Rifts Adventure IC

[DraconianWarrior]

Blake, cyborg

i look at marko "ok but how long will it take to traverse through the channel?" i say to the grackle tooth as i try and run situations through my head

 

[Sherwood]

He ponders for a moment, then says, "Don't get the bank on this estimate, but I'm going to say it will take the drones a few hours to fly the length of the channel. If there is no threats along the way, I plan on moving the ship along, giving the drones less of a distance to fly back to us."

 

[Epiphany]

Kimberly Finn​

The lively chatter of her companions is remarkable. Reclining against the railing, her hearing can pick up on every conversation and, while she can't truly listen to everything at once, she's able to follow enough to marvel at all they bring to this mission. The Mystic Knights are formidable warriors, renowned throughout the Federation of Magic, yet these men and women had more capability than she did. At least on the sea, under these circumstances. Good. Odds were they'd find Atlantis itself a very different experience, and that place was as familiar to her as any childhood home might be. Perhaps. So many memories of her ancestors. Atlantis was nearly all she remembered of their lives yet she'd never set foot on its shores personally. The experience undoubtedly would be surreal and difficult.

When Shaona approaches and nods in her direction, Kimberly tilts her head in the Technowizard's direction and returns the nod. It's close enough to be convincing to an observor who doesn't know the Altarian is blind beneath those mirrorshades. For those in on the secret, though, it's just perceptible that the head alignment isn't perfect. Clearly a nod in Shaona's direction but not with the angle usually used to actually look at someone face-to-face.

"News?" Kimberly's head tilts slightly, considering. "Nothing yet. I'll keep listening, though, and sensing. I'm always at the ready. This is what I'm trained for."

When Shaona pauses long enough for a more companionable conversation, the Mystic Knight smiles slightly. "I'm aware of the drone, yes, as I'm aware of everything on this deck. And everything on the water, at a distance of approximately..." Kimberly pauses as the reflexive number in her mind comes from Atlantean memories, requiring a moment to convert to something humans understand. "...about a quarter of a mile. Everything outside of a quarter of a mile is entirely beyond my senses. A fact you would do well to remember, should we encounter a Slaver Barge crewed by others of my kind. We don't 'see' as far as you but neither are we limited to a fixed field of 'vision'."

"Our hearing is also exceptional. If you'd like to have a private conversation with someone, I highly suggest doing so behind closed doors if you don't want me to hear it." Kimberly's slight smile grows. "That was a good trick you did, with that net. Made all the difference." She reaches out a hand and pats Shaona on the shoulder, a plain affirmation. "Thank you. Your quick thinking probably saved lives. I'm glad to have you with us."

Kimberly's otherwise content to converse with Shaona (and with Trent if he's so inclined) while the others sort out how best to scout ahead.

Status

Location: The River Walker
Active Effects: None
MDC:

Head/Helmet: 60​

Arms: 42 each​

Legs: 66 each​

Main Body: 100​

Battle Fury MDC: 100​

PPE: 112 / 112
ISP: 140 / 140

 

[Psychie]

Terra says, "It all depends on what may be there. Blake, how soon can your drones be ready to make their run?"

 

[DraconianWarrior]

Blake, cyborg

i look at marko trying to come up with an idea that would still get us the recon we needed with minimal risk to the drone 'i just got them i don't want to loose them yet' i think to my self , i look at Terra "i can probably have them charged in about an hour, ii send them out for two hours of recon that should give them plenty of time to deal with any unwanted guests and still have a bit of time before they run out of charge" i say to everyone present

 

[Sherwood]

Marko nods. "An hour it is, then. That will put us well into nighttime, giving you the extra benefit of darkness to hide the drones. Outstanding. I'll leave you to your work and let you finish up." With that, he turns and heads for the door.

 

[Psychie]

Terra gives Blake a nod. "Cool beans. Let's get these bad boys charged up and on the way. I want to know what we are getting into our there. So, what can I do to help?"

