Zombies? Oh My!

Players: Conchita, Dozer, Naomi GM: Dozer Date: June 2073 Synopsis: In order to improve relations with both the Los Reyes Diablos and one of their Brujah, Maria Espinoza, Conchita is asked to investigate the cause of LRD members winding up as zombies. Naomi is already with her and readily agrees to help, the pair then enlist Dozer as extra muscle. After meeting with one of Naomi's contacts to get the lowdown on zombie hunting, the three return to Sunrise. Their investigation leads them to an unexpected find and an explosive conclusion. «Plot» Dozer says, "Conchita is sharing a meal with Maria Espinoza, a Brujah of the Los Reyes Diablo. Hector, a member of the LRD and Naomi are also present. This scene follows on directly from the end of the previous log." Up until now, the conversation has been mostly small talk but Maria finally broaches the subject Conchita is here to talk about. "So.." she says.. "Hector has told me of your proposal, which is what persuaded me I should meet with you. However, regardless of how I may personally feel about it, it is the council that will decide. You understand?" Conchita nods, "I understand. Though I guess every one of the council members will have a word and you would pledge yours to my cause if I am able to help you and in effect the council with these matters, yes? I am here to find common interest between us. And I am willing to show you that we do have shared interests. Like this..", she points to the room with the corpses, "… clearly shows. I am not going to accept things as that to happen within a neighbourhood that I will be living and working in." The old woman smiles at Conchita. "I did not show you what is left of poor Ernesto merely to test you. It is true that we could likely deal with whatever or whoever did that to him but should you choose to offer your assistance, that could well help your cause. Earning the respect and gratiude of the Diablos could go a long way in helping you get what you want." The old woman states this honestly, a clear offer of quid pro quo. Conchita nods to the old woman, "I was assuming your thoughts were going along these paths. So tell me… You miss more then those two? And do you know about anything their disappearance has in common? If you cannot tell me, I'll have to … ask questions to people who saw the disappeared last. So I can limit my search to an acceptable level of space. I assume you do not want to have this … potential sign of weakness discussed out on the streets, yes? So it would be wise to keep the number of people informed as few as possible." "Some more might be missing or they might simply be involved in other things that they could not get away from. Hector can arrange for you to talk to those closest to the ones we know about for sure, others may not take kindly to you asking questions." The old woman shrugs. "I can have Hector make further enquires but that will take time." Conchita nods, "I understand that trust is not easily come by. But I guess we do not want too many of your clan to reappear like this. So I guess time might play a vital part. In the face of this, I assume it might be understandable that more direct access might be the best option." "What is best is not always what is best." the old woman says cryptically. "There is another thing you should know. You yourself are free to come and go in our territory as long as my vouchsafe holds. Your companion, or companions, should you enlist another to help you, must stay with you. Should they wander alone it will not look well on you. Further, I must insist that you bring no more than two, any more will stretch the limits of such hospitality as has been allowed you." Conchita nods, "That's acceptable, I guess. We're unproven to your people after all.", she then says. "Also, I fear in this case there is no best solution. Yet, I think it would be best to confer with Hector about the matters of how to get the informations we need in the best possible ways. I am no cop. Merely an … interested neighour. And I do not want to disturb anyones peace here, other than the one who did this, maybe." "If it is a 'one', disturbing their peace would be acceptable." the old woman chuckles briefly before it turns into a cough. She holds up one hand to forestall any concern. "Don't worry, I'm merely old, not sick." Conchita nods, "If you don't mind, elder. I'll move to my companion and Hector, then to start the investigation as soon as possible. I guess you will be feeling similar as I, if I say that I do not like the thought of a kind of necromancer in the area." She gives a nod of her head, a gesture of accepting the others superiority in this area, before she slowly turns towards Naomi. Hector steps forward, looking briefly to the Brujah before speaking. "You have time to finish your food, it will take me a few minutes to get people together." After recieving a nod from Maria, he steps out of the small room, taking the elderly woman with him. Conchita looks at the elf that came with her, "Seems there is more problems here than just a few Ghouls that we had the pleasuer of removing from the area.", she says. "I just learned there is a kind of necromancer active here. You up to deal with that? Seems it would be the price to get them … warmer in their welcome. Even if I must admit that I was afraid this would become a more rough welcome. So far I am quite happy how things develop." «Plot» Dozer says, "Magical background rolls for both of you please." «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Magic Background: 1 4 5 5 5 16 «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Magic Background: 3 4 5 8 Naomi stops eating, turning to look at Conchita with a smile. "A necromancer that's letting zombie look in the area is a threat that should be stopped. It's simply not an acceptable use of magic. They should be stopped, one way or another. And, I agree, that they have been very welcoming. But, your beneficent nature does show through when you are passionate about it. Who could refuse to even Conchita shrugs, "I am who I am. That's all… We'll see how my 'beneficient nature' helps with that necromancer. But you are right. It's a quite inappropriate way to use magic.", she sighs. "Not that some people would shy away from it due to that. Too much power hunger in all too many places." Naomi nods. "It is certainly something people do, from time to time. That said, there isn't necessarily a necromancer doing it. I have heard that it can happen through other magical confluxes or entities. It's not something I've studied specifically, but zombies are one of those things." Conchita nods, "Hmmm… entities. So a kind of spirits. That might explain some of the old legends… I never thought further than necromantic practices. Though I am admittedly still learning many things." Naomi shrugs slightly. "Could be. Or, perhaps just a particularly toxic area. The whole of the warrens is not the best magical environment, and there are a few spots that are worse than others. It could be an area, or some wandering critter… The important thing is to just be prepared. It does also depend on the kind of zombie. I think a friend of mine told me there are at least two kinds." Conchita ponders, "Would you know the difference if you saw a corpse?", she then asks the elf. Naomi shakes her head. "No. Honestly, I'd have to double check the finer details of the differences between the two. At the moment, I just remember there are two kinds, but I can always give Aiden a call and ask him. He probably remembers the discussion better than I. I was a little caught up in the movie." Conchita nods, "Hmmm… too bad. I am thinking it quite unlikely, that they will keep the corpses unburried too much longer. Not to mention that the traces will most likely disappear over time as well. Well, we'll just keep it in memory." Naomi gives a nod. "Well, if they'll let me take a few pictures, I can send them over and he may be able to tell. Honestly, I'm not sure you can tell once they stop moving, but it won't hurt to ask him." She slips her pocsec out and starts to tap out a quick text to that effect, sending it off to Aiden. «Plot» Dozer says, "Etiquette for Naomi please." «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Etiquette: 1 3 4 4 9 After Naoni's finished sending her text, Hector returns with 3 gangers in tow, none of who seem particuarly keen to be talking with Conchita and Naomi although only one, a female, looks openly hostile. At Hector's obvious urging, one of them, after looking to his fellows says "Hector say you want to know about Ernesto." Naomi looks to Conchita, then taps out another quick text as a follow up, simply asking, "What would an average person notice that would help you distinguish what kind of zombie they might have encountered?" Conchita nods to the men and the woman, ignoring the hostility, "Well, it might be helping us if we had an idea what happened before he disappeared.", she then says. "We'd like to find out what happened to avoid any bad things in the future." Naomi flips to a note program on her pocsec, preparing to take down some notes about the conversation, just in case something they say something she doesn't immediately realize is important, switching it over to vibrate so as to not call attention to herself if she gets a response from Aiden. "We were just hanging out." the man says. "Ernesto went to get more beer, he never came back." While Conchita is talking to the 3 gangers, Naomi gets a text back «Little more complicated an I can answer in a text, meet me at that new club in an hour. The one by the tattoo place, Coyote Station I think?» Conchita nods, "Where has that been? Locale might have been a factor. Or where did he want to get the beer?" Naomi listens as Conchita starts the questioning, flipping over to read the text and respond back, «Sure, and yeah, it's Coyote Station. I might get held up, but I'll let you know if that happens. I'll have a few notes and such. If there's any questions I can ask for you, just let me know.» The man gives Conchita a location someewhere in Sunrise at which the hostile woman says "Hey, thats where Miguel was going too!" but then seems to regret opening her mouth, reluctant to say any more. Conchita nods, "Oh… good, so we do have some common place to look. Good. Really good. That reduces the area we have to check in enormously. Thank you.", she says softly to the assembled people. Have there been any odd things you have been noting the days your friends disappeared? It might have been something small, but out of the ordinary. Like an unusual flicker where none should have been, or … the feeling of being followed. Sometimes the human senses can be marvelous if it comes to spot these kind of things, even if