Safety is All in the Mind
Log Info
- Title: Safety is All in the Mind
- Emitter: Cryosanthia
- Characters: Dax, Jinks, Katsuro, Rigby
- Place: The Wilds of Alexandria
- Time: Monday, July 05, 2021, 2:57 PM
- Summary: Adventurers are wanted to help test out Glockenwunderspiel's experimental firearms, the more inexperienced the better. Several show up, only Rigby knows anything about firearms. They are given their selection of Thunderbelcher or Dragonspitters, and told the guns require a blood sacrifice, their own, so it will only shoot for them. Katsuro notices the mechanical safety on his gun keeps switching off. They're handed bait, which will attract something nasty, and told to go out into the woods and shoot whatever attacks them. The adventurers are dubious about bleeding into their guns, but venture forth. They find a spot and toss the bait. Nothing happens for a while. As their minds wander, their guns start to go off and giant Preying Mantises appear and go for the bait. Some of which the adventurers are still carrying. They shoot their guns. Jinks Dragonspitters explode almost immediately. Rigby's rifle starts firing uncontrollably when he drops it on the ground. Katsuro's is largely useless and harmless. Dax's gun however, fills her with a euphoric glee, and while it shoots a lot more often than she pulls the trigger, she still hits. Her only difficulty is to stop shooting before she starts on her friends, and then ultimately herself. This seems unlikely, until the gun itself finishes, becoming exhausted and leaving Dax frustrated. With all the giant bugs destroyed, and two party members unconscious, Jinks is left to collect the bits, heal everyone and head back. The Gun's test performance reports are all negative.
- Encounters: CR6 XP2400
- (3) CR3 XP800 Giant Mantis
- (4) Misbehaving Magical Firearms
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Appearing, in Order =-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Dax 5'0" 110 Lb Human Female A 5' tall red haired human with piercings and tats. Jinks 3'4" 39 Lb Gnome Male A gnomish fellow in fancy garb and jewelry. Katsuro 5'4" 160 Lb Human Male A small but sturdy Xian man, young and keen-looking. Rigby 5'10" 170 Lb Human Male Ponytailed Acanian with curled moustache and pointed beard. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Noteable NPCs =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Glockenwunderspiel Ferrogrip Gnome Male A firearms enthusist and inventor. Sheriliquor Gnome Female A gun shop assistant -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- As the GM =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Cryosanthia 6'9" 291 Lb Sith-Makar Female A dashingly tall, elegant white-scaled lizard woman. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
The Gun Shoppe
ASSIST AN INVENTOR!
Weapons Testing
Some Explorer's Guild offerings are odder than others. This one seems straightforward, test a few inventions. Of course, the inventor is a gnome.
The shop of Glockenwunderspiel Ferrogrip is located just outside of Goblintown, in the prestigious Khazadi neighbourhood. Close enough to those green dabblers that some insignificant part might be obtained on the cheap, but clearly rubbing shoulders with the diligent and careful dwarves. Precise and competent manufacture is paramount.
Inside the gnome's store and workshop, it is cluttered for tall-folk but perfectly spacious for his energetic kin. There's even a clerk to follow casual browsers around and ask if they need help with anything. Especially goblins, and halflings, and well just about anyone that isn't a gnome. The shop is packed with barrels, bins of mechanisms, and a few elegant weapons. There are crossbows, but this is a modern shop, for the modern shooter. It has firearms!
Glockenwunderspiel sits on a high counter so he can look down on anyone who has entered his workspace. "Hello! Hello! Wonderful to see you all. I have an amazing opportunity for you to test the next stage in firearms development. Now, are any of you skilled in artifice?"
He has grey hair, a sharp beard, hair in spikes, all silver coloured, some brightly coloured clothing under a thick leather apron that has two pistols facing each other over a pair of crossed rifles, surrounding a big G.
Well, this is awkward. The close quarters combat fighter comes walking into a job to test firearms. Dax isn't picky, but she did have to ask more than a few people what one of the jobs said. The quick answer was 'weapons testing' and that seemed right up her alley. Now? She gets a little shifty-eyed as she wonders, "Is that a requirement of the job? Jus' wonderin', not sayin' I ain't or nothin', just asking. Fer the sake of others." She nods her head once, affirmatively, to that. Good cover.