 

[DraconianWarrior]

blake, cyborg

i nod to marko then look around at my teamates "honestly there isnt much to do i just have to remove the batteries and charge them, but your welcome to come and whatch you never know there may be a day when i must rely on you to do it for me, or even a day when you will have to fly them, but those leasons will have to come at a later date" i say as i start to head back to my trailer

 

[Sherwood]

The work on the drones goes along easy enough, and inside that hour you now have two fully charged helicopter drones that we ready to fly. All they need to do is get positioned on the deck and then they can take off.

There is a light dusting of snow coming down, making normal visibility much shorter, but your thermal imaging cameras will most likely be even more effective in spotting any heat sources out there. Other than that, you are all set to take off and head for the sky.

 

[DraconianWarrior]

Blake, Cyborg

when the drones are finished i take them out onto the deck and position them for take off, i look around and then nod at marko on deck i then call out to everyone on deck "ok here we go" and then i press the luanch button on the DCCG and watch as they take off and hiver in the air, i look at them proud of my building and proud that i was able to teach terra a bit about machines. then i set them on a course through the channel setting one to thermal and the other to infrared vision for any non living or cold opponents, once they are luanched i walk over to marko "ok they are in the air and set on course, although could i have one of your crew come and watch the moniters with me? two sets of eyes are better than one"

 

[Sherwood]

With the helicopter drones now fully charged, a touch of the keypad sender them on their way. As you had expected, the falling snow is obscuring the normal vision cameras, but the radar and IR camera is working fine. Another good thing is the fact that you are not dealing with sleet and freezing rain, so the danger of icing on the flight surfaces of the drones is minimal.

As the drones fly, the radar gets the first look of a small town that has sprouted up on the edge of the canal. It is a community that tries to etch out a living on the canal. From the number of buildings there you would guess that the populating is still only a few hundred souls. At this time of night, you would expect that everyone in town would be snug inside their warm homes. Instead, in the infrared camera view, you can see that the population is in the streets, running away from a large fire that is consuming what looks like a town hall.

In addition to the fire, there are three figures, not human but some kind of monsters, that are running through the streets, attacking the townspeople when they come across them.

As bad as this is, it could be much worse. At the edge of town, there is another group of monsters, but here are being attacked buy someone trying to defend the town. There is a pair of figures using some energy rifles to fire into the crowd of monsters. In the camera view, Blake can see that the two defenders are both wearing heavy MDC environmental armor that is not Coalition issue, and they are both sitting on a pair of robotic horses as they shoot at the attackers.

If you wish to try and identify the monsters, make a Demon and Monster Lore roll at a -20% to your roll due to the bad weather conditions.

 

[DraconianWarrior]

Blake, cyborg

When i see the town in a panic and under attack i call out to the people on the ship, telling people over coms if possible, "there is a village that is under attack at the beginning of the canal, its being attacked by a group of monsters, while i feel inclined to help them i would like to get everyones opinions on the matter, i can have my drone engage in battle and distract the monsters to give us an advantage, but i would like it if someone who knows a bit about monsters and demons to come take a look before i send my drones to engage"

 

[Psychie]

Terra will look over the cyborg's shoulder to try and get a look at whatever it is attacking the town. "How many are we looking at? I see three things in the town itself, but how many are being shot at by the horsemen?"

EDIT I made my roll, but not by the -20% penalty.

 

[Sherwood]

When Terra looks at the image on the screen, the IR view makes it difficult to make out any real good details. What you do see is enough to make you nervous. Along with the three monsters in the town, there are four more being shot at by the men on their horses. As you watch, you can see that the critters are all in the nine to ten foot tall range, and are obviously MDC creatures from the way that the ones being shot at are taking the hits being dished out.

Terra suspects that they are some kind of demon, but you don't remember exactly what kind of demon that they are.

On the radar, Blake notices that there is a metal target about 10,000 feet out, standing on a small rise. From the size of it, you would have to say that it is some kind of powered armor suit, one that is bigger than the fast-flying Titans that the team chased off earlier. Suddenly, a bright flash can be seen, followed by a loud boom, and one of the four monsters being shot at suddenly falls, blasted through the chest by whatever it is that the suit fired.

 

[Dano]

​

Trent Lockhart
Smuggler​

Watching the group as they mull about the deck of the River Walker, Trent stands next to Kimberly, feeling a bit more reassured that the pair seem to at least understand their actual situation and the need to remain alert. As Shaona comes over and speaks with Kimberly, he somehow feels a bit slighted as the techno-wizard completely ignores his very existence. Shaking his head he turns his attention to the commotion over by Blake and his drones. The drones would certainly come in handy, and if they were to make it to Atlantis, avoiding any other confrontations would provide the greatest chance of success, knowing that they would need everyone at full strength for what lied in store for them.

Hearing that the drones would take an hour to charge before they could be ready to scout out the canal, Trent shrugged as there was nothing anyone could really do while they charged. During that hour, he kept watch as he took in the sights of the Great Lakes, that is until the weather changed... It began to snow lightly when Blake emerged from his trailer with the charged drones. Looking over at Kimberly, he couldn't imagine it was very warm in all that metal armor so he removed his suit coat and before he donned her with it he held it in his hands and said, "...I have a feeling you would refuse just to prove a point that you don't feel cold, but I insist..." and before she could respond, he draped the medium weight jacket over her shoulders. Trent knew that it probably wouldn't do much to keep her 'warm', but it was the thought that counted. Even though he was a smuggler, his mother had taught him well and he always showed respect to women, friend or foe.

Watching the drones fly off he could hear Blake call for one of Ramius' crew to help watch the monitors for anything unusual. It didn't seem like it took long at all before he was calling out in alarm. Something about a village being attacked. This is where his expertise really came in. He stood more upright from the rail that he had been leaning on and called over, "...A distraction... we couldn't ask for better cover as we make our way towards our own objective!" Trent knew it was a bit heartless, but he also knew that they were being paid by Lord Brazamal to rescue slaves on Atlantis, not save every village being raided along the way. Fighting the River Serpents was unavoidable, this fight was not theirs and in fact, it would serve them well to breeze through the canal while the focus was elsewhere. He frowned a bit, knowing that he was probably 'stuck' with a bunch of do-gooders so he stated a bit more authoritatively, "...This is NOT our fight... remember who is paying us and what we are being paid for... If you want to waste everyone's time, time that Lord Brazamal's 'friends' do not have, then do it when you are not already on a job..." Turning back around to face the water he just shook his head, hoping that logic and common sense dwelt in at least one other member of this party....

Epiphany

 

[Psychie]

Terra frowns. "Demons of some kind. I don't know exactly what type they are; too hard to see in this snow."

She is about to make a comment when Trent speaks up about this not being their fight. She frowns even more, but a bit of a harsh reality hits her. As much as I hate to admit it, he's right. We are being paid to get to Atlantis and bring back the refugees, not to get in the middle of each fight. Besides, there is some big gun out there on that suit of powered armor that is doing the job well enough. "I agree. At most, we could put some fire on the demons as we power on by, but that runs the risk of getting is involved in the fight here, when we are needed in Atlantis. Do I wish we had the time to stop? Absolutely. But every moment we delay gives our four escaped slaves more of a chance to be captured or killed, and that just won't do. We should use this as a chance to get past these narrows as fast as we can."

 

[Purr]

Gradicus the Red Edge
Atlantean Undead Slayer​

Spoiler: Instrumental Mood Music

"Times Like These" by Foo Fighters

Partial lyrics:
"I, I'm a new day rising
I'm a brand new sky
To hang the stars upon tonight
I am a little divided
Do I stay or run away
And leave it all behind?

"It's times like these you learn to live again
It's times like these you give and give again
It's times like these you learn to love again
It's times like these time and time again"

If you wish to try and identify the monsters, make a Demon and Monster Lore roll at a -20% to your roll due to the bad weather conditions.

Gradicus stared at Blake's computer screens in shock. Then he tore his eyes from the screen and spoke from his very soul. The hardened warrior's voice trembled. "I... I cannot stand by and watch this..."

Innocent people attacked by demons while his 'team' carried the motion to move on and let them suffer and die?! Gradicus was born a True Atlantean. He chose to become a Tattooed Undead Slayer. Most of the Atlantean people were by their very nature virtuous, courageous, kind, and willing to risk much in the battle against evil. This, of course, went double for vampires, but demons were close enough! Supernatural evil? Maiming and slaying at will? This scene went against everything he was. Even the gladiator in him could not stay with honor intact.

"...This is NOT our fight... remember who is paying us and what we are being paid for... If you want to waste everyone's time, time that Lord Brazamal's 'friends' do not have, then do it when you are not already on a job..."

"Aye! And while you're at it, remember well those are your people you are abandoning! Human beings! What if someone you cared about were in that fiery nightmare?" He glared at the heartless smuggler who so coveted coin over the souls of men and women. "Trent, you can go join the Splugorth! Perhaps they will pay you better!"

Gradicus called upon the power of his Blazing Comet tattoo. The magic came alive and in moments he was wrapped its potent enchantments. He placed his hand on Summertime in a firm grip. He made his way to the railing of the River Walker, and then he called out to his 'teammates.'

"Aye! Sail on if you lack the guts! Sail on to your own safety! Make for the open waters if you care more for credits than people! I go alone and gladly! For if Elder Brazamal wanted someone to pass by the wholesale slaughter of nigh-defenseless fathers, mothers, and children, then he should not have put a True Atlantean on the job!!"

"I agree. At most, we could put some fire on the demons as we power on by, but that runs the risk of getting is involved in the fight here, when we are needed in Atlantis. Do I wish we had the time to stop? Absolutely. But every moment we delay gives our four escaped slaves more of a chance to be captured or killed, and that just won't do. We should use this as a chance to get past these narrows as fast as we can."

Gradicus looked Terra right in the eyes. His stare was grim, confused, and more than a little disappointed. His voice was cold as he whispered harshly to her. "Terra! You of all people! How could you turn your back on the brave and honorable Clan Draco Amicus like this? Have you forgotten where you come from?"

His Blazing Comet tattoo magic allowed him to fly at Mach speed in the vacuums of space. He had done so before. Traveling to the blazing scene would not take long. Gradicus leaped off the railing and soared into the night without another word.

Image credit: Atlantean by Chuck Walton)

STATUS

Location: On the water with the River Walker
Statblock: Self-M.D.C. (242/242) Self-P.P.E. (154/204). Talisman (2/3 daily uses remaining).

 

[DraconianWarrior]

Blake, cyborg

I look at Trent and then at Terra as i acknowledged their claims, i then look at Gradicus as he made his moving statement and began to fly away, i call out to him "while i agree with you i am unable to physically join you in this battle know that i am with you in your intentions as well as spirit so i will give you support through my drones" i stop and think then add "and try to come back alive if at all possible"

 

[Epiphany]

Kimberly Finn​

Kimberly watches the flakes of snow with the slightest hint of irritation. While not falling hard enough to wreck her field of view, neither could she tune out thousands of frozen particulates drifting through the air. Hopefully it wouldn't be a problem.

The coat Trent set around her shoulders is a surprise, though. Kimberly turns to face him and her normally serene, impassive face finally registers a new emotion; surprise. The coat is surprisingly a good fit for her, though her armor makes it a little harder to find a good fit. Then the Altarain Warrior Woman takes a step closer to Trent, one step closer than casual acquaintances typically stand. "Thank you," she says, softly but sincerely. She's not sure how she actually feels about the gesture or even understands it but she suspects it comes from compassion. Compassion is always worth praising.

When Blake speaks up, the Mystic Knight looks in his direction before striding decidedly in his direction, keeping company with Trent. The smuggler's suggestion isn't especially surprising, even if it is a bit disappointing. Only a bit though; again, she doesn't expect this party to share her values. What's more, the Code of the White Rose prioritizes the preservation of innocents but its Mystic Knights also recognize not every battle can be fought. And so she listens, to hear the conviction of others before pushing her own forward.

Gradicus' response is as humbling as it is inspiring. Kimberly bows her head silently in reverent respect as the Undead Slayer acts on his convictions, summoning magic to abruptly fly from the deck of the River Walker at speed she can barely register.

"My friends," Kimberly says, speaking up to address the remaining adventurers as well as any crew in hearing range. "Gradicus calls us to virtue. It's a call I wish to answer. Saving those people isn't the mission but it is unquestionably the right thing to do. Besides which, saving the town with its defenders makes it that much more certain they'll be here when we come back this way. Otherwise, who knows what predators may set up in its ruins without our aid. Predators who could prey on other ships, including ours when we return potentially in worse straits than when we departed."

"For those who worry about the slaves, worry not. If time was truly of the essence, Lord Brazamal wouldn't have merely supported hiring a Rifter for transport; he'd have insisted on it. From what little I remember of where our people are, they are likely within forest, subject to being hunted by Atlantis for sport, rather than for execution. Rumors had it that some escaped slaves survive years and even build villages out there, somewhere. If time concerns you, I believe we can spare a night to save people absolutely in peril with little risk to people who may be safer than those poor souls."

Kimberly smiles at the assembled adventurers. "I would have already joined Gradicus in taking the fight to the enemy but I lack the means to fly. Or even to know which way the battle lies."

Status

Location: The River Walker
Active Effects: None
MDC:

Head/Helmet: 60​

Arms: 42 each​

Legs: 66 each​

Main Body: 100​

Battle Fury MDC: 100​

PPE: 112 / 112
ISP: 140 / 140

 

[Psychie]

Terra glares at Gradicus, then Blake. She then lets out a low growl, and says, "Damnit Gradicus! You know I can't leave you to go off by yourself! Its too dangerous." Continuing to glare, she stands up and crosses her arms. "You can't be planning on trying to guilt me into helping you. It's not going to happen. We can't compromise the mission to Atlantis. No. This is too important, and we need you. I cannot be persuaded to join you by flitting over with my rifle in tow. Don't you look at me like that. Just because we are kinsman I will not be swayed." Terra starts to turn away, then pauses to let out a string of offensive language. "Fine! I'll go. But just this once. Kimberly, I can lift you to the shore where you can use your blades."

She turns to storm out of the trailer, then stops and looks back at the others. "Well? Aren't you coming?"

 

[Dano]

​

Trent Lockhart
Smuggler​

"Aye! And while you're at it, remember well those are your people you are abandoning! Human beings! What if someone you cared about were in that fiery nightmare?"

Trent stood there, eyes hardened as his resolve quickened, "They are NOT my people... I do not belong to any one or any cause..." his words were icy as his breath could be seen. Abandoning, what a choice word for Gradicus to be using as he knew nothing about Trent, then he brought up caring about others and that's when he could hold his tongue no longer, "... You arrogant fool..." this time his words cut through the tension on the boat like a hot knife through butter, "... You assume that just because I have common DNA with the inhabitants of that town makes me owe them something? I certainly do NOT. I owe them NOTHING... I owe YOU nothing..." He was breathing heavily now as his heart rate increased, "... Perhaps those people are pirate or cutthroats... the same lot that just as well would have ambushed us if they had not been under siege themselves..." How quickly Gradicus jumped to the conclusion that somehow anyone being attacked meant they were innocent.

Trent, you can go join the Splugorth! Perhaps they will pay you better!"

Trent smiled in a smug way, "Perhaps I will... that way I would not have to listen to the likes of someone who does not stop and consider the situation before acting!"

"Aye! Sail on if you lack the guts! Sail on to your own safety! Make for the open waters if you care more for credits than people! I go alone and gladly! For if Elder Brazamal wanted someone to pass by the wholesale slaughter of nigh-defenseless fathers, mothers, and children, then he should not have put a True Atlantean on the job!!"

Defenseless? Did Gradicus just see the giant hole blown in the one Demon from the massive mech? There were sufficient 'defenses' in place to deal with the demons. If that mech turned that gun towards the River Walker they would be in for a world of hurt, and Gradicus wanted to go interfere? The self absorbed gladiator hiding behind his words, practically calling the party that Lord Brazamal assembled cowards if they did not assist. Trent would not be dragged into conflict because of someone slinging pointless insults. "Good Riddance..." he mumbled as Gradicus rocketed off the River Walker's deck.

"while i agree with you i am unable to physically join you in this battle know that i am with you in your intentions as well as spirit so i will give you support through my drones"

Now the cyborg, the anti-conflict cyborg, was willing to engage in a situation they had almost no information about? This really was the beginning of the end. Trent could not see how these people had survived this long in the world... He had enough of this crazy lot. Turning towards Betty he walked away from the group and as he placed his gloved hand on the latch to the side door he heard a familiar voice,

"Gradicus calls us to virtue. It's a call I wish to answer. Saving those people isn't the mission but it is unquestionably the right thing to do. Besides which, saving the town with its defenders makes it that much more certain they'll be here when we come back this way. Otherwise, who knows what predators may set up in its ruins without our aid. Predators who could prey on other ships, including ours when we return potentially in worse straits than when we departed."

Trent hung his head. Kimberly made a good point about having to deal with something worse upon their return, if they returned... He still wasn't convinced as they knew nothing of the inhabitants of the village or what side that mech was really on... Opening the hatch, he took half a step in, turned to the others on the deck of the boat and shook his head, they knew nothing and were willing to risk their own lives to 'save' someone that may or may not have needed the assistance. It all sounded like selfish glory to him. Closing the door behind him he locked the hatch, turned and pulled a bottle of scotch from a compartment and sat down to ponder his next actions....

 

[DraconianWarrior]

Blake, cyborg

I look at terra and nod, "i will do my best to keep you alive with my drones, now go the longer we wait the more innocent life will be spilt." i say as i return to my control guantlet.


(if my drones are close enough i would like to let loose a volley onto one of the demons)

 

[Purr]

Gradicus the Red Edge
Atlantean Undead Slayer​

Spoiler: Mood Music

"Times Like These" by Foo Fighters

Partial lyrics:
"I, I'm a new day rising
I'm a brand new sky
To hang the stars upon tonight
I am a little divided
Do I stay or run away
And leave it all behind?

"It's times like these you learn to live again
It's times like these you give and give again
It's times like these you learn to love again
It's times like these time and time again"

Angry and resolved, Gradicus sped through the twilight air toward the town without a look back. His multi-optics helm guided his way as his magic carried him speedily through the wind. He had not heard Terra's words nor Trent's - they had made their opinions clear already and he had turned his radio off - but he had noticed their raised voices after he had his say. Terra had her Distant Voices spell that could reach him if they joined him.

The young Atlantean did not have the time to argue with them. Even angry, he naturally cared about them, but the town was being attacked now! People were probably being killed now! He felt every single moment he would have wasted trying to convince people to join him was another moment the demons could eat, dismember, dominate, enslave, slay, and whatever else these particular demons were going to do to the townspeople. These were demons, not humans. Not Coalition. Not robots.

Demons lived in an evil beyond the understanding of most mortal imaginations. And that meant more blood. More gravestones. More weeping families. Two-hundred some human townsfolk against the likes of demons as tough as tanks with only a few guns, however mighty, to defend them all. Demons, especially oni in Old Japan, had an annoying method of summoning more of their kind. Perhaps these could do the same.

Gradicus was alone again and he felt alone again. He was all right by this, but the strong emotions surged through him threatened to unsettle his confused heart. He needed to clear his mind so he could focus on the battle. He tried to sort out what he could before he reached the town.

It was one thing for Trent the human smuggler to voice his own opinion and say he was staying - that, Gradicus felt he could have understood - but to give his very best effort into swaying everyone on the River Walker to just sail past a group of demons in the act of attacking a village? The smuggler wanted to use the opportunity to better their positions at the cost of the lives of dozens of human beings? Perhaps he was a black hole after all. Many gladiators Gradicus had known shared similarities with the smuggler's "me and mine only" attitude, but this was the first time he had seen a human with free will turn his back on other humans. What strange creatures humans were here! Unlike the Japanese, some of these humans seemed to have no sense of clan, family, or neighborly spirit!

And then to have Terra swayed by his argument? He couldn't believe it! Did being an Atlantean mean so little to Terra? Atlanteans, most of them anyway, did not sit by while evil creatures had their way with everyday people! Atlanteans were an ancient people feared by demons and devils, trusted by nearly all other races they came into contact with, and friends with many good dragons, paladins, Cosmo-Knights, and holy creatures throughout the Megaverse! What had happened? Had the River Serpent hit Terra in her head when he wasn't looking?

That is when Gradicus came to what he felt was a reasonable conclusion - if Trent the Smuggler had a heart (or if he had found a way to profit from this somehow), he would be there helping fight against these demons. If he didn't, then it provided serious evidence that he truly believed in his "me and mine only" attitude. And he was trying to make part of the crew part of his "mine" like Kimberly.

The smuggler had made clear by his first argument he thought rescuing these people was "a waste of everyone's time." Well, what about the endangered townsfolk? What about their time? Some of them were about to die! Some were already probably dead! What about the heroic few fighting outnumbered against these demons? The only 'reward' Gradicus wanted here was to know he had tried his best to do his duty as an Atlantean and Undead Slayer. He was ready to die in the attempt - it was what he was born and raised to do.

Gradicus's conclusion was the same for almost everyone else on the River Walker, with some exceptions. Blake probably had to stay onboard; the generous cyborg seemed to be a support person and every team needed those. And who could blame creative Shaona if she did the same after her spirit-shaking battle with her first dragon? Capt. Marko was responsible for his crew and his vessel.

But Kimberly? Terra? Foss? Trent? Why in Goroth's name had Elder Brazamal asked Gradicus to join these people if he was so different than they? Terra, being an Atlantean, had to know what being an Undead Slayer meant! Undead Slayers destroyed supernatural evil! It was their very purpose and had been for centuries upon centuries! Could she, who was about 100 years older than he, somehow not know this? And was Gradicus was to simply sail by with the rest of them as the townsfolk died? Perhaps he could lean on the rail? Eat some popcorn while it was going down? Take a few pictures for the laughs? Was this the crew Elder Brazamal had set him up with?

It all depended on this battle.

Aye, Gradicus thought. He was alone again. He took a deep breath from his tanden and calmed his mind in the manner of Zen. Very soon, his troubles did not bother him so much. Nothing bothered him except the presence of demons. For he had slipped his mind and let the martial artist, gladiator, and Undead Slayer in him take over once again. He focused now only on the rescue of the people below him.

Gradicus's battle-mind strategized. He would have Glitch and Sparky help guide the people out of the town, he would use his flight to gather as many people as he could and get them out of harm's way, he would use his shield to defend them too. He only lacked the potential psychic energy to then call upon Smoochie, which was a shame. How the big girl would have enjoyed this!

Of course, his entire strategy depended on what the demons were doing... Gradicus continued on. If the demons wanted these peoples' lives, then he had but one thing to say! Molon labe!

Spoiler: Molon labe

Greek for "Come and take it!"

Image credit: Atlantean by Chuck Walton)

STATUS

Location: On the water with the River Walker
Statblock: Self-M.D.C. (242/242) Self-P.P.E. (154/204). Blazing Comet M.D.C. (20/20). Talisman (2/3 daily uses remaining).

 

[Psychie]

While holding Kimberly under her armpits, Terra lifts off the deck and heads after her fellow Atlantian. Using her spell of Distant Voice, she calls out to Gradicus. "I've got Kimberly, and we are heading to intercept the three demons in town. At a guess, the others are being taken care of by the horsemen and the powered suit out there."

Spoiler

Activating my Tattoo of Flight for 20 PPE and Distant Voice for 10
Hit Points: 31
SDC: 125
PPE: 77 / 47

Number of Attacks: 4
Strike: +8
Parry: +8
Dodge: +8
Roll: +9
Initiative: +3
Perception: +4, +1 vs Vampires and the Undead
Horror Factor: +4 to Save, +2 vs dragons
Critical Strike on a natural 19-20

 

[Sherwood]

I need initiative rolls from Epiphany Psychie Purr and DraconianWarrior