you might not at once realize their importance. I ask because it might be that someone is following potential victims. Though my suspicion is that it's more lurking in the area of that shop. Still, I don't want to ignore other potential clues." "No, nothing." the man replies, looking to his companion, who agrees "Si, nothing. The woman stays silent but eventually shakes her head. Naomi looks to her pocsec once more, shifting her perceptions to the astral as she does, then looking back to the collected people, smiling as she watches their auras, looking for any unusual fluctuations. "The next natural question is, have any of you been to this shop that they went to? Is there anything out of the ordinary about it?" Conchita nods to the people, "Yes, my friend might have a point… Though my assumption is that you haven't heard too much bad from it, as your friends where clearly not suspecting anything bad to happen to them." The man that hadn't yet spoken chuckles briefly. "It's still open, that's kinda unusual round here." Naomi chuckles softly. "That's a pretty reasonable point. What's the name of the store?" Conchita tilts her head to that, "Hmmm… that actually /might/ be a point. Muchas gracias, senores. Senorita. I am sorry we had to ask you these questions in this time of grief. You where a great help. And hopefully we can at least deal some justice for your friends, even if we cannot bring them back." "It doesn't have a name, really. I can tell you where to find it though." the man says. Naomi looks to the man, giving a slight nod. "Hmm. That would be very helpful, yes. It does seem like the place to start. If not the source, it must be nearby. Or in the path. Can we ask where they were coming from, so might better trace their routes. Just in case." Between the 3 of them, they will supply Conchita and Naomi with the requested geographical details, the woman still seeming to be somewhat relucatant about the whole thing. Conchita does her best to calm the certainly bad emotions as they gather the informations. She knows how loosing a loved person feels and that trust sometimes comes hard. In the end it's her and Naomi alone again. "Well, that went decently. And we have a better idea of where to look now. What do you think… Should we see if we can add some muscle added to our group and have alook out there?" Naomi nods, looking at her pocsec and checking the time. "Some muscle could definitely be useful. Where ever this is happening, there could be more of these things, and it's a lot harder to throw around physical blasts than stunball. I'm meeting Aiden at Whiskey's club to find out more about zombies. Maybe have someone meet us there? Dozer comes to mind, but whoever you feel comfortable vouching for." Conchita ponders that, then nods, "Yeah, Dozer did a good job freeing that girl with me. Maybe had a bit … physical way to end things, but I guess that happens if a friend asks him to 'teach a lesson' to the oposition. I think he would be a good choice. Some violence might be just what we can use here." Naomi nods. "If we're dealing with zombies, we'll probably need some violence at some point. But, do you want to give him a call, or shall I? Also, we probably ought to head over that way, so I don't keep Aiden waiting. He's sweet, in a critter hunting sort of way." Conchita tilts her head to that, "Uh… how's critter hunting sweet?", she then asks, but then she takes out her phone, "I'll call Dozer. You drive." She then starts to dial the orks number. Naomi chuckles. "Well, y'know. I like hearing him talk about how he tracks and traps things. Or kills them, if they're too dangerous, like zombies. And he's always been good to me, but I don't think he meets many women with an actual interest in his work. But, let's get back to our vehicles. Do you think they'll give us a ride, or shall we fly?" Dozer answers his phone reasonably promtly. "Hey Chita, what's up?" Conchita smiles as Dozer picks up, "Hey Dozer! Are you up for some work? Might be me and Naomi could use some muscle. And for some reason out thoughts went your way… And no it was not due to /that/ muscle." She giggles. "Where, when, what?" Dozer asks, covering all the basic questions in one go. Conchita grins at the reply, "Meet at the Coyote Bar, later Warrens. Now, or as soon as you can. Zombies. Potentially at least. That answers your questions?" Naomi chuckles as she heads to the door to the room. "Very concise." She opens the door, poking her head out and looking for Hector, so she can request a lift back to their vehicles. "I'll be there in thirty." Dozer says, hanging up the phone. Hector is just outside. "Ready to go? Ramon is waiting for you." Conchita follows Naomi giggling as Dozer hangs up that quickly. "Seems he really is eager for work…", she says to the elf, then smiles at Hector as she hears those words. "Great!" Turning to Naomi saying, "After you!" Naomi smiles. "Thank you." She steps through the door, giving Hector a nod. "We are ready. Lead the way." Hector leads the pair back out to Ramon's beat up Americar. It's clear Hector won't be coming along, the front passenger seat is already occupied. Ramon is leaning against the driver's side door but his wandering eyes seem to have taken a vacation. "Rosa come." he explains in that broken English of his. "Keep me out of trouble she say." Conchita smile and switching to spanish says, "Well, that's fine. I will be honored to get to know her. She must be an energic woman to be able to live with such a man as you.", she then says, taking a seat in the cars back. Naomi nods, giving a smile. "I'm sure she's a lovely woman. Not that we would get you into any trouble." She slips into the back seat beside Conchita, making herself comfortable. Rosa gives the two a brief nod of acknowledgement but seems more intent on keeping an eye on Ramon than making any kind of conversation. Ramon gets into the car with a sigh and a short while later drops the pair off back at the Cybered Arms. Conchita cannot help but smirk a little bit at the vigilance Ramon gets from his 'better half'. She cannot really blame the woman, considering the aura of the elf beside her. Naomi /is/ a temptation for any man aroud her. And for a human she herself is not too shabby looking either. She smiles as she leaves the car to go to her bike. "Thank you Ramon and Rosa. It was a pleasure to meet you.", she then says with a smile and with a strong kick the engine of her bike roars to life. Soon the Latina is driving off towards the meet with Dozer and Naomi's Critter hunting friend. Naomi behaves herself on the ride back, not wanting to cause any trouble for Ramon. Slipping out of the car, she smiles back into the vehicle. "We appreciate the ride back. Thank you." With that, she heads over to her car, just out of sight, and heads over to Coyote Station with Conchita, checking the time to make sure she isn't going to be late for Aiden. Dozer is sitting on his Harley waiting for them when they pull up at Coyote Station. It's possible Aiden is already here, there are a handful of offroaders parked up, any one of which could be his. «Game» Backup to offline storage commencing. Game may freeze for a bit… Conchita smiles to Dozer as they arrive, "Hoi there, Dozer! How about meeting a critter hunter friend of Naomi first? He might have information usefull for the taks at hand.", she then asks the ork. "Or would you prefer waiting outside?" "Oh, that's why you're dragging me all over the place." Dozer grins. "And sure, I'd be up for meeting a critter hunter, might even want to get his number." Naomi pulls up alongside Conchita, climbing out of her car and giving Dozer a smile. "Glad you could join us. He probably won't mind meeting a few people. He is something of an expert in his field. Not that it's a large field, but it is a dangerous one." She pulls out her pocsec, typing up a quick text to Aiden as she talks. «Hey, I'm at the club. Whereabouts are you?» Conchita nods to Dozer; "I'd never just drag you around for no reason. Also I kinda had the impression, you might like to get to know Aiden." She grins. "I must admit… I am a bit curious about the guy myself too, after Naomis words…" "Don't I know it." Dozer chuckles. "At least I won't have to explain the damn thing." «Checking out the train. Been meaning to come here but it's the first time, I got curious.» Naomi chuckles, looking at her pocsec. "Well, he's inside, so we can go meet him now. He's just checking the place out. He should be this way." With that, she starts to lead the way into the club, then into the train where Aiden ought to be. Conchita talks to one of the waitresses of the place and gets directed to a free compartment within the VIP part of the train. Seems it has advantages to work at the place, as Chita does on a part time basis. Aiden is on the train, just looking around it seems. When he spots Naomi and her companions, he follows them into the compartment. "You have the most interesting friends, Naomi." he says, taking a seat. Conchita switches the WNG of the compartment into action as the group sits down. No need to alert anyone not involved. One never knows who might be listening in. "Well, I'll leave the questions to you Naomi. As you both know the topic and the man better than I." Turning to Aiden she introuduces herself, "On that note… I am Conchita a friend of Naomi's and you must be Mr. Aiden. it's nice to meet you." Naomi smiles warmly at Aiden as she sees him, leading him into the compartment, then giving him a quick hug, kissing his cheek. "Well, thank you. This is Conchita and Dozer." She gestures towards them, as approrpiate, then looks to the pair. "And this is Aiden, a foremost expert in zoology and parazoology, as well as tracking, hunting, and capturing such things." Aiden glances briefly at Dozer's scar then says "Another time, perhaps. You're here to talk about zombies, which unfortunately is a catch-all term for various forms of reanimated corpses. Are any of you familiar with voodoo at all?" Naomi gives a soft sigh, rocking her hand a bit. "A little. I mean, it's probably one of the most faked types of magic. But the basic theories, calling their totem spirits and allowing them to ride their bodies, that sort of thing, yes." Conchita ponders the things she hears, "There was nothing faked with the dead bodies I have seen. They clearly had a strange magical aura, a kind I have never seen before. My abuela has taught me that might the sign of a zombie. But in what way … I cannot say that. I am still learning the practical aspects of all this." Naomi shakes her head. "Oh, no. This is real, I wasn't trying to suggest this was fake. It's just a question of what's going on." She turns her attention to Aiden, holding out her pocsec so he can look over