Katsuro has accepted the Guild job, because it pays better then busking on the streets. Not that he's lazy, but it takes a lot of work, and the Guild pays well enough that he can take some time off. But as to knowing much about firearms, or artifice, he shakes his head. "Not I," he says. He looks over to Dax, as if to echo her question, and looks back to the gnome.
Rigby slips into the shop- while he was generally speaking more of a fan of dwarven artifice- tried and true, slow and steady, and what not- he is keeping his eyes peeled for a new gun, and, well, what sort of respectable rifleman would be be if he didn't at least show his face at such an invitation. And so, he makes his way in. He's smoking his pipe already, as he steps through the door, cupping the briar bowl in one hand as he steps to the side of the entrance lest he bar the way for anyone following, and spends a few moments looking about the shop.
Jinks holds up a hand, thumb and forefinger perhaps an inch apart. He's quite comfortable in a space like this and not just because there's another Person in the room. He smiles lazily at all the tall-folk and even gives Dax a familiar wink. His other hand waves a folding fan to keep cool while listening.
"Ha ha! Nope! The stupider the better." Glockenwunderspiel laughs, rubbing his hands gleefully together. He waves dismissively at the store clerk, "I'm Glockenwunderspiel, you can sign in with Cherrylicorish there."
"It's Sheriliquor, Sir." The other gnome interrupts.
"Yes of course it is." Glockenwunderspiel replies, facing the arriving group, "I can't remember her name so I'm sure to forget yours, so make sure you sign in." He hops to a standing position on the counter, clapping his hands, "Now!"
"I'm offering you the opportunity to test the latest in firearms development. Any bumpkin can use them, just like an expert. Rapid fire, and precise, a couple models even have built in trick-shot capability. And they are safe. Super safe! Not like those explosive gobber models."
He pulls a thunderbelcher from behind the counter. A full sized one, which is immense in his hands, "So safe it has two safeties! A mechanical one!" He wiggles a lever on the side, clicking it up. He then waves his finger in the air, "And this one! Safety is in the mind! Finger off the trigger and don't think about shooting anything until you're ready to shoot!"
He wiggles his finger some more. The mechanical safety clicks off without being touched. He doesn't notice. "Now. I have three models, a fast one, an average one, and a slow one. Dragonspitter or Thunderbelcher, regular sized and oversize. Who wants what?"
With the comment from Glock-something or other, Dax sighs and seems relieved more than insulted. "Well, that be good. I'm dumber than some, fer sure." She smiles bigger, fully willing to put that out there, especially if it is a job requirement. Though there's a lot of words after that and Dax kind of crosses her arms under her chest, and pulls her shoulders in as the things continue along. Looking to the others to see what their impression of things are, when Jinks winks at her she squints back and then looks back to the Glockenwunderspiel again.
"Well, whichever one ya needed tested by a woman, I 'spose. I could use, if'n that be a consideration. Or, a person who doesn't much shoot or fire a bow all that often, I could use it as well. I ain't none too bright when it comes to targetin' far away folk, ain't got the fancy eyes fer it like them pointy eared folk, of big an' small sizes."
Katsuro can't be the only one that finds gnomes to pretty much be a goblin that's had a bath this month? His eyes are glued to what the gnome described as a safety device that just /actuated itself/. "Can you, er, hand me that one? Very slowly?" he asks. His tone is wary, and he's not making any sudden moves.
Rigby offers Dax a dip of his head and a smile as he spies the familiar face, and then takes his pipe from his mouth, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "Curious to know how you think you've improved it in every single area." he asks the Gnome, "But I'm game. I'll take the long arm. Don't quite trust repeaters, so if you've one with a manual bolt I'll take that." he says, as he heads on over to the ledger to scribble down his name- in rather nice cursive, for a self-professed scoundrel.
Jinks continues to fan himself, pulling at the high-collar of his doublet. He's trying to stay focused but the back of his mind is playing through scenarios and pickup lines. 'This port is fine but I've always enjoyed a lovely sherry...' he iterates silently only to blink and frown when he realizes there was a question asked. He takes a spot back from the line of tallmen and patiently waits before he steps up and supposes, "Dealer's choice. Normal-sized, of course."
"Well, it's enhanced in every way, like I said. Practically loads itself." Glockenwunderspiel answers proudly. He waves for Katsuro to come closer, then gently hands down the Thunderbelcher he's holding. "This is an average speed model, with the indirect long range lobbed fire for overcoming cover. Just flip this thing up."
Turning to Rigby he says, "Ah! Then, I'll give you the slow speed Thunderbelcher. This one does trickshots." The weapon is handed over.
"Something for a woman... something for a woman..." Glockenspiel stares at Dax. He stares at Dax's chest. "Right! Action on the outside. There's... this one. Fast response, so you can take extra time ot think about things and shoot just as fast as the others. Or, the Dragonspitter version, lighter, easier to carry."
He's so progressive.
Glockenspiel holds the fast Thunderbelcher for Dax to take and looks down at Jinks, "I have just the thing, paired Dragonspitters, normal size, fast draw holsters. Try them on." He points at a pair beside him.
"Now, all they need is a little blood sacrifice to attune to you."
"Whose blood?" Jinks wonders, rearranging his existing belts and back harness to make room for the pistol-laden accessory. "I saw stray goblin children a few blocks down that no one would be likely to miss?"
Katsuro takes the weapon he's handed, and is sure to keep it pointed in a safe direction. "Which bit is the mechanical safety, again?" he asks as innocently as he can manage. And then, "Wait, blood sacrifice?" That can't be right, can it?"
Rigby was in the middle of taking his, when the blood sacrifice is mentioned. He peers at the firearm, and then back to the Gnome. "Don't suppose you care to explain why?" he asks then, still taking it, but for the time being, not going anywhere near the trigger or grip.
Taking the weapon from the fellow, she doesn't even notice the stares, or at least doesn't respond negatively to them. She's a pirate-y woman after all, "That's a fine one." She kind of holds it like it's someone else's baby, carefully and with a lot of hesitancy, but still takes it nonetheless. Quirking her mouth back and forth as she looks at it, trying to get a good understanding of it. In her days she's handled quite a few weapons, different sorts, but complicated items are like a permanent befuddlement spell. She reaches up to her hair and scratches at it, making her braids bounce about a little as she re-grips the firearm, "Alright, blood fer somethin'? This be some kind of witchcraft?" A visible grimace, yet another uncomfortable idea, "Well, I... I 'spose, can't be goin' making the witches mad..." Reaching up she rubs one of her bared shoulders nervously as she takes in a deep breathe, wide eyed, and saying no more.
"It has to be your blood, otherwise it attunes to the children and they can fire it." Glockenwunderspiel says, "And don't give... oh... oh that's an excellent idea actually!"
He leans over, touches a lever on the Thunderbelcher Katsuro is holding, "This here. Flip it up like that. Don't flip it down until you're ready to shoot."
Glockenwunderspiel stares at Rigby, "So only you can fire it, of course! These are smart guns! They respond only to their owners, which is the last person to bleed into it."
He looks momentary thoughtful, and frowns, then smiles, "Ah that'll never happen. Just push the button in the handle that flips open the hatch on the backstrap, take your gloves off and squeeze really, really tight. You'll feel a little prick, and that will be it."
He shakes his head at Dax, "Witchcraft? No! This is science! Advanced Science! And Blood Artifice! Perfectly safe! Not like that superstitious nonsense."
Katsuro breathes a bit easier when the gnome re-sets his gun's safety, though he still keeps it pointed in a safe direction. He ohs about the blood, and says, "that seems ... mostly reasonable. I guess there's not an attachment point for a bayonet, then?" Enemies bleeding on your gun would be a problem, of course. He looks around for any convenient spikes or sharp bits for drawing blood, because that'd be convenient, but if not, he's got a knife under his coat.
Katsuro ohs as the gnome was telling us how to bleed on the gun. "Right, mybad."
Rigby eyes the gnome with some suspicion, "I don't know about feeling, but I think I see one." he murmurs under his breath, but then shrugs, "I suppose that makes sense enough. Though, I have to wonder what happens if someone else's blood gets on it in the middle of a scrap." he comments. Nevertheless, he does as instructed, flipping up the compartment and squeezing until he feels a little prick. Once that's done, Rigby goes about inspecting the firearm in general- making sure the bolt slides readily, the grip feels right.
A smirk is offered to Dax, "I can show you how to use it, if you like." he offers as she examines her own firearm.
With the explanation, Dax ohhhhhs and nods her head a few times, "Science. Ain't none of that witch craft." She sighs and her shoulders slump in relaxation, "Them witchy folk scare the piss outta me, in more'n one way." There's a smile that grows on her lips and she grabs the firearm with more certainty. Holding it tighter, and she turns to Rigby, "Well, if ya aren't some kind of a gentlefella. I understand this part... at least, the whole, ya press this thingie 'ere then squeeze, an'... yep, bleed right inta the gun. After that, I'm gonna be dumber than a horse on the inside of a carriage. Never really touched one of these 'fore ... 'cept when kickin' it outta a dead fella's hands."
