and why they were constructed. Based upon her experience and research, she knew that there was a reason that the Black Sun's were at this point and place. Unfortunately, Isabella hadn't had the chance to review maps of Ley-lines or any other such references. But...if this was a place of power, there would be clues to direct their path.


[OOC Not sure if these are the right skills, but Observation, Engineering, and Academia.
Isabella learning from the passageways
Lionhawke rolled 1d20,1d20,1d20 and got 19, 3, 9]

[OOC: The rolls are always a stat and a skill. We will say she pulled 1 Momentum so that you have the three dice, they are there to be used. I will adjust the running total. But two success for Isabella.]



As the archeologist looked around, she saw signs that these natural passages were used by humanity. There are niches carved out here and there, not large enough for a human body. She really doesn't know the function of much of what she sees. She surmises that much of the work is ornamental, though not pleasing to their eyes.

Her knowledge of humanity does allow her to help Jean narrow down the best choice. They pick the middle passage and begin to progress down it. As expected, it winds this way and that, and without their skills, this place would have more trouble. But this little well-prepared group of insurgents is able to make their way along.

The air is getting decidedly colder. Wisps of white mist slither like snakes, or perhaps tentacles, around your feet. There is a recessed wooden door here with no visible handle, but light shines through the cracks. Listening provides no clue as to what is beyond it, but you must be in the right spot.

Jean-Jacques Lupien

Jean-Jacques had an unsettling feeling growing the further they wound through the underground labyrinth. It didn't make any sense to him. A tunnel should be like a road or a canal. You make it to go from here to there. Not this way and then that way all of a sudden and then back the other direction. Digging was hard work. A man only does as much work as he has to, to get what he wants, he figured. He gripped his axe and found himself wishing he were above ground again, big pines all around him, smelling like sap and life. This tunnel... to be stuck under here would be worse than death.

He muttered in French as they trooped, sometimes poking into the alcoves with his axe as if doubting they were really empty. By the time the curling mists and cold came around his boots he felt about ready to jump out of skin.

But before they ventured to the door, he pulled Swann aside. "Hey, Captain," he softly breathed. "You know me and Gregg, we both got these charges, eh? Once we get the villagers, we goin' be bringing 'em back this way, no? Maybe them Nazis be coming after us, eh? Maybe we set some charges and not make it so easy for them to follow us, eh?"

Captain Swann

"Planning for a retreat down here with booby traps is a good idea. Go ahead and prepare." The captain agreed with his suggestion. "Corral whoever you need to to get it done." He waved at Private Gregg and Sven in particular.

It took time to get things set up. But anyone chasing them would be in for a nasty surprise.

[OOC: Any other preparations?]

{Isabella}

As the soldiers began their preparations to cover their escape route from the Nazi's, Isabella considered who they were fighting. These were not ordinary rank and file Aryans, these were occult practitioners -- who no doubt had worked with otherworldly minions. Those beings wouldn't be bothered by fire or rock coming down upon them.

"Captain Swann, I'm going to require a few extra moments to prepare a trap of my own." Isabella went another 9 paces further back the tunnel and found a suitable spot that would capture something coming from multiple directions -- especially if barely phased by the physical trap.

Isabella pulled out her leather bound journal from beneath her coat pocket and started to trace an Ogham Sign banishment ritual in the space of the floor and walls.

Isabella's preparations are completed as the men have set up their traps. They are as ready as they can be, aren't they?

Is it time to deal with the slatted wall without a handle? If so how?

Jean-Jacques Lupien

Jean-Jacques and Nilsen assisted Gregg, following the American Private's instructions with the delicate, dangerous work. The thin young man with the even thinner mustache even extinguished one of his ever-present Lucky Strikes and tucked it behind his ear while handling the explosives. He ran the wire and hid the detonator in one of the strange alcove niches just out of the blast radius, a safe distance away from the charges.

"Seventh on the left," the Private said. "Lucky seven." Unvoiced was the idea that since there was no guarantee of who might be coming back down the tunnel, it was best that they all knew how to blow it.

As for the door itself, Jean-Jacques had a tool in hand. He checked the door to see if he could wedge the edge of the axe against where a handle would be to pry it open, breaking any lock. If that didn't work, his next attempt would be to pry a wider gap in one of the holes with light shining through to reach a latch with his arm. And finally, to chop it down if neither of those worked.


((OOC Pande, how much of the demolitions were needed? Both Gregg and Lupien have 3 lbs in their demo kits. Each pound does 10D+1 in a blast, can be halved. Also, Gregg is MUCH better at Engineering + Coordination (14, crits on 4 or less) than Jean-Jacques or Sven (both a 9) so I think they'd let him handle the tricky bits.))

[OOC: Brawn + Athletics, 1 success needed to push or pry the door open. The axe can be used as an assistance tool if the roll is too high. I doubt it is an issue.

How much do you want to use? 1 lb is probably enough for anti-personnel purposes. But if you want to collapse the entire passage? Say 3 lbs concentrated in one area. You could set up several different blast points, depending on how elaborate you wish to be. You have time; the only thing that might happen is the poor, hapless villagers being led to their doom. What could go wrong there? As far as rolling, don't worry. We will deal with it on the exit run if that happens.

Assuming a successful roll...]

The group has found the secret entrance to the chateau, and it opens into a cellar below the ritual chamber. The reason there is no handle is because they are looking at the back of a bookshelf, which needs to be pushed out of the way. [OOC Hence the test.] Once it is pushed out of the way...

You have entered some sort of cellar; it is freezing, and the wisps of mist seem to be denser in here than in the tunnels. It seems long abandoned and is full of cobwebs and other detritus. At the top of the stairs is a thick wooden trapdoor, currently closed.

Jean-Jacques Lupien

Jean-Jacques put his lumberjack shoulder against the door, utilizing leverage with the axe and easily opened it up into the misty cellar.

Jean-Jacques Lupien
Opening secret bookshelf door: (Brawn + Athletics, target 11)
Vryx rolled d20,d20 and got 11, 3
Two successes
I also was looking up the "Truths" rule. I wasn't sure if his "Built Like a Brick Outhouse" which I recorded as "Lumberjack" Characteristic would have made that any easier. The rules seem kind of squidgy there for me.

((OOC Let's say they used 2 charges, one from each of their Demo Kits. So, a lot of damage to personnel caught in the blast and enough to make it harder to get through the area but not completely closed off.))

{Isabella}

She was thankful that the big Canadian didn't have to chop down the door - wondering if there was any reaction to their entrance. Isabella shushed the team to confirm there was not other active movement their way. After it seemed safe for the moment, she visibly relaxed and examined the room.

Of course the bookshelf caught her eye, and Isabella scanned the titles of the tomes to understand what this room had been used for in the past. And trying to work out the relevance to their current predicament.

"We need to get a reconnaissance of the grounds. Where the prisoners are held. And confirm what the Black Suns are doing - which means a probable encounter with Herr Stoller. Do we split up or send small teams out?" She whispered.

From here, there is a trapdoor at the top of the stairs, and it seems to be the only place to go. Moving up to the top and listening will reveal a sonorous chanting in some ancient inhuman tongue on the other side.

The bookcase has rotten tomes clearly of no value. This place hasn't been used in quite some time, forgotten as the passage seemed to have been.

A quick check by someone skilled informs them that there is no lock nor latch of any kind on the trap door.

Jean-Jacques Lupien

Jean-Jacques had a stormy expression upon his face retreating back down the stairs to report what he heard.

"I don't think we gonna get time for no recon, lady," he said to Isabella. "I think we right in the bouilli right here. They singing up there which can't be no good, eh?"

{Isabella}

After finding useless information in the space and books, Isabella crept up to where Jacques had heard the singing. Indeed, she couldn’t discern what was being chanted from this vantage - but it was clear that ceremonial preparations had already started. She came back down to the floor.

“I agree. C’est le moment.” She nodded, but they still didn’t have a plan. “We cannot just burst up and start to open fire. It is possible that there will be civilians ready for sacrifice. How can we gain a moment to pause and assess? Suggestions?”

Her plan was to let the soldiers storm while she identified the greatest threat with Fridge’s Wisdom. Yet, there wasn’t the same pull of energy that she would have expected if the ceremony was fully engaged. The enemy hadn’t fully gathered. That would complicated things.

Poking your head up out of the trapdoor, you find yourself in a small anteroom off of a larger chamber. The larger room into which you’re looking is circular, with an altar near the far wall, a single closed door on the left wall, and six supporting columns providing a degree of cover while reaching up to the ceiling four meters above your head. On each column, a civilian is tied. As you take in their appearance, you can see they are beaten, crying, and screaming in fear at something on the altar. You follow their gaze to the source of their terror, a stone slab red with the blood of sacrificial victims. Above, a glowing phosphorescent light surrounds a Black Sun Master, four Black Sun Novices, and a bizarre creature with fearsome claws and a slathering tongue instead of a head. Above, a dark presence seems to be forming in the air as the chanting of terrible ancient words continues.

((OOC Pande, when you say "above" do you mean that the Black Sun guys and the monster are floating above the altar? Or that the light is above them that surrounds them? Are they close enough to reach with a melee attack? And, it didn't seem like there are rules about problems with firing if allies were in range or if bystanders were near by?))

It is above the altar coming into being or this reality.

Though if you get close enough it could be attacked with a melee weapon.

If the shot goes awry complications could cause a shot to hit a friendly.

((OOC but the Black Sun guys are on the ground, correct? and the worm thing? And something ELSE is coming into being above them? And the chanting is the Black Sun guys?))

Correct, the Black Sun are at ground level. The tentacle thing is what is coming into being above the altar. Yes, the Black Sun guys are chanting, conducting some kind of a ritual.

Maybe this bit of description will help illuminate things.

The battlefield is made up of four zones: the antechamber, the main room, the altar where the ritual is taking place, and the side door leading to the ritual room. Cover Resistance of +2 may be provided by anyone hiding behind a pillar.

Jean-Jacques Lupien

Jean-Jacques Lupien had seen horrid, otherworldly things in his life. In Cape Cod, years past, he'd been hired to transport guests to an island manor and that place was not somewhere anyone should have gone. Strange happenings became more and more frightening until eventually he'd used all his guile to slip off the island, past undersea inhuman beings that had kept them trapped. By the time he had returned with the Coast Guard, the guests had for some reason not stayed in the barricaded manor house but had tried to leave themselves. Of them, or whatever had taken them, no signs were found and Jean-Jacques fell briefly under suspicion of foul play in their disappearances.

At another time, while working as a carny for a traveling freak show, some of the troupe's other workers were involved in some unholy dealings and had tried to use some macabre ceremony in an abandoned church to bring forth some foul being. He had flashbacks of that time now when he beheld what the Black Sun troops were attempting to do. Some part of him wanted to get down the ladder and back out of that tunnel as quickly as possible but he knew that this was the mission and his unfortunate prior experiences were why he was on it. He knew that whatever the Nazis were doing here had to be stopped and hopefully as many of the poor folk of Saint Sulac could be saved.

After a whispered, hurried plan was discussed, the urgency of trying to get the bystanders to some relative safety took precedence over immediately attacking the cultists and their creature. Jean-Jacques volunteered to sneak up and toward the pillars where they were tied, along with Walker. Crook whined very softly about being left behind as Walker gave his scruff a brisk rub and they were out.

Jean-Jacques was to go to the left, Walker the right, keeping to the shadows and aiming for the furthest two villagers first. They would be most in the line of fire from the rest of the unit. Jean-Jacques planned to communicate with the victim to keep them from giving them away or running madly in the wrong direction. Once freed, the plan was to get them behind cover of the pillars, moving between them when there was an opportunity.

((OOC I think both Walker and Jean-Jacques should take a Momentum from the pool on this check. Not sure how many successes are needed. Both of them for Agility + Stealth need an 11. Purchase of the die needs to happen before rolling.))


Jean-Jacques Lupien
Stealth, to free a prisoner, target 11, one extra die bought
Vryx rolled d20,d20,d20 and got 1, 7, 11
Wow, that's a good roll. I believe that is four successes!

[OOC: You are absolutely correct, 4 successes! Great roll!

Walker, however, not so much...
Walker Sneak to a villager in the summoning chamber
Pandemonium rolled 1d20,1d20,1d20 and got 20, 7, 15]

Jean, being a backwoodsman, moves with stealth befitting a hunter. His knife slits the rope of his villager and even gets her frightened form directed back toward the alcove.

Walker, however, while she does fine sneaking up to the pillar, as she silently explains the situation to the wide-eyed villager, the flash of the knife blade turns out to be too much for the young man. He begins to howl and whine "Don't kill me," he pleads. Of course, this causes a disturbance, and the nearest Black Sun trooper looks over in suspicion. In a moment, he grabs his machine gun and yells "Eindringlinge!" (Intruders!)

The gig was up, a fight was going to be necessary to stop these foul villains.

[OOC: I can create a new thread for the fight if you wish, or we can keep going here, I don't mind either way.]

((OOC Does four successes add Momentum to the pool or could it be accounted for that maybe two prisoners freed. What do you think? Also, I think just keep this thread?))

OOC: Yes only needed 2, so 2 successes adds 2 momentum. You can account for two prisoners if you want to go that route. I am fine with it. Can't negate a 20 though so we still have a mess brewing.

((OOC Yes I'd prefer to spend the good roll on possibly saving two imaginary nameless lives vs doing a really boss edgelord axe attack because I'm tender-hearted))

[OOC: I will lower the Momentum to 4, and you can write it up]

Jean-Jacques Lupien

Like the big Nova Scotian coyotes, who, despite their wolf interbreeding, maintained the species' subtleties of subterfuge, Jean-Jacques picked his spots as he maneuvered along the wall. He made good time through the shadows to free his prisoner and managed to ease her down enough to send her off from the pillar the moment his thumb-knife had neatly shorn the knot of rope.

Pressing on with his good fortune he moved to the central pillar and had cut free the older man whose own terror seemed to have exhausted him.

But across the way, there was trouble. Walker was good in a scrap but maybe was better with dogs than people and her poor terrified prisoner was reacting badly. He grabbed the old man to pull him behind the pillar as he saw the troopers stop their chanting and pulled out their weapons. He hoped SWann and Nilsson and the others were in position to drop the hammer or he didn't see how he'd be getting out of there.

[OOC: I will post for the NPCs, or anyone can really, but letting Isabella get a first post in.]

{Isabella}

The first part of their plan seemed to develop as Jean-Jacques and Walker slipped int the chamber and began to release the prisoners. Isabella let the other soldiers make their way up before her, so that support fire could be laid down. Was that Swann or Nilsson that was in front of her, she wondered.

As soon as the she heard German being spoken, she pushed the others up faster. "Now!" she hissed and could only wait until they went up one by one -- a line of fire being put forth to let another soldier up. Isabella was frustrated that she had to wait, but it meant she would be able to pick out the leader better as others were occupied. She began to prepare for the release of the banishment spell.

Once she was up - the scene was more dire than she had thought. The Calling through the ritual had been interrupted, but the Ancient Horror seemed momentarily in stasis as chants had ceased. As she dove for cover to her left, Isabella looked for the reaction of the Black Sun master in order to gauge her next step - then saw the tentacled creature. It was vile and she knew by revolting gut reaction that bullets alone wouldn't bring it down. As soon as she could would attempt banishment with the Sign of Ogham.


[OOC: Sorry I had guests for movie night and couldn't get to this. A lot happening at once, but hoping that the actions are clear based upon original role. 1) Spell prep. 2) up the trap door to room. 3.) cover. 4) observation. 5) prepare for attack.]

[OOC: It is a fine write up! I will have to do some thinking in how I want to set up the next post. There are some mechanics that I need to look up and deal with. Probably get it done over the weekend.

No worries on being busy. We are moving along at a great clip, honestly. Better than I had originally thought. This is the big scene, so I want to get it right.]

[OOC: Let's start with a roll for the spell. I am going to treat this a form of Counterspell, as in the intention of the effect it to disrupt the ritual, ie prevent the servitor from manifesting on this plane. Does that work? If so let us see how many successes are generated. Remember you can buy up to 3 additional d20s, 1 Threat will be added to my pool per d20 added, but obviously the trade off is it offers the potential of additional successes.

Once we have the results of the spell, The 4 Black Sun troopers will act, as they are reacting to Walker and her complication. Then we can go on to one of the PCs/NPC good guys, back and forth. I think it will make our action a bit more pithy.]

{Isabella}

Getting eyes on the servitor, she felt the best way to banish it was not to let the ritual complete. Using the Sign of ham as a base to create a counter spell she spun her hands and fingers around as if writing the language of the ancients in the fabric of the multiverse itself. With a force of voice she released the spell.

"Beithe Ailm Nion Idad Straif Muin Eadhadh Nion Tinne Uath!!!" But something didn't feel completely right at the end. She prepared herself for a potential recoil effect.



Isabella counter spell attempt to break the ritual; purchasing extra roll Target 13?
Lionhawke rolled 1d20,1d20,1d20 and got 7, 11, 20

Isabella began her chant. The sonorous asynchronous chanting in German struggles and falters but doesn't fail. She knows that she will have to continue to work to disrupt it fully.

However the Black Sun troopers fire at Walker striking the pillar near her. The prisoner finally takes the hint and runs towards the group only to be struck by machine gun fire. It is unclear if he is dead or merely wounded.

Crook takes umbrage with gunfire at his mistress and charges toward. He leaps upon one of the troopers and bites his arm. The dog begins to shake his head and body back and forth worrying the wound a bit more. From the anguished cries it is clear the trooper is in pain.


The leader continues to chant but moves into cover behind a pillar that still has a prisoner tied to it.

The thing above the altar seems like it is writhing in space.

[PCs and Squad members can make notice rolls. Go ahead and roll for all of the good guys.

The complication from Isabella's roll isn't immediately apparent.

Good guys turn. You may do the notice and wait for the results before acting.]

Nilsson, Insight + Observation 11
Vryx rolled d20,d20 and got 18, 4
One success

Swann, Insight + Observation 8
Vryx rolled d20,d20 and got 2, 10
One success

Gregg, Insight + Observation 12 (Instincts 3)
Vryx rolled d20,d20 and got 10, 20
One success, one complication

Walker, Insight + Observation 8
Vryx rolled d20,d20 and got 4, 19
One success

Crook, Insight + Observation 13 (Smell and Taste 3)
Vryx rolled d20,d20 and got 13, 4
Two successes

Lupien, Insight + Observation 10 (Instincts 2)
Vryx rolled d20,d20 and got 19, 1
One critical success

It must be the adrenalin kicking in, as almost everyone notes that there is the faintest trails of black smoke going from an open book on the altar to the window that the thing is coming through.

[OOC: Good Guy turn]

{Isabella}

Refocusing on the spell, Isabella continues to attempt a disruption of the ritual. Taking a deep breath, she belts out the ancient Celtic words as if by will to drown out the evil German.

Isabella counter spell attempt to break the ritual;Target 13?
Lionhawke rolled 1d20,1d20 and got 8, 6

no extra roll was purchased on purpose.

[OOC: Two successes. Going to let NPCs and Jean go, before I post any results.

Lionhawke, feel free to run an NPC or two, if you would like. That way we can work our way through this scene. ]

Jean-Jacques Lupien

Jean-Jacques took stock of the situation. The lady Isabella seemed to understand about these dark rituals. Espying the thin trail coming from the altar to the unholy beast's appearance and figuring four legs were faster than two, called across the room, "Walker! Have our doggie fetch le livre noir, the black book, and bring it to Isabella!"

Then his eye tracked the man who looked like the leader of the Nazi cultists using a tied prisoner and pillar as coverage from gunfire. "Well," Jean-Jacques, chuckled, "I think that's ok by me."

He took off from where he'd left his second freed prisoner behind a pillar and in long strides crossed the floor to where the leader continued to lead his chant, safe from bullets perhaps.

Jean-Jacques Lupien, the former lumberjack, came up swinging at the backside of the pillar like it was the last pine standing before quota was met.

"Hey, you," he said to the German, "Shut up, eh?"

Spend one d20 from the pool
Jean-Jacques Lupien
Axe Attack on leader (Agility + Fighting 12)
Vryx rolled d20,d20,d20 and got 9, 14, 18
Just one success. Theoretically, that guy gets to make an Agility + Fighting to defend, I think?
If Jean-Jacques wins, he will apply Physical Stress: 4D+2 Vicious (+1 Stress for each effect rolled)
Challenge Dice: 1 is a 1, 2 is 2, 3 and 4 are 0, 5 and 6 are 1 + effect
Jean-Jacques Lupien Axe Attack on leader damage
Vryx rolled d6,d6,d6,d6 and got 4 (0), 3 (0), 6 (1 + 1), 6 (1 + 1)
Jean-Jacques Lupien Axe Attack on leader bonus damage
Vryx rolled d6,d6 and got 6 (1 + 1), 5 (1 + 1)
So that would be 8 Stress
He subtracts his armor. If it is 5 or more still, he gets an injury I think?

((ooc redid because I realized that the bonus damage due to his Brawn are dice, not just a flat +2))

{Isabella}

While she felt that her second attempt at the counterspell might have had a greater effect, she wasn't sure yet. Isabella heard the big Canuck suggest the dog grab the book of rituals. It was a great idea and she hoped that Walker could communicate it to the canine soldier.

In fact, Walker barked out the command while dodging the latest volley from the Germans.

[OOC I agree with Vryx - other than slight movements of NPCs in direct relationship to an exchange with a main character - I don't want to presume too much on their actions.]

Walker called "fháil*" to Crook. The dog responded immediately and leapt forward, propelling itself toward the altar on its four legs.

Walker stepped forward around the pillar, leveled her Thompson submachine gun at a Black Sun trooper near the dog, and fired a quick burst. The gun sounded incredibly loud in this space but seemed to have the desired effect. One of the rounds struck the man, and he sat down on his butt, looking dazed. Though his uniform is dark, a rivulet of blood can be seen leaking from the hole Walker created.

Crook arrived at the altar and grabbed the ancient tome in his mouth, though all could still see the black stream of smoke coming from it, still rising into the air.

Isabelle is sure that her actions hadn't stopped the ritual, and she is quite concerned that whatever it is that they are summoning, is about to step through on to this plane of existence.

Private Dan Gregg slipped from the shadows, almost as if not seen, and pulled the trigger on his Thompson. His weapon sent a burst out towards the middle of the troopers, adding to the smoke and noise. The hapless Black Sun trooper sprouts a couple of different fonts of blood. Though he is still alive, he is not doing very well.

From a different shadow, there is the slightest sound as an arrow lances out towards another trooper. In the chaos of noise and smoke, his arrow doesn't find its mark.

Captain Swann offers a grim smile as his troops do what they were trained to do. He levels his suppressed machine gun and lets loose a burst. The burst strikes a trooper right in the chest, and sits him on his butt looking dazed. A small bit of blood leaks from the hole in his chest.



*=get in Gaelic

[OOC:
Walker Shoot a trooper
Pandemonium rolled 1d20,1d20 and got 12, 16
Walker Damage
Pandemonium rolled 1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6 and got 5, 2, 4, 4 = 3 stress and an effect:Stun Trooper #1
Walker Damage
Pandemonium rolled 1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6 and got 2, 2, 2, 1=7 stress That makes 10 stress on Trooper #1 and stunned.
The trooper has 2 armor and 2 resistance, so 4 from that 10=6 which offers a wound/harm. #1 has 1 wound enough to take him out.

Gregg Attack
Pandemonium rolled 1d20,1d20 and got 9, 9
Gregg Damage
Pandemonium rolled 1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6 and got 2, 2, 1, 4, 1 = 6 Stress on a different trooper #2.
Gregg Damage
Pandemonium rolled 1d6 and got 3=No effect
6 stress - 2 resistance and 2 armor, 2 stress taken by on #2

Sven Attack
Pandemonium rolled 1d20,1d20 and got 15, 16 Wiff

Captain Attack
Pandemonium rolled 1d20,1d20 and got 5, 8 Adds a point of Momentum
Captain Damage
Pandemonium rolled 1d6,1d6,1d6 and got 3, 4, 1=1 stress on #3.
Captain Damage
Pandemonium rolled 1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6 and got 3, 1, 4, 6=2 stress + Stun #3 takes 3 stress and sits stunned

The Black Sun leader looks at the big Canuk and smiles as he comes around the pillar. He steps away from the swing of the axe, and raises his arms speaking a guttural phrase.

The shadows in the room seem to gather, the gloom sticking to the Black Sun troopers making them more difficult to see. However, to Jean's surprise, the spell seems to backfire on the leader, making a black silhouette outline actually having the opposite effect for him.

The remaining 3 troopers open fire. The spray of bullets seem to have no effect other than pinging the walls, till Captain Swann grunts.

However, as a veteran of several combats, everyone sees it has little effect. He will have some bruising on his chest, but his tactical armor and fatigues keep the worst from happening.



3 successes adding 2 threat
Stoller Defend
Pandemonium rolled 1d20,1d20 and got 10, 2

Stoller Cast Mask of the Faceless Sphinx -1 to hit Stoller and -2 on his armor, +1 to hit all other troopers and they gain +2 cover
Pandemonium rolled 1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20 and got 20, 5, 7, 4 = 3 successes, and 1 major complication

Essentially this means you gain a bonus to hit, and damage Stoller, but a minus to hit and damage the regular troopers.

Troopers Attack
Pandemonium rolled 1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20 and got 18, 13, 14, 4, 17, 12 Dang only one hit.

Trooper Who to Attack
Pandemonium rolled 1d6 and got 6 Captain Swann

Trooper Damage
Pandemonium rolled 1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6 and got 5, 5, 5, 3, 4, 4, 6, 1 = 5 stress - 1 armor =4 stress.

OOC: New round PCs act
Isabella can make a Notice and Observation roll.

((OOC couple questions on the Trooper Damage, Pande, as I'm grasping the system. They rolled 8D with their gun? That seems like more than any of the weapons in the rules, unless they have some kind of enhancement due to skill, etc? Also, they rolled 4 effects on those 8 dice. Most of the time with guns the effect is Vicious which means another point of damage. Or do NPCs just have a set damage and don't use the weapon rules?

Also, should I wait for Isabella's perception check to go?))

So, damage is done to the Challenge dice. On a d6, see the table either in the rules or in the reference sheet in the forum. Essentially 1 is 1 stress, 2 is 2 stress, 3 and 4 are blanks (nothing), 5 or 6 are 1 stress and an effect. In this case I activated the Stun effect from the Thompsons, for the effect.

I didn't take time to look it up in the rules, I was using the SRD. The SRD said Challenge dice are influenced by the skill of the shooter, which for most of the PCs this is a boon. Captain Swan for example has 4 fighting, which adds 4 CD to a hit. Correct me if I did it incorrectly, or say "bozo" and I will go read that section of the rules. I was trying to get the post up, which I owed you two.


No Need to wait on Isabella, go ahead and go. Isabella will be noticing or not, the complication she rolled. I expect to hear "Bad Dog" very soon. ]

((ooc Pande, no that isn't right. I don't think.
Page 142 details the bonus challenge dice. It's definitely not the skill. Skill just gives a 1 higher chance to succeed per point.
Bonus challenge dice are based on the attribute, for high attributes. An 8 or lower is no bonus die. A 9 is one bonus die. A 10 or 11 is two. Going up from there but that's outside our range.
So, Jean-Jacques has a Brawn of 10 and a Coordination of 9. So when he shoots successfully (under coordination (9) + Fighting (3)) he does his gun's weapon damage plus bonus dice. Which is 1 for him. If he's using his axe (rolling under Agility (9) + Fighting (3)) he gets his Brawn bonus dice (2) to add to the axe attack.
))

OOC: Thanks. Brawn is for resistance, Willpower is for Courage (mental resistance). Coordination is for shooting. Since this round is really benefited for the PCs, let me do it correctly the next round.]

Jean-Jacques Lupien

Jean-Jacques cursed as the Nazi leader slipped aside and his axe cracked against the pillar.

"Come 'ere, you slippery muskie!" he muttered as he turned to follow him.

Then he prepared for the worst as he heard those guttural inhuman sounds emanate from the man's throat. But as the room got dimmer and shadows split from the walls to hide the troopers, he saw the shade fade from the man's face as quickly as his serpentine grin. It seemed like the man even glowed in the darkness like a flare.

"Not so funny now, eh?" Jean-Jacques grunted, as he reached down deeply to swing at the brighter target.

Spend 1 Fortune for this scene (1 left): Critical Success. One die is an automatic 1.
Grab 1 die from the Momentum pool.
Jean-Jacques Lupien
Axe Attack on leader (Agility + Fighting 12 + 1 for botched Faceless Sphinx)
Vryx rolled d20,d20 and got 12, 3 in addition to the automatic 1
So, I believe that is 4 successes this time. He gets to defend but that's a tall order.

((OOC It doesn't look like you inflict damage for every success or even extra damage for a critical, that just helps you win the opposed skill check, but since the target number of successes is 1, I think what happens is that 3 are added to Momentum. But then you have the option of spending Momentum to add additional damage with a maximum of 3D. So, I think that I'll do that and do 4D for the axe, plus 2D for Brawn, plus 3D spent that was just earned.))

Jean-Jacques Lupien
Axe damage
Vryx rolled d6,d6,d6,d6,d6,d6,d6,d6,d6 and got 4, 4, 1, 1, 5, 2, 2, 6, 1
With the Vicious Effect that's 11 Stress and Stoller's got -2 on his armor.
If he takes all 11, he might take two Injuries, I believe, which is the max from one attack. One, if his stress level is 11 or less as this would reduce to 0. Another, because the damage was 5 or more.


((OOC
By the way, because Stoller won the melee before, he could have chosen to inflict melee stress damage on Jean-Jacques or move away for free. I picked the moving away in my narrative since you didn't apply damage but if you want to retcon that, that's fine.

Oh and actually, I found where it talks about the bonus stress to attributes, it's actually page 34. I was wrong about using Coordination for bonus damage with guns.

BONUS STRESS
Characters inflict bonus stress based on their attributes.
A character with a high Brawn rolls extra with melee
weapons, while a character with a high Insight rolls extra
with ranged weapons, and a character with high Will
rolls extra with mental attacks.
ATTRIBUTE RATING BONUS CHALLENGE DICE
8 or lower –
9 +1
10 or 11 +2
12 or 13 +3
14 or 15 +4
16 or higher +5))

The Black Sun Leader grimaces at his spell which went awry. Scrambling he tries to avoid the loggerman's axe, and is unable to do so. Jean's axe buries itself in Stoller's side, and he folds like a bad hand of cards.

The font of blood that arises as Jean removes his axe from the wound informs him that the evil sorcerer is no more. There is no way that he could have survived the blow.

However, there are gasps and screams from several others on the other side of the pillar.

[OOC:
You are correct about adding Momentum.
Moving away makes perfect sense for Stoller's MO.
I pulled 2 extra D20s by spending Threat.

Stoller Defense - Rolled 3 successes, Missed it by ... that much.
Pandemonium rolled 1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20 and got 7, 1, 19, 12

Stoller receives two wounds, which is all he has. Assuming no one does anything to try and save him, he will bleed out.

Good Job on taking down the leader!

Isabella needs an action and, of course, the Notice + Observation roll. I understand she is busy, so there is no pressure, I am just articulating things in the latest post so we don't have to hunt for what to do next. ]

{Isabella}

The strength of the ritual is stronger than she expected, even in the midst of the melee. Isabella sees the fleeting glimpse of the dog going for the book, but decides to shift her spell to prepare for the next round. Her voice undulates from the more rhythmic Ogham to an actual song. She calls upon the Wisdom of Frigga in the ancient nordic language. Beseeching to see the path to destroy the Cthulu ancient making its way to her plane.



[[[[]]]]

OOC: Sorry to have held things up. Rough weeks in very different ways. Many frequent flier miles.

Here are the roles:

Isabella Notice 10 + Observation 3
Lionhawke rolled 1d20 and got 12

Not sure of target for spell, but here is the roll.

Isabella Wisdom of Frigga
Lionhawke rolled 1d20 and got 9

[OOC: No worries. This a game, RL takes precedence. Sorry life has been challenging. Go ahead and roll another d20 and use it for both rolls. The system uses 2d20.]

Isabella notices that the book is no longer streaming the black smoke. In fact her keen eyes note that the portal to this plane is open, and the "thing" is stepping through the opening. The ritual might not be finished, but it is strong enough to enter with what it was offered.

However the book no longer being on the altar, and her efforts have controlled the size of the gateway. At the present time only one can get through, as near as she can tell.

[OOC: This is the complication from the earlier roll.]

ISABELLA the extra role
Lionhawke rolled 1d20 and got 13

{Isabella}

"Scheisse" She cursed again. At least they would have to only deal with one of the beings - perhaps. But that would be enough. "Incoming." She shouted to her team and hoped to pivot again with additional knowledge.

((OOC the 13 should be another success on the Insight + Observation but not a success for Wisdom of Frigg according to the info from this link which theoretically should still be updated on her character. But only you can edit it, Pande. But it only needed one success.))

[OOC: Correct the second d20, was for the insight and observation roll, but she only needed one success to learn the truth of what was going on. The spell worked, but again going to write that up in the next post.]

Isabella's incantations and somatic movements create a whirling vortex of light that springs forth from her fingers at her intended target, the otherworldly monster. The circles of light have a slight blue cast to them as they wrap around the tentacle thing's head and squeeze. She knows in her heart that she has made the thing more substantial and thus can be affected by normal weapons, regardless of what protections it had before.

Jean has a fallen Black Sun leader at his feet and a blood-encrusted axe in his hands.

The troopers seem quite disheartened by the actions of the little but successful commando force facing them. However, they don't give up.

Captain Swann says "Take down that thing," to those who are close enough to hear him. He for his part tries to keep his wounds from bleeding too much more, though he is in no danger of dying, at least those with medical experience can see that.

Walker fires her Thompson at another trooper and steps on the book that Crook has dropped at her feet, now closed. But there is a resounding explosion as her weapon misfires, and then the shell in the chamber behind the stuck round explodes—the weapon clatters to the ground as she falls stunned.

Crook turns and charges back into the fray on his way to attack another enemy soldier.



[OOC: Friendly's up first. All may attack. Then the baddies go.
Walker Attack a trooper tgt 13
Pandemonium rolled 1d20,1d20 and got 19, 20
Walker Damage from malfunction 4 stress plus a special effect, 1 armor, 3 stress left
Pandemonium rolled 1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6 and got 5, 3, 2, 1, 4
Gregg Attack trooper Walker tgt 11
Pandemonium rolled 1d20,1d20 and got 17, 17 Whiff
Neilsen Attack Monstrosity tgt 11
Pandemonium rolled 1d20,1d20 and got 14, 6
Neilsen Piercing Damage 2 stress no effect on the Servitor
Pandemonium rolled 1d6,1d6,1d6 and got 3, 6, 6]

{Isabella}

A curl of a vengeful smile teased across her face as Isabella let the magick flow through her and attack the Ancient abomination. She could feel the decades studying The Arts connecting as the call to higher powers opened her mind. She would keep the attack going until it was dead and the rupture between planes could be closed. Isabella slowly pulled her hands apart letting the light tighten ever further and more damaging.

Isabella Blue Light Special
Lionhawke rolled 1d20,1d20 and got 4, 13

[OOC: What spell is that? So I can adjudicate the necessary rolls and effects.]

[OOC: I was simply following what you had created. Figured it was a spell that was given by the Frigga insight. I envisioned it all like -- the Wisdom of Frigga is like a priest spell that opens the mind to insight. Amongst her readings and studies there was the raw energy spell of containment that bound a weakened pre-natural beings. She is simply connecting the dots in the moment to make it last through the round. There would be little )maybe just a little) chance that she would retain that knowledge in the form of essentially experience points. Did that make sense? Sorry -- breaking the game mechanics probably... (evil giggle)]

[OOC: So her casting of the Wisdom of Frigga the first time allowed the creature to be able to be hit by normal weapons, i.e., guns, etc... This time, she can do a different spell or a weapon, or what have you. She gets to try to do it some harm or another spell.]

The allies have the upper hand, or do they? They have managed to take out the Black Sun Leader and a couple of troopers, but they are still faced with formidable enemies. The troopers that are left and wrapped in shadow making the more difficult to hit, and the thing with a writhing tentacle for a head still approached.

[OOC: So both of you are up; Isabella seems to want to cast a spell; see the discussion above. Your allies have gone. The enemy has yet to go this round. There are at least four troopers and the thing left to take out. ]

((OOC I don't think any bad guys have acted since I acted. I thought they needed to go.))

[OOC: I believe you are correct. I just would like something from Isabella to finish out the good guy's turn before I have the remaining baddies go. You guys clearly have them on the ropes, but for some reason, they haven't tried to run yet. Maybe they are emboldened by being helped by an otherworldly monster? ]

((OOC Right. I mean, to be fair, zero time has passed basically since the leader was axed. Isabella is just going last in this turn out of the allies, then the bad guys go.))

[OOC: That is my perception too, even if it is taking me time. ]

[OOC: sorry for popping away for a bit. Reality vs dream-life. Based upon your chatter it looks like I have really only the three spells to work from unless I use a spell book. So - let's shift. I hope this makes sense.]

{Isabella}

"It's vulnerable now!" She shouted at the others. "I'll work on closing the portal!" Isabella assumed the others could take care of the abomination, whilst she was the only one that might be able to use her magicks to cut the connection between planes. Once again, she called forth the Sign of Ogham - using as much energy as she could muster - to weave the connections of reality back together.


Isabella closing the portal
Lionhawke rolled 1d20,1d20,1d20 and got 6, 11, 8

Isabella draws power from dangerous forces, offering her a bit of additional assistance in her attempt to close the rip in space and time that the Black Sun Colonel so foolishly opened. The fellow squad members might be thankful they have her along because none of them have the skills to do what she is doing.

However, her skills prove more than adequate as the portal begins to shrink. Even without additional power, the tear is being stitched back together. Isabella gave the world enough of a push that it has begun to heal itself at an accelerated rate. There is no doubt that the tear in space and time will close in a short amount of time. Isabella is pretty sure that nothing else will escape into their reality. However, she will feel this in the morning.

The enemy sees that the portal is closing, and that their leader has fallen, an axe blow having ended his reign of Eldritch power, begin to show cracks in their facades. They might be cloaked in protective magic, but they don't seem to be willing to fight on without additional direction.

There is a clatter of metal striking stone as they drop their weapons. Possibly not the wisest choices with loaded sub-machine guns but luckily enough, none go off accidently. It might be a little difficult given the dark cloaking magic, but the next immediate action by the enemy soldiers is to raise their hands in surrender.

Walker and Gregg kept their weapons trained on the black-uniformed men as they shuffled together to be easier to detain. Nielsen moves from pillar to pillar in the ritual chamber cutting the ropes that held the poor townspeople. They are still frightened by their experiences, but the are happy to be free of the ropes.

Captain Swann says "There are still live enemy troops in the castle above us. We should escape via the tunnel with all the people and pows. We can let the regular forces deal with those above ground. It isn't worth the risk now. We have stopped the ritual and we have prisoners for interrogation. We saved many of the townspeople and made the world a safer place. Good job so far, but we aren't finished yet." He stands wincing at his wound.


[OOC: No worries. I want to keep this scene alive because we are so close to completing this particular game. However, I don't rule out the possibility of another scenario. I have plenty on deck now that we know the system a bit more if we want to. I also could revert to the original rule set PDQ!, which is Prose Descriptive Qualities, which is quite a bit simpler. Though this system really isn't bad. The GM has to remember a few fiddly rules, like not getting additional Momentum dice to spend on spells without taking threats, but mostly, it is pretty reasonable. It also seems very pulpy, which fits the style of the setting. Thanks for you two giving this a go, in case I didn't say that before.

Isabella takes some fatigue, but I am going to keep it nebulous because I doubt it will matter in the long run. ]

((ooc what about Earthworm Jim? We killed it?))

[OOC: I completely forgot it got through the gate. Since the gate was closing anyway, let's direct her three successes to expulsion/banishment. Does that work? Or do you want me to rewrite my scene, and we can continue combat? It really is a forgone conclusion at this point unless the dice go seriously awry.]

(( ooc I'm fine to wrap it up. I was just confused.))

Jean-Jacques Lupien

"Captain, I ain't got no German," Jean-Jacques reported to Swann. "But if you need, well, I might make 'em understand we mean business, eh?" He grinned and hefted the axe covered in the "pure" Aryan blood of Stoller. Jean-Jacques thought it smelled like any other dead'un.

"But maybe I get these people out of here, eh? I thought there was a lot more though? Maybe they not too far? Get them out before more shooting."

Captain Swann

"I believe our contact speaks German. But I say we get them all out of here. Take what you want of the enemy's weapons and or anything else, and let's get going. The longer we stay, the more likely the entire batch of troops will come down on our heads."

{Isabella}

Her success at closing the rift had also sent the abomination back from whence it came. Isabella steadied herself against a pillar, though, as the army boys discussed next steps. Gathering her strength with a deep breath, catching the smells of incense, acrid blood, and gunpowder in the air, she moved over to where the book of incantations lay on the ground. She picked it up cautiously, but then strode to one of the prisoners.

"Wir besprechen Ihre Pläne. Sei vorbereitet." She hissed at him and placed the book in her satchel for study later. "Captain. We'll need to find an appropriate place to interrogate. But agreed we need to leave now."

[OOC: I'm fine to wrap as well.

Jean-Jacques Lupien

Jean-Jacques looked regretfully at the door leading further into the compound, but replied, "Yes, sir."

He saw to the villagers, gave comradely pats on the shoulders to his squad mates, made intimidating growls at the Nazis, ruffled the dog, and offered Isabella his cleanest hand.

"You did good, there, lady. Probably saved all our bacon. So, thanks, eh? Agent Rogers, you know, she was supposed to be here for stuff... stuff that shouldn't be nowhere, eh? But we lost her in the drop. Just a kid. A real smartie, could have had a good life. Should have. Goddamned Nazis."

He looked over at the POWs and they could tell what thoughts were passing through his head. His gaze lingered on a young blonde boy and then he turned away.

"They got kids in this mess too. Goddamned war."

At that, the big man headed for the tunnel out of this particular hell.

The ritual is broken, and the Black Sun is, at least for now, defeated. Yet you hear the pounding of many boots coming from the chateau above. Whether they are arriving to continue the fight or running to summon more forces against you is irrelevant; you have overstayed your welcome and need to flee the area. Getting back to London to report this will be challenging, but at least the world is safer.

Back down the Forgotten Passage. Recovery of booby traps and out into the countryside again. Private Gregg jury rigs the truck in the barn, and viola, it is up and running. Soon, they are speeding away from the area.

The question arises: will they take any prisoners with them?