her notes. "There's not a lot there, but it's what we could get from the people who'd killed the two encountered thus far." Aiden nods. "There are essentially two broad forms of what people refer to as zombies, those that are formed through possesion of some kind and those that aren't. Of the former, those created by practicioners of voodoo are most common." Conchita nods "I have heard about the voodoo, bu I have never seen a zombie before. I guess this was not a spirit possession, that would probably have left more clear spirit marks…" She looks a bit uncertain, "But I could still be in the wrong. I am not able to see the spirit world too long now." "I'd certainly assume you'd be able to see them if the thing had still been active." Aiden says. "They are, after all, essentially spirits wearing dead flesh and can be dealt with as such." Naomi sighs. "Well, unless it was too weak to leave much of an impression once it was destroyed, too. Low powered spirits and the like just don't leave much behind to see. But, I suppose a bit of that is what we need to figure out." She looks to Aiden. "What are the difference between them, Aiden? Or, primarily, how do you stop them? I remember the head shots thing from that movie, but that isn't necessarily the best way, I think?" Naomi loosk over to Conchita, putting a hand on her shoulder. "But, if there was a spirit there, you'd have seen it. Your ability to see spirits is as good as mine." Conchita nods, "Well, they had been dead for an unknown time. I forgot to ask that, but it seemed not too important at that time. Astral traces fade away with time, so I guess they were 'inactive' for a couple of hours at least." She looks to Naomi, "The problem is seeing and recognizing the important things. I still make mistakes you with your greater experience do not do." Naomi smiles, giving Conchita's shoulder a squeeze. "Oh, we all make mistakes. Astral signatures are tricky to pinpoint, even with experience. Even more so in areas where the astral is not so clear." "If they are that kind, any method you might ordinarily use to combat either a living creature or a manifested spirit should work. Of course, if they are voodoo zombies, you'll likely have a Houngan to contend with too." Aiden says, looking from one to the other. Naomi nods. "Well, on the zombie front, I like that. I'm pretty good with spirits. The houngan might be tricky, but it's certainly not a great area, so that might work in our favor." She smiles to Aiden. "What about the other kind?" "The other kind are more of a mystery. No one I've spoken to is entirely sure how they are created bryond 'magically'. It's possible, in fact probable, that theres more than one kind, all similar enough to be deemeed the same creature. Generally they're weaker than the voodoo kind but are unaffected by certain forms of magic, which is a fair defense in itself. They're just as suscptible to bullets though." Aiden replies. Conchita nods, listening in. Not saying much more now. "As vulnerable as a normal person," Naomi inquires. "Or, are they also more resiliant, on account of being… well, dead, already." "At least as vulnerable as a normal person." Aiden says. "Although they don't feel pain the way your or I would, so they can take a bit of effort to put down." Conchita nods, "Kinda sounds like those individuals with damage compensators… But at least this indicates that we have a chance of taking them down without having to revert to … massive calivers." Naomi smiles. "Which is good, because I'm no good with large caliber weapons. So, spirit-possessed zombies, which are like spirits but will likely have a creator, and the physical ones, which are more mysterious but resistant to magic. All magic, or just certain types? And, do I have it right?" Aiden chuckles. "Close enough, yes. As to the what magic qwestion, I'm not so good with the definitions you spellslingers use but I'd say avoid anything that only works on something that's actually alive." Conchita tilts her head, "I hope you're just speaking of magic here… As bullets are basically very much only working on something that's still alive… usually." Aiden pulls a pocsec out of his pocket. "Were I to shoot this, it would likely break. Some of your spells would also damage it, some would not, correct?" Naomi nods. "I know some spells that'll take out objects, too. I like to cover my bases. It is good to be aware, though." She smiles warmly. "You've been tremendously helpful, Aiden. Anything else we should be aware of? Also, anything I can get for you, while I'm out hunting zombies?" "Not as far as I'm aware, no." Aiden replies. "I've never heard of one that was. Although.. your silent friend here does seem fairly resilient to that sort of thing so you should be ok either way." Dozer can be heard muttering under his breath at that point, an extremely sarcastic "Thanks." Naomi grins, reaching over and patting Dozer's shoulder. "He's just teasing. But, seriously, that you so much for coming to talk to me Aiden. I really appreciate it. We should probably head over to the presumed center of this thing, before someone else gets hurt." "She's right." Aiden chuckles, handing Dozer a card. "If you're ever feeling more loquacious, give me a call. Good luck to all of you." He then makes his goodbyes and heads off. Conchita tilts her head, "Well, he sure is … unique…", she then says as she looks after the guy walking away. "So what do you two say?" "Sounds like a case of you point, I'll shoot to me." Dozer says. "How did you two manage to get involved in a zombie hunt?" Naomi smiles. "It kind of fell into our laps. I'm helping Conchita get in good standing with the gang around her kitchen, and it turns out they have a zombie problem." Conchita shrugs to the question, "Like that, yes.", she then says listening to Naomi's words. "We didn't really ask for it. But ever since I came to Denver I was certainly not bored. There was always something 'exciting' going on." "Well, I figure I owe you a favor after that kidnapping deal. I'd rather not take my bike into the warrens though, I'd like to keep it." Dozer says. Conchita shrugs, "You can leave it at the Chrome Parking. It's just a stroll from there to the Warrens.", she then says. Naomi nods. "Yeah, I'm not that keen on that keen on drive up to some zombies, myself. We can take a little walk. Shall we head out, then?" "Sure." Dozer nods, getting up and heading out. "See you at Chrome." Conchita nods and heads out to the parking lot, where soon after that her bike is fired up. Driving beside the ork, she will make her way towards the Chrome. Naomi heads out as well, letting her car drive as she prepares her bag, stashing her medkit and some spare clips of ammo, adjusting her guns before smoothing out her clothes a bit and relaxing for the trip. Soon everyone is assembled at Chrome, ready to head deeper into the Warrens. To get to Sunrise they're going to have to walk through another gang's turf «Plot» Dozer says, "Roll any gang knowledge skills you may have" «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls Warrens Gangs: 2 3 «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls Warrens Gangs for "KP:1": 3 9 "We're heading to Diablo's turf, right?" Dozer asks, after making sure they're out of earshot of any other patrons or strays hanging around. Conchita nods, "That was the reason why we're doing this. Because it happened in Diabolos turf." Naomi nods, pulling out her pocsec as she walks. "Specifically to this location." She moves closer to Dozer, holding her pocsec up to show him their destination. "Ok." Dozer says. "Doesn't look like there will be much in it distance-wise but we're gonna have to chose which way to go, through South Central or South Sunrise. The Blackhearts will likely charge us, if they spot us, then leave us alone, the Crimson Smoke could do anything or nothing." Naomi looks to Conchita. "We could likely just go invisible and head though… Blackheart territory, whichever way that is." Conchita shrugs, "Well, Invisible might sounds like the solution to avoid most trouble. You'd have to take care of Dozer, though. I am still a bit bad with multiple spells." Dozer shrugs. "I could go with that. Just remember I won't be able to see either of you." Naomi nods. "I have a focus for mine anyway, so that will be fine. And I'll stay within arms length, give or take." Conchita looks at the ork, then says, "We can walk right behind you, so that would not be an issue, yes. We can see you after all." "Ok. Go for it." Dozer says. "One of you should probably keep an astral watch too, just incase. I'd imagine there's at least one mage in the Blackhearts." Naomi nods. "I'll watch astrally. I can probably mislead the spirits." «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Sorcery + Sorcery Pool: 4 vs TN 5 for "Casting improved invis Rtg 3 +1 for bg count right outside the Warrens.": 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 4 5 = 1 Success «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Sorcery + Sorcery Pool: 4 - 1 (successes) vs TN 5 for "Casting improved invis Rtg 3 +1 for bg count right outside the Warrens. (KP:1)": 1 1 2 3 3 5 8 8 = 3 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Sorcery + Sorcery Pool: 4 - 4 (successes) vs TN 5 for "Casting improved invis Rtg 3 +1 for bg count right outside the Warrens. (KP:3)": 1 1 8 9 15 = 3 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Willpower vs TN 4 for "Resisting M drain Rtg 3 spell with +1 on drain power": 1 2 2 3 5 5 = 2 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Willpower - 2 (successes) vs TN 4 for "Resisting M drain Rtg 3 spell with +1 on drain power (KP:4)": 2 5 5 5 = 3 Successes «Plot» Conchita says, "Invis cast and drain soaked." «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Centering vs TN 2 for "Centering vs penalties (TN 5 - 5)": 2 4 5 8 = 4 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Sorcery - 1 (totem) + Sorcery Pool: 4 vs TN 4 for "Force 6 Improved Invisibility on Naomi": 1 1 1 4 4 5 7 9 11 = 6 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Willpower + Sorcery Pool: 4 vs TN 4 for "M Drain": 1 2 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 9 = 7 Successes «Plot» Naomi says, "Force 6 Improved Invisibility with 6 successes on Naomi, sustained by a focus" «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Centering vs TN 2 for "Centering vs penalties (TN 5 - 5)": 1 5 5 8 = 3 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Sorcery - 1 (totem) + Sorcery Pool: 4 vs TN 4 for "Force 6 Improved Invisibility on Dozer, +1 TN from BG, -1 TN from Centering": 1 1 2 3 3 4 4 5 9 = 4 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Willpower + Sorcery Pool: 4 vs TN 4 for "M Drain": 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 5 5 8 = 4 Successes «Plot» Naomi says, "Force 6 Improved Invisibility with 4 successes on Dozer, actively sustained." Conchita simply cast the magic on herself, fading from sight with the face of her totem on her face as she let the mana flow through herself. Naomi speaks a few words of Gaelic, the invisibility wrapping around her like a cloak, settling over her. A moment later and with a another few words of Gaelic, the same happens to Dozer, leaving him just as invisible as the pair of shaman. «Plot» Dozer says, "Stealth rolls for moving quietly through Blackhearts territory please." «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Stealth: 2 3 4 4 «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Stealth for "KP:1": 1 3 3 7 «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Stealth for "+4 for noise due to traceless walk": 1 1 4 «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls Stealth: 3 4 5 «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls 5 for "Average Perception": 1 2 3 3 4 «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls 1 for "Any astral overwatch?": 2 Despite not being as quiet as they might have hoped for, the trio manage to make it through Blackheart's territory unmolested, arriving safely in Diablo's turf where they can begin their task of looking for the source of the zombification. Conchita whispers to the others, "Well, I guess staying invisible might still be usefull for now… Let's have a look around hopefully unseen.", she says. Naomi speaks softly, giving a nod as she gives Dozer's shoulder a light squeeze. "Yeah, that might nto be a bad idea. It'll give us a chance to look over this place." "Comms might be a good idea from now on, assuming your both carrying them." Dozer says quietly. "Invisible whispers might attract attention or just freak people out." Conchita nods, "I have mine with me…", she says and jacks the thing into her head, "Okay… which frequencies and crypt do we use?" We can use the ones you two used last time," Naomi responds. "I still have those set, and I imagine you do, too." "That works for me." Dozer replies. "Tell me which way I need to go and let's keep moving." Commlink-Princess> Naomi says, "We've got our directions. Off to this unusual store." Commlink-Squeak> Conchita smiles as Naomi has that angle covered, then transduces, "I can also notify you two without talking… Transducer…" Commlink-Princess> Naomi says, "Well, if we go in, you ought yo take point there, then. I'm subvocal. But, I can give it an astral lookover first." Commlink-Digger> Dozer says, "What are we looking for at this store? Signs of zombies or something else?"" Commlink-Squeak> Conchita shrugs invisible, "Well, anything out of the ordinary really right now… Zombies would be … ideal. As that would be a quite clear trail. Though somehow I would prefer not meeting them yet." Commlink-Princess> Naomi says, "Hopefully, it will be obvious on the astral. If not, I suppose we can search it for secret rooms, or surveil it for a time." Commlink-Digger> Dozer says, "Roger that." Dozer sets off following the directions he'd been given and fairly soon the trio are within the general vicinity of the allegedly dubious liquor store. The streets are fairly quiet, after meeting Aiden and their hike through the warrens it's gotten late and even gangers have to sleep sometime. Naomi keeps her perceptions in the astral for the time being, looking around for anything suspicious there, while trusting her masking to help her keep a low astral profile. Conchita makes up the rear, transducing directions to keep the formation, easier if you see the others. She leaves the astral to Naomi and instead uses her bat-sense, only the magic of the spell shimmering around her on the astral. «Plot» Dozer says, "Perception rolls please" «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Intelligence for "is there anything happening?": 1 2 2 3 3 4 «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls Intelligence: 2 4 4 5 5 «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Intelligence for "is there anything happening? (KP: 5)": 1 1 1 3 4 8 «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Intelligence + Astral Pool: 5 for "Astral perception": 1 2 2 3 3 3 5 8 10 15 17 Nothing seems particularly out of the ordinary on the physical plane, a ganger flashes by on a bike heading away from the store, but other than that it's all quiet. On the astral plane, it's another story entirely. Viewed astrally, the store and the immediate area are an ugly mess. A thick astral haze emmantes either from the store itself or somewhere close to it, spreading out for around a block. It's nearly impossible to see through it, but Naomi can make out what appears to be a couple of mundanes in close proximity to one and other, likely in the store as well as a handful of essenceless shapes, hard to make out but quite possibly the zombies they are looking for. Commlink-Princess> Naomi says, "I'm not sure what's going on, but the astral here is terrible, pretty much the whole block and there are some shapes that are likely zombies near the store. We'd better hurry over there." As she speaks, Naomi picks up the pace, pulling her pistol from her coat and heading towards the essenceless shapes first, shifting her perceptions back to the physical as she approaches to verify what she's looking at. «Plot» Dozer says, "Prove Intelligence and Willpower please." «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) has the Attribute Intelligence with the value '6'. «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) has the Attribute Willpower with the value '7'. «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) has the Attribute Intelligence with the value '6'. «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) has the Attribute Willpower with the value '6'. Commlink-Squeak> Conchita frowns as she hears those words, "Sometimes I hate it if my assumptions are right.", she tranduces. "I'll cover your back." Commlink-Princess> Naomi says, "Hopefully I'll be able to pick out the source when I'm closer." «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls 6 vs TN 6 for "Ilusion vs Naomi": 2 3 4 4 5 9 = 1 Success «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls 6 vs TN 7 for "Essence Drain vs Naomi": 2 2 3 4 4 5 = 0 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls 6 vs TN 6 for "Ilusion vs Conchita": 1 2 4 5 5 7 = 1 Success «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls 6 vs TN 6 for "Essence Drain vs Conchita": 2 3 5 5 5 10 = 1 Success «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls 6 vs TN 5 for "Illusion vs Dozer": 1 2 3 4 5 5 = 2 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls 6 vs TN 4 for "Essence Drain vs Dozer": 1 4 5 5 7 11 = 5 Successes «Plot» Dozer says, "TNs are all 6, resisting with stats I used as TNs. You need to match my successes, don't need over." «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls 5 vs TN 6 for "Dozer vs Illusion": 2 3 4 5 14 = 1 Success «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls 4 vs TN 6 for "Dozer vs Essence Drain": 3 3 4 10 = 1 Success «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Intelligence vs TN 6 for "Naomi vs Illusion": 1 2 2 4 4 5 = 0 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Intelligence vs TN 6 for "Naomi vs Illusion - KP:1 (2 total)": 1 3 5 5 5 15 = 1 Success «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Intelligence vs TN 6 for "What?": 2 3 4 5 7 8 = 2 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Willpower vs TN 6 for "How?": 1 1 1 3 4 8 = 1 Success As the trio approach, with Naomi in the lead, the two awakened feel -something- trying to tug at their very souls. Dozer seems oblivious, following along cheerfully as a ganger hoves into view from a building next to the store. At least, a ganger is what he sees, the other two see a zombie in Diablo's colors. «Plot» Dozer says, "Dozer is currently at -1 essence for 1.54 current total." Conchita looks uncomfortable, and knowing how unaware a mundane can be, has a checking look at Dozer, to see whether he was influenced by the odd 'pull' on their souls. Commlink-Digger> Dozer says, "If there's anything needs shooting, you'll need to drop those spells. I have no great desire to shoot either of you in the back." «Plot» Dozer says, "You'll need to assense Dozer if you want to get any info. Physically he looks fine. Where you are now has a BG count of 2. «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Intelligence vs TN 8 for "Examining Dozer": 1 2 3 4 5 5 = 0 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Intelligence vs TN 8 for "Examining Dozer (KP: 6)": 1 2 3 3 3 7 = 0 Successes Commlink-Squeak> Conchita looks at Dozer, but the mana static and her spell concentration makes it impossible to make anything out. "Woah! This is crazy. I never really tried to do this here. Dozer something is drawing on our souls. I can't see you with all the static on the spirit plane here." Commlink-Digger> Dozer says, "In 'mundane speak', what the frag does that mean?" Commlink-Princess> Naomi says, "Well, that guy there is a zombie, but maybe we can get his soulbackfrom whatever's stealing them. Let'stry not to kill anyone yet." Commlink-Digger> Dozer says, "Which guy? If you mean that ganger, he's just drunk." Commlink-Squeak> Conchita frowns at that, "If Naomi says he is not, then there might be some reason to believe her, or not? I'm going back to mundane sight… can't see a thing here like this." «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Centering vs TN 3 for "Centering vs penalties": 2 2 4 9 = 2 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Intelligence vs TN 6 for "Assensing Dozer": 1 3 3 5 11 11 = 2 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Aura Reading vs TN 6 for "Complementary": 3 4 5 = 0 Successes Dozer's aura is weaker than Naomi would expect, the blackness of his ware standing out more strongly than usual. He also appears to have some of that Astral haze on him, a spell of some kind. Commlink-Princess> Naomi says, "He's a zombie, but I guess he has a veil of normalcy over him. And it's getting to Dozer already." «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Centering vs TN 3 for "Centering vs Penalties, TN 8 - 5 (4, +2 TN BG, +2 TN Sustaining)": 2 3 3 4 = 3 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Sorcery + Sorcery Pool: 4 vs TN 5 for "Force 4 Levitiate on Zombie": 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 5 5 5 = 3 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Sorcery + Sorcery Pool: 4 - 3 (successes) vs TN 5 for "Force 4 Levitiate on Zombie - KP:1 (3 total)": 4 4 5 8 8 9 10 = 5 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Willpower + Sorcery Pool: 4 vs TN 4 for "M Drain": 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 8 11 = 5 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls 4 vs TN 4 for "Resisting, futilely.": 1 1 2 4 = 1 Success Commlink-Digger> Dozer says, "Great. Zombies disguised as normal people? Can we just find whoever we need to kill, kill them and get the frag out of here?" Naomi makes a quick gesture, not that she can be seen, and simply states, "Move as I desire." The zombie lifts up off the ground, still struggling to move but no longer under control of his own movements. (Irish Gaelic) Commlink-Princess> Naomi says, "My best guess as to where to start… Mmmm… would be that building he came out of. C'mon, if there's more in there, we should keep them contained. Hopefully it's all in there, whatever it is." "It looks like a fragging ganger." Dozer mutters. Commlink-Digger> Dozer says, "When this is over, one of you is going to need to explain things properly. Preferably with a liberal application of bourbon." Dozer pulls his Ceberus, ejecting one of the mags and slotting a fresh one. He might not get seen doing it but the sound will be familiar, everyone in the group is after all familiar with firearms. Commlink-Princess> Naomi says, "It's like… how we're invisible, but he looks like himself instead." Commlink-Squeak> Conchita nods and she too draws her gun. "Nothing against your optimism, but I never heard of a zombie having been cured… Not that I would not be glad if it was possible…", she transduces. "But yes, let's have a look and hope for the best… Though I am not sure whether Dozer should follow in, if he already got affected… I'd hate to have to fight him. Zombified or not." Naomi leads the way to the building, the zombie/ganger floating towards the building as well as she moves, gun in hand. Commlink-Digger> Dozer says, "If I'm already affected, quicker we deal with this the better." Commlink-Princess> Naomi says, "There are still mundanes in the store, so it can't be too aggressive. But, if we tell you to leave, Dozer, just run. Get about three blocks from here and don't worry about us." Naomi opens the door to the building, sending the zombie in first, moving him closer to the ground, almost as if he's walking. If you can ignore the way his limbs don't really match his movement. Conchita just nods and follows the two. She is better at distances anyway. Dozer follows on behind Naomi, although he currently doesn't have exact positions for either Naomi or Conchita. Inside the building it looks abandoned, though mostly intact. There are the remains of some old filing cabinets, presumably not used for filing for some time given the prevalence of electonic data as well as what looks like an abandoned squat, complete with bedroll and empty food wrappings. «Plot» Dozer says, "Perception for anyone actually inside the building" «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls Intelligence for "Looking around.": 1 1 2 4 8 «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Intelligence for "-4 for sustaining 2 spells.": 2 2 3 8 9 11 «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Intelligence for "Having a look around -2 spell sustain": 2 4 10 11 11 13 There is a closed door almost directly in front of them, across the room. However, faint dragging footprints lead across to the far corner and the bottom of a set of stairs. Commlink-Princess> Naomi says, "Can one of you check that door? Mm… If it's a closet, maybe we can stash zombies in there." Conchita shrugs and moves over to have a look into that door. She is not leaving footprints, so the door just opening might be a bit eerie. «Plot» Dozer says, "Perception for Chita please" «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Intelligence for "And another time to get umbushed by evil things(tm)": 1 2 2 3 9 10 The room is again unoccupied, although less structurally sound than the previous one. Along side the trash and various debris, Chita notices a faint greeny-browny-purply glow coming through a crack in one wall. Commlink-Squeak> Conchita transduces, "This area isa bout to collapse, not a good area to store something in. There is also an odd glow here… never seen something as that before." Commlink-Princess> Naomi says, "Glow? Can you check its aura and see if it's… Mm… related to the zombies, maybe." Conchita looks a bit uncertain, but then she tries to have a look. «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Intelligence for "Assensing odd glow": 2 2 3 4 5 5 Commlink-Squeak> Conchita frowns as she looks around and says, "I can't look through the aura of my spell… Together with the background fog it's making me quite blind on the spirit site." Commlink-Princess> Naomi says, "S'ok. Let's check the stairs. Maybe it's from upstairs. Just, carefully." Commlink-Princess> Naomi says, "Y'all take the front, though. I'm a little distracted, with Zombo here." Moving towards the stairs it becomes clear that the source of the glow is coming from a doorway just beyond them, unseen from where they were previously. There's no door, just signs of where one used to be. «Plot» Dozer says, "Perception again please" «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls Intelligence for "Perception": 1 2 3 4 5 «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Intelligence: 1 2 2 5 7 16 «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Intelligence for "perceive, perceive?": 2 2 2 4 7 8 «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls 2 for "Noise?": 3 5 Everyone can hear faint shuffling noises coming from somewhere beyond that doorway. «Game» Backup to offline storage commencing. Game may freeze for a bit… «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls 6 vs TN 4 for "Sucking on Dozer": 1 2 3 4 10 11 = 3 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls 4 vs TN 6 for "Dozer resisting": 1 1 4 4 = 0 Successes «Plot» Dozer says, "Dozer is now at -2 essence for 0.54 current." Naomi looks to Dozer, squinting for a moment. Commlink-Princess> Naomi says, "And we should pick it up, I think. I think it's in there, the glowy room." Commlink-Squeak> Conchita ponders the glow, "Damn… any idea what this glow could be?", she them asks the elf transducing. Naomi focuses for a moment, putting a protective barrier over the group, hoping to make it more difficult for the draining effect to continue. «Plot» Naomi puts 5 dice of Shielding on herself, Dozer, and Conchita. Commlink-Princess> Naomi says, "No idea. But, when I can see it, I might be able to figure it out." Commlink-Squeak> Conchita nods then, "Thing is … we should be quick… For Dozers sake." Commlink-Princess> Naomi says, "Agreed. Let's get to it." Naomi wills her captive zombie to the front, marching it through the doorway before the group as a distraction, then heading into that glowing room to see just what's in there. Conchita for now takes the lead with Dozer, holding him by the arm, as he cannot see her. Commlink-Digger> Dozer says, "I'm not going to be able to fight properly with someone hanging on my arm. Just let me lead and remind me to get ultrasound." Commlink-Squeak> Conchita nods and releases the orks arm, "Sounds like a good idea.", she then says with a smile. Dozer steps forward, past the base of the stairs and through into the room. That sickly glow is coming from a hole in the floor near the back, with a cluster of people standing around it, seemingly protectively. «Plot» Dozer says, "Perception please, no bonuses except Vision Mag if you have it." «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls Intelligence for "Perception": 1 4 5 5 9 «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Intelligence for "Perception": 3 3 3 4 4 5 «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Intelligence for "Perception": 2 2 4 5 7 11 A number of the group are in Diablo's colors, a couple of other in what passes for general streetwear in this area. While they all look mindless, they don't all appear as physically corrupted as the one that Naomi has wrapped in her levitation spell. The trio will also notice that the hole appears to have come about as a partial collapse of the ceiling above. While the remaining floor is sturdy enough, there's a chance the rest of the ceiling could come down. Commlink-Princess> Naomi speaks softly. "Well. Shall we float down the hole, then? These ones look less dead than the others do."." Commlink-Squeak> Conchita ponders that, then wonders, "What's going on here? Less dead? Something is draining them of their life and turning them into zombies it seems… odd…" She then shrugs and has a look down the hole. "I'd prefer not to use spells right now. I lack your centering skills and it's quite draining on me. Not to mention the invis I have to keep up." Naomi looks up to the ceiling, considering as she moves her captive zombie forward, near the assembled group to see what happens. Commlink-Princess> Naomi says, "I think I could take a position above, then lower you two down, one at a time." Commlink-Squeak> Conchita looks at the zombie guys, "Well, I'd prefer not to have them in my back…", she then says. "If things get messed up they might still cut off our escape route." «Plot» Dozer says, "Make a reaction test for Chita please." «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Reaction for "Something quick, yes?": 1 1 3 4 4 5 5 5 7 10 As Conchita gets close enough to look down the hole, the group seems to sense her, flailing blindly in her direction. It's easy enough for her to leap back out of the way, but getting through to actually get down the hole may be more difficult. They don't seem to react to Naomi's captive, perhaps it's only living things that sets them off. Naomi moves her decoy around to the back, putting him on the edge of the group before releasing him, taking in a deep breath and murmuring softly as she mentally calls for assistance. Commlink-Digger> Dozer says, "I take it these are more of the same?" Dozer is still being effected by whatever it is that's hiding the true form of these people from him. He's also looking decidedly sickly, even if he doesn't feel it. That may of couse just be an effect of the eerie coloration provided by that glow. «Plot» Dozer says “BG count in this room is 3. «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Centering vs TN 3 for "Centering vs Difficulties, TN 8 - 5": 2 2 5 7 = 2 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Conjuring vs TN 6 for "Force 4 Hearth Spirit, +3 TN BG, +2 TN Sustaining, -2 TN Centering": 1 1 3 5 10 11 = 2 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Charisma vs TN 4 for "L Drain, +2 TN Sustaining, +1 TN BG, -2 TN Centering": 1 1 1 1 2 2 5 5 5 7 10 13 = 6 Successes Naomi keeps back as she speaks softly. "Come, help me purify this area." (Irish Gaelic) A moment later, a rather gaunt figure shimmers into view in front of Naomi. A bit androgynous figure shimmers into view before her, only abouta meter and a half tall, but wearing an appropriately sized leather jacket, though only its bony fingers poke uot the sleeves, and beat up demin pants hang down past its feet. Greaser-styled hair atop its head, it looks something like an antique ganger. It looks to Naomi, giving an exaggerated bow. "Do ya need somethin', Princess?" Naomi chuckles, then gives a nod. "Yes, thank you for coming. Please go have a look at the lower level beyond that hole and tell me what's there." The spirit ganger nods and darts ahead, moving past the various zombies and floating down. Commlink-Princess> Naomi says, "Seems that way. Though, less so. Maybe. It's weird." Conchita just shrugs, trusting Naomi's opinion enough to not counter her words. "Hope your spirit is fast… To me Dozer looks … bad." Naomi nods to Conchita. "It should be plenty fast. And it's not going far. In the meantime, what do you want to do about these zombies here? We can kill them, but I don't know what's doing this or how permanent it is." Naomi's hearth spirit floats down through the hole, disappearing for a brief time before re-emerging and moving back to Naomi to make it's report. Naomi's hearth spirit floats down through the hole, disappearing for a brief time before re-emerging and moving back to Naomi to make it's report. "There's what looks like what's left of a human body down there, some tools and a badly damaged chest with some kind of crystal inside it. The whole room bathed in that glow you can see from here, it seems to be coming from the crystal." Naomi nods to her spirit. "Thank you. I'll have something else for you to do in a few minutes, I imagine, so just stay by my side." She turns to look to her companions, speaking in an even tone. "I may be able to pin these six zombies down without killing them, if it seems worthwhile, but I can't really keep Dozer invisible. It's too polluted here." Conchita nods, "Once we really get to do something it's probably best I get visible myself. It's simply too disturbing with all the magical polution here." Naomi smiles. "I'm certainly not going to stay invisible while you two are visible. Step back into the other room for a moment, so we don't get attacked immediately." Naomi leads the way just outside the room, taking in a deep breath. "If I call a spirit to pin each of them down, we shouldn't have to worry about them coming up behind us, and if we can restore them, they'll still be intact." "What's the plan then?" Dozer asks out loud as they seem to have stopped using comms. Naomi drops the invisibility she's sustaining on Dozer, quickly followed by her own, the pair of them fading into view as Naomi reinforces the protection she has over the group. "I'll call six spirits, and have each of them pin one zombie to the ground, while we deal with whatever is going on down there." Conchita shrugs, "If they can be restored… which is a bit … question. Still, sounds good to let a spirit do the work. I'm a bit wary to get into too close contact with them." «Plot» Naomi is now putting 8 dice into Shielding. She then too fades into visibility. «Plot» Conchita puts all her spell defense on the team as well. 4 dice. "Six?" Dozer mutters. "Geeze.." Naomi nods. "If they can't be restored, they'll at least be pinned down and we can finish them off mercifully enough. But, we'll see how it goes." With that, she takes a step back and starts calling for her spirits. «Plot» Naomi is going to call six Force 4 Great Form Hearth Spirits The group of six zombies or near zombies or whatever they currently are have resumed their protective positions around the whole. They're behaviour is very unlike the strays that have been encountered, who have all been uncontrollable violent. Naomi takes a moment, considering something. "Let me just take a quick look at them before we do this." She peeks around the corner, shifting her perceptions to the astral and looking over these more controlled zombies. «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Intelligence + Astral Pool: 5 for "Astral Perception": 1 2 2 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 11 «Plot» Dozer says, "Naomi is still sustaining one spell, I believe?" With the one stray from earlier around for Naomi to be able to do a direct comparison, the first thing that Naomi notices is that the six have a subtle, if unpleasant, overlay to their auras that the stray does not. It's also possible that their auras beneath that are not as corrupted but it's hard to tell given the general astral ickyness in the room. Naomi steps back completely out of sight and nods. "Those six aren't as corrupt as the one that was wandering. I think that may matter later… but, we'll see. For now, we'll just try to keep them contained." «Plot» Naomi is going to call seven Force 4 Great Form Hearth Spirits «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Centering vs TN 2 for "Centering vs Penalties, TN 7 - 5 - #1": 2 2 4 11 = 4 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Conjuring vs TN 4 for "Summoning Hearth Spirit #1": 1 2 3 4 7 9 = 3 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Charisma vs TN 4 for "L Drain": 1 1 2 3 3 3 3 5 5 5 5 9 = 5 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Conjuring vs TN 3 for "Great Form Test (TN 4*2 - 5) #1": 2 3 4 5 5 8 = 5 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Charisma vs TN 3 for "Great Form Drain, L Drain": 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 8 9 = 4 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Centering vs TN 2 for "Centering vs Penalties, TN 7 - 5 - #2": 3 4 5 5 = 4 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Conjuring vs TN 4 for "Summoning Hearth Spirit #2": 1 2 2 2 3 3 = 0 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Charisma vs TN 4 for "L Drain": 1 2 2 4 4 5 7 7 9 10 15 16 = 9 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Centering vs TN 2 for "Centering vs Penalties, TN 7 - 5 - #2, again": 2 3 4 7 = 4 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Conjuring vs TN 4 for "Summoning Hearth Spirit #2, again": 1 4 4 5 5 8 = 5 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Charisma vs TN 4 for "L Drain": 1 1 1 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 8 13 = 7 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Conjuring vs TN 3 for "Great Form Test (TN 4*2 - 5) #2": 1 1 2 2 5 8 = 2 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Charisma vs TN 3 for "Great Form Drain, L Drain": 2 2 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 10 11 = 10 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Centering vs TN 2 for "Centering vs Penalties, TN 7 - 5 - #3": 1 1 2 5 = 2 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Conjuring vs TN 5 for "Summoning Hearth Spirit #3": 1 1 2 2 3 4 = 0 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Charisma vs TN 4 for "L Drain": 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 8 10 = 6 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Centering vs TN 2 for "Centering vs Penalties, TN 7 - 5 - #3, again": 1 5 8 9 = 3 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Conjuring vs TN 4 for "Summoning Hearth Spirit #3, Again": 1 2 3 4 5 23 = 3 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Charisma vs TN 4 for "L Drain": 1 1 1 1 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 = 5 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Conjuring vs TN 3 for "Great Form Test (TN 4*2 - 5) #3": 1 2 4 5 8 10 = 4 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Charisma vs TN 3 for "Great Form Drain, L Drain": 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 4 5 7 17 = 6 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Centering vs TN 2 for "Centering vs Penalties, TN 7 - 5 - #4": 1 1 3 5 = 2 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Conjuring vs TN 5 for "Summoning Hearth Spirit #4": 1 2 4 5 11 11 = 3 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Charisma vs TN 4 for "L Drain": 1 1 2 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 5 8 = 6 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Conjuring vs TN 4 for "Great Form Test (TN 4*2 - 5 + 1) #3": 1 1 1 3 4 5 = 2 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Charisma vs TN 4 for "Great Form Drain, L Drain": 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 5 8 10 = 3 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Centering vs TN 2 for "Centering vs Penalties, TN 7 - 5 - #5": 3 4 5 5 = 4 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Conjuring vs TN 4 for "Summoning Hearth Spirit #5": 1 2 4 5 5 7 = 4 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Charisma vs TN 4 for "L Drain": 1 1 2 2 2 8 10 10 11 11 14 17 = 7 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Conjuring vs TN 3 for "Great Form Test (TN 4*2 - 5) #5": 1 2 3 4 4 8 = 4 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Charisma vs TN 3 for "Great Form Drain, L Drain": 2 2 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 9 15 = 10 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Centering vs TN 2 for "Centering vs Penalties, TN 7 - 5 - #6": 1 1 4 4 = 2 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Conjuring vs TN 5 for "Summoning Hearth Spirit #5": 2 3 3 4 7 8 = 2 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Charisma vs TN 4 for "L Drain": 1 2 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 5 10 11 = 7 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Conjuring vs TN 4 for "Great Form Test (TN 4*2 - 5 + 1) #6": 1 2 4 4 7 11 = 4 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Charisma vs TN 4 for "Great Form Drain, L Drain": 1 1 2 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 5 8 = 6 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Centering vs TN 2 for "Centering vs Penalties, TN 7 - 5 - #7": 1 3 3 4 = 3 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Conjuring vs TN 4 for "Summoning Hearth Spirit #7": 1 4 4 4 4 8 = 5 Successes «OOC» Naomi says, "Hang on, my numbers shifted. This is spirit #6." «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Charisma vs TN 4 for "L Drain": 1 2 2 2 3 4 4 7 10 13 15 16 = 7 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Conjuring vs TN 3 for "Great Form Test (TN 4*2 - 5) #6": 1 2 3 4 5 10 = 4 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Charisma vs TN 3 for "Great Form Drain, L Drain": 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 5 5 5 8 11 = 9 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Centering vs TN 2 for "Centering vs Penalties, TN 7 - 5 - #7": 1 5 5 17 = 3 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Conjuring vs TN 4 for "Summoning Hearth Spirit #7": 1 2 3 3 5 9 = 2 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Charisma vs TN 4 for "L Drain": 1 2 2 2 3 4 5 5 5 8 9 11 = 7 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Conjuring vs TN 3 for "Great Form Test (TN 4*2 - 5) #7": 2 4 4 5 5 7 = 5 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Charisma vs TN 3 for "Great Form Drain, L Drain": 1 1 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 8 = 8 Successes «Plot» Naomi has seven Force 4 Great Form Hearth Spirits with 3, 5, 3, 3, 4, 2, 3 services. «Plot» Naomi says, "All these Great Forms have +1 Reach." Naomi speaks softly in Gaelic, calling for more of her fae to come to her aid. In just a few moments, firgures start to fade into view in front of her, similar to the one she had called previously but a bit larger. Their jackets fit a bit better, all a bit more muscular, bulkier arms making their jackets creak. All in all, a rather impressive looking gang. One steps towards Naomi, giving her a nod. "You need help, Princess?" «Plot» Dozer says, "GM Ruling - only Naomi's shielding will protect Dozer from the drain, so plus 5 the TN for it and plus 5 dice for him." «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls 6 vs TN 9 for "Essence drain vs Dozer": 1 1 1 3 9 9 = 2 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls 9 vs TN 6 for "Dozer resisting": 1 1 1 2 3 3 4 4 11 = 1 Success «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls 9 - 1 vs TN 6 for "Dozer reisting KP:2": 3 3 3 4 4 4 7 9 = 2 Successes «Plot» Dozer says, "Dozer resists the essence drain, remains at 0.54 current essence." Naomi smiles to the newly called spirits. "Yes, and I appreciate you coming to help. There are a group of people in the next room that are suffering from a condition we aren't familiar with. I would like each of you to pin down one of them and hold them there, while we try to figure out what is causing this problem." The spirits look to each other, nodding a bit, then looking to Naomi again, the head spirit giving a nod. "You got it, princess. We'll keep 'em under control." All seven spirits start to materialize in preparation. Dozer groans as Naomi's shielding protects him from whatever, presumably the crystal, that's been draining his essence. No longer in it's grasp, the full effect of it's earlier efforts hit him and he stumbles, catching himself against the wall before he hits the floor. «Plot» Dozer says, "The great forms will all be immune to anything the zombies can do to them, it will happen one way or another, so I'm not going to make pages of dice rolls." Conchita eeps as the ork suddenly starts to stumble, "Are you okay, Dozer?", she asks, helping him stay upwards. "What happened? You seemed pretty okay up to now, aside maybe from being a bit pale…" Naomi similarly moves to help Dozer, shifting her perception to the astral to look at his aura and make sure he's stable and still uncorrupted. "You still with us, Dozer?" "Frag me.." Dozer mutters. "I have no damn idea. I feel like I've got the worst hangover I've ever had without the fun of a litre of bourbon the night before." He shakes his head as if trying to clear it before slowly trying to stand back up. His aura is weak but other than the taint from whatever it is that's preventing him from seeing the creatures in their true form, seems uncorrupted. «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Intelligence for "Essence drain? Has she heard about something like that?": 2 2 3 3 14 21 Naomi nods, putting her arm around Dozer, helping him get to his feet. "This is definitely having an ill effect on you. But, if we can take care of this, you ought to recover fine, I'm pretty sure." Conchita ponders the facts, "Well, I am sure it would need more … contact to permanently drain your soul… I am surprised this thing is this strong at all. Let's make sure this is not spreading." In the next room, there are the sounds of a grand melee. Grunts and groans, spiritual and zombified, as the gang of spirits wrestle the zombies to the ground. After a sort time, the din dies down and one of the spirits, presumably the one who's been talking for the group thus far, calls out from the next room. "We've got 'em, Princess." Naomi nods to Conchita. "And try not to touch anything glowing, Dozer. Shall we see what there is to see, then?" Dozer's symptomns are indeed similar to essence drain although Conchita's never heard of anything that could do it at a distance. Furthermore, while permenant essence drain from say a vampire could be fatal, a temporary drain would not normally be and certainly wouldn't lead to zombiefication of the victim. Unless.. Some relic from the 4th world perhaps? Who knows what unspeakable artifacts were created then. Conchita looks bothered, "Did that spirit of yours speak about a box and a crystal?", she then asks Naomi. "I guess we're into big trouble unless we can destroy that crystal or find a way to suppress it. From what I see here, we've stumbled into some ancient magic again. Like the stuff my abuela told me about. You know the things we experienced on the astral plane." Dozer nods, pushing off the wall and heading into the room. "No touching, got it." Naomi nods, starting to head back into the room in question. "Maybe we're lucky and the box is supposed to contain the crystal, and some fool just happened to open it here. But, let's get to it." Naomi walks into the next room, her smaller gang spirit right by her side still, the seven larger spirits each pinning down one of the zombies in various positions, leaving the path to the whole relatively clear for her to walk up to the edge and look down to see how far it is. Conchita indeed seems to be considering things, "If I knew that it would destroy the silly thing, I'd say to shatter it, but my fear is, that this will only create millons of shards able to do the same shit as the entire crystal." She follows Naomi down the corridor towards the hole. Looking down, after a worried side look to the zombies, she will check how to get down there and back up again. The view from the hole is almost directly down onto the crystal. The remains of a carved wooden chest, engraven with various sigils rests a atop a stone plinth. From the tools lying around it's clear that someone tried to pry the chest open and then when that didn't work, hacked it apart. In amongst the shards and splinters is the crystal, resting atop a velvet cushion that would have filled the bottom of the chest, were it intact. Naomi frowns at the sight. "Well… that's not good. That was probably containing the crystal's power, but I don't think we're putting that back together. Hmph." She shifts her perceptions to the astral again, focusing on the crystal and trying to assense its power. «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Centering vs TN 2 for "Centering v penalties, TN 7 - 5": 3 4 4 8 = 4 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Intelligence vs TN 4 for "Assensing crystal": 1 1 1 1 1 4 = 1 Success «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Intelligence - 1 (successes) vs TN 4 for "Assensing crystal - KP:1 (4 total)": 1 5 7 8 9 = 4 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Aura Reading vs TN 4 for "Complementary": 1 3 5 = 1 Success Conchita truly has to resist her urge to simply shoot this thing to pieces. The sick colors emanating from it making her feel insecure. She waits for Naomis investigation, though. Though risking a peek on the astral herself. «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Intelligence vs TN 7 for "assensing +3 bgcount": 1 1 2 4 5 5 = 0 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Intelligence vs TN 7 for "assensing +3 bgcount (KP: 7)": 1 1 1 1 5 5 = 0 Successes Focusing her astral senses through that unpleasant haze, Naomi is able to get a good read on the crystal. She's of the opinion that simply shattering it, assuming they can, would infact destroy it. Quite likely explosively so. «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Magic Background: 1 3 3 4 5 5 «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Magic Background for "KP:1 (5 total)": 1 1 3 3 4 4 «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Magic Background for "KP:3 (7 total)": 1 1 2 4 9 11 «Plot» Dozer says, "Naomi is unsure whether it will infact restore them but it -is- the most likely way to achieve it if it's indeed possible." Naomi gives a soft sigh, looking to Conchita and Dozer. "Well… If these people can be restored, destroying the crystal is probably the best bet. It doesn't look too indestructable. It will almost certainly destroy the magic, at least. But, we don't have the containment box any more, so if we don't, it's going to keep doing… whatever it's doing." "Also," Naomi adds, "It is likely to burst if we do destroy it. The release of the energy and all." "Great." Dozer says with a rueful chuckle. "Sounds like you all clear out and leave it to the wall here." Conchita nods, "Let me kill it with an aimed shot, then, under cover of that holes corners. That way we don't have to get too close to it. I'll be damned if I want anything of that crystal touch me." Naomi looks to Dozer and shakes her head. "No, you get back. I'm not having your aura corrupted by it's destruction. Conchita and I can likely handle it. You go stand in the doorway, I'll stand between us and give us some magical protection, and Chita can take the shot." Dozer nods, albiet with some reluctance. "Alright, it's your call." he says, heading back to the doorway. «Plot» Naomi maintains 8 dice of Shielding on the group. Naomi takes a position between the hole and the doorway, keeping ready to react to any unforseen events while doin gher best to protect her companions from any magical backlash this destruction might cause. Conchita slowly moves towards the hole, looking down and, from a position that allows her as much cover from the hole, aims at the crystal, ready to jump for cover, once her shot hits. There was a threat for an explosion after all, from what Naomi said. «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Pistols (Ares Predator) + Combat Pool: 5 vs TN 2 for "Shooting the crystal from over": 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 5 7 10 = 8 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Pistols (Ares Predator) + Combat Pool: 5 - 8 (successes) vs TN 2 for "Shooting the crystal from over (KP:+1)": 3 4 5 5 5 = 5 Successes «Plot» Dozer says, "Reaction rolls for both of you please, TN4 for Naomi, 6 for Chita." «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Reaction vs TN 4: 1 3 3 4 4 7 = 3 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Reaction vs TN 6 for "Avoiding crystal shards.": 1 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 = 0 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Reaction vs TN 6 for "Avoiding crystal shards. (KP+2)": 1 1 1 1 2 4 5 5 7 8 = 2 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Reaction - 2 (successes) vs TN 6 for "Avoiding crystal shards. (KP: 11)": 1 1 1 2 5 7 9 9 = 3 Successes The crystal clearly wasn't designed to withstand gunshots, shattering as Conchita's bullet hits it. There's a brief, deafening silence followed by an almighty roar as the energies stored in the crystal are unleashed. A gout of greeny-browny-purpley fire errupts from the hole as the floor of the room they are standing in quite literally explodes, shards of ferrocrete flying everywhere as big chunks of it collapse. Both Conchita and Naomi are quick enough to avoid falling through the newly opened holes but there's still the small matter of those flying shards and the magical shockwave. Oh, and the ceiling falling down. «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls 6 vs TN 3 for "Floor vs Conchita": 1 2 2 2 3 3 = 2 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls 6 vs TN 3 for "Floor vs Naomi": 1 2 2 3 3 3 = 3 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls 6 vs TN 4 for "Ceiling vs Conchita": 1 2 3 3 4 5 = 51Success «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls 6 vs TN 2 for "Ceiling vs Naomi": 1 2 3 3 3 5 = 1 Success «Plot» Dozer says, "Dodging TNs are 5 for the shards and 4 for the falling ceiling." «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls 6 vs TN 5 for "Dodging the shards": 1 2 3 3 4 5 = 1 Success «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Combat Pool: 6 - 1 (successes) vs TN 5 for "Dodging the shards - KP:1 (8 total)": 1 4 5 8 11 = 3 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Combat Pool: 3 vs TN 4 for "Dodging the ceiling": 5 8 8 = 3 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Combat Pool: 2 + Karma Pool: 2 vs TN 5 for "Dodging shards": 2 4 4 4 = 0 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Combat Pool: 2 + Karma Pool: 2 - 1 (successes) vs TN 5 for "Dodging shards (KP: 14)": 4 5 7 = 2 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Combat Pool: 2 + Karma Pool: 2 vs TN 5 for "Dodging shards (KP: 14)": 2 3 5 14 = 2 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Combat Pool: 2 + Karma Pool: 2 vs TN 4 for "Dodging Ceiling": 1 1 5 5 = 2 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Combat Pool: 2 + Karma Pool: 2 - 2 (successes) vs TN 4 for "Dodging Ceiling (KP:17)": 2 5 = 1 Success «Plot» Dozer says, "Shard damage is 10S vs twice impact." «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) has the Armor Rating Impact with the value '0 (4)'. «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Body vs TN 2 for "S damage… Ouch!": 1 4 4 4 = 3 Successes «Plot» Conchita says, "NO KP left. I'll take M damage" «Plot» Dozer says, "And finally, the magical blast. Adjusted for range and shielding, damage is 8D to Chita and 6D to Naomi, body + shielding dice, no armor. Dozer will take 4D" «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Body + 8 (Shielding) vs TN 8 for "No Karma left… this is gonna hurt!": 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 5 5 8 = 1 Success «\Plot» Conchita says “D wound for Chita.” «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Body + 8 (shielding) vs TN 6: 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 4 5 = 0 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Body + 8 (shielding) vs TN 6 for "Soaking the blast - KP:1": 1 2 3 3 5 5 5 5 8 8 9 19 = 4 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Body + 8 (shielding) - 4 (successes) vs TN 6 for "Soaking the blast - KP:3 (11 total)": 1 1 3 3 3 4 4 5 = 0 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Body + 8 (shielding) - 4 (successes) vs TN 6 for "Soaking the blast - KP:6 (14 total)": 1 1 2 3 4 4 7 10 = 2 Successes «Plot» Naomi says, "Light wound for me." «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls Body + 8 vs TN 4 for "I am a wall.": 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 = 9 Successes In the aftermatch of the explosion, the room they were in is basically totalled. Bits of floor still suruive here and there, often with chunks of ceiling lying on the and the whole, basically 3 story room is filled with dust. Conchita is lying in a crumpled heap on the floor, sporting several bloody scratches as well as bleeding from her nose. «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Body vs TN 4 for "Permanent damage?": 1 3 3 5 = 1 Success «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls 1 for "One body part affected: What kind of damage?": 1 «Plot» Conchita says, "Right arm damaged beyond repair." «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls 2 vs TN 8 for "Magic loss?": 2 10 = 1 Success «Plot» Conchita says, "No magic loss" Naomi stands up in the cumbled remains of the room, bruised but not too severely damaged, despite the destruction. Seeing Conchita, she moves quickly to her side, looking her over for just a moment before laying hands one hand on her chest, the other reaching into her pocket to pull out a small hematite stone. Focusing, she speaks with a demanding tone to her voice, "By my will, heal her wounds." (Irish Gaelic) «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Centering vs TN 5 for "Centering vs penalties (TN 5, +4 BG, +1 Wound, -5 Grade)": 1 1 1 5 = 1 Success «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Centering - 1 (successes) vs TN 5 for "Centering vs penalties (TN 5, +4 BG, +1 Wound, -5 Grade) - KP:1": 2 3 7 = 1 Success «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Sorcery + Sorcery Pool: 6 + 4 (Exp. Spell Focus) vs TN 8 for "Force 6 Heal, TN 5 +4 BG, +1 Injury, -2 Centering": 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 7 11 11 16 = 3 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Sorcery + Sorcery Pool: 6 + 4 (Exp. Spell Focus) - 3 (successes) vs TN 8 for "Force 6 Heal, TN 5 +4 BG, +1 Injury, -2 Centering - KP:16": 1 1 1 2 2 3 4 5 5 8 8 11 11 = 4 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Naomi (#11853) rolls Willpower + Sorcery Pool: 2 vs TN 3 for "D Drain, TN 3, +2 BG, -2 Centering": 1 2 2 3 3 4 5 5 11 = 6 Successes The stone in Naomi's hand flares up for a moment before vaporizing, adding the the energy Naomi manages to pull out of the area to put into her spell. It takes a moment, but Some of Conchita's wounds start to mend, scratches closing up but, more importantly, internal injuries threatening her life mending themselves. The strain of putting so much into her spell leaves her a bit winded, but she doesn't seem to care, just watching COnchita and waiting for her to open her eyes. With Naomi at Conchita's side, knowing there's nothing he can do to help, Dozer carefully moves around the edges of the room, examing the body's of their captives. Well, former captives, none of the great forms surivived the blast but their presence may have been some protection to those they were holding. One by one he examines them, largely to keep himself busy until he hears from Naomi. «Plot» Dozer says, "Chita will be on 7 boxes when she comes round." Conchita will lie quiet for quite a little while longer. Only as the spells effects starts to cumulate she finally opens her eyes weakly, "Damn… someone took the number of that truck?", she mutters in an attempt at cheering the elf in a weak, said in a weak and shivering voice, though. Spoiling some of it's effect. Naomi keeps her hand on Conchita, watching her intently until she responds, her focus on sustaining that spell. She is visibly relieved as Conchita speaks, leaning down to give her a gentle kiss. "I should have put up a barrier. I didn't think this whole place would come down on us. Or that it would explode so violently. But, at least you're okay." Naomi wipes her eyes with the back of her free hand, a bit teary. "Naomi, over here." Dozer calls, his voice urgent. Naomi gives Conchita another quick kiss, standing up. "Rest here for a bit, love." She turns and moves over to where Dozer is quickly, part of her mind holding on to that healing spell. She takes in a deep breath as she walks, stabilizing her emotions a bit, or at least, enough for appearances. "What's up over here, Dozer?" Dozer for one is all busines, a trait no doubt learned in the military. A quick "She'll be ok." is all he allows himself before pointing out the two of the bodies he's been examining. One is in Diablo's colors, the other in streetware and both look less corrupted than the majority of the others. "Those two." he says. "You said we might be able to rescue some of them. If we can, it's going to be those two." Naomi takes in a deep breath, shifting her perceptions to the astral to look over the auras of these two people. "Did you look at the others? This area became a much more dangerous than I had planned." Dozer nods. "Yeah, no chance for the rest of them. With what that thing did to them and then this.." He shrugs, but Naomi would've seen at least one who'd been pulped by falling ceiling. The two Dozer has directed her too however, viewed through the Astral, show faint signs of life. Their auras are very weak but no longer the empty holes they had been before. Naomi nods in response. "They're both alive, which is already a lot better than they were. We should try to get out of here. Them, as well. It'll be easier for me to tend to them outside. Just try to be a little careful with them, there's not doing great." «Game» Backup to offline storage commencing. Game may freeze for a bit… «Plot» Dozer says, "I can wrap at any point from now on, I just need an Etiquette roll from Chita, TN4." «Auto-Judge[]» Conchita (#1601) rolls Etiquette vs TN 4 for "Wounded social graces….": 1 4 5 7 = 3 Successes «Auto-Judge[]» Dozer (#5480) rolls 3 for "Regen availability?": 2 4 4 "Alright." Dozer nods, gingerly carrying the first of the two outside before returning for the seconds. Both will need fairly serious medical attention but neither is in immediate danger. Once Naomi and Chita make it out to join him, they'll notice a small group of Diablos has gathered, clearly drawn to the area by the explosion. After a brief explanation, all five are taken back to where Conchita and Naomi had met the Brujah. Although saddened at the loss of more of her people, the elderly hispanic is glad that that they were able both save the one they did and prevent the loss of any more. Chita and the recovered Diablo are both treated by another Brujah, one the others aren't allowed to meet or see while, Naomi is able to treat the other victim they recovered, gaining an appreciative new 'friend'.