Jinks is still fiddling with his belts, trying to loosen both so he can sit them in sort of an x-pattern and have them resting on his hips comfortably. He's a fussy fellow. Finally satisfied he'll pop loose a pistol and test the heft of the thing before giving it an exploratory twirl with one finger in the trigger guard. It's an odd balance but he's good with his hands. He eventually gets around to satisfying the blood price. He knows there's nothing to fear from a little prick. After both guns have been handled he'll tuck them away and retrieve his fan, sucking at the twin wounds on his thumb briefly to alleviate the pain.
"There is not! That is a good enhancement idea." Glockenwunderspiel says, "I'll make a note."
The gnome shakes his head and a hand at Rigby, "Impossible. Impossible odds. Still, this is why I need an actual, competent field trial. They've already been bench tested."
"And as you know, the difference between theory and practice, is in theory, there is no difference."
He gestures at a lumpy bag, "There are some bait packs. Goblin made, so they're sure to attract something nasty. Take one each, or two, go out in the forest and see what comes to attack you, and kill them with the guns and let me know how it goes."
"The disclaimer sir." Cherryliqourish interrupts.
"Right!" Glockenwunderspiel sighs heavily, dramatically. Even slumping on his platform as if he was performing in the opera, "I'm obligated to say that if you get in trouble you can use your own weapon. Don't die testing my products." He peers, "Unless you're really keen! But. Yes. Officially, get a couple shots off and if you must use something else, but I assure you, these are wonderful. You'll love them. You'll wish you could keep them. So do all the killing with them."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Okay! Jinks, the blood price is a little costly!" <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "for the moment, Jinks, make a will roll, DC19" GAME: Jinks rolls Will: (16)+3: 19
Rigby raises his eyebrows at the gnome, "I'm not certain that's how the saying goes." he retorts, but then, apparently satisfied enough with the rifle, he leans it up against his shoulder, safety on, and hand on the stock. The pipe in his other hand, fizzled out by now with a lack of bring puffed upon, is tapped on a table to clear it of ashes and tucked into a pocket, before he picks up one of the bait packs. He tosses it in his hand to feel its heft, and then attaches it to a loop on his belt.
Katsuro is grabbing a bait pack as the gnome tells us we can use our normal weapons as backup. That's easier said than done, for him, but he won't comment. Bait taken, gun primed, he'll wait for the others to head out to this hunting ground. He's a city boy, his knowledge of outdoor things consists mainly of Green-means-up
Still listening, Dax looks up to Glock'n'spell, and she squints a little bit at him as she's really trying to grasp everything that's going on. This has been different than most of her posters and guild type jobs that she ends up getting but here she is, "Ohhhh, right, right, now we're gettin' to the part I understand. So, kill things wit' this thing. Got it. Fine by me." Then to Rigby she raises her pierced eyebrow a bit in question, "Ya sure? I think it by the same fella, came up wit' that real smart sayin'..." She's squinting now, trying to pull up the thought, "Oh, right. Ya can lead a horse ta water, but yer better off eatin' it. Tha' one. It's come in handy more'n once fer sure."
The Airshipman grins at Dax, "As long as it's not one of those we rented the other day. I think I'd have to be near starved to want to eat any of them." he muses.
Jinks gives a quiet 'huh' and shakes out his hand. One last pause to adjust the belts and then he snatches bait and double-times towards the door so as to not fall behind the long-leggers.
To Rigby, Dax comments, "I dunno, the one I had I felt like I'd rather of eaten... flies an' all, then continue to ride. Terrible beast, better jerky than a horse." Though it's mostly a side comment, as she shrugs, "An' sides, I've eaten worse." "Excellent! Sounds like you're ready. They've all signed up, right Cherry Toasterstrudel?"
"It's Sheriliquor, and that have."
"Of course." Glockenwunderspiel claps his hands together. "Take the bait. Off you go. Use the guns! Use the guns!" His eyes are wide, staring, "It won't be a proper field test. Use them. You'll love them!"
He makes shoo-ing motions.
The woods
It's an uneventful, if edgy trip out of Alexandria and deep into the woods. The weapons feel almost alive, although that may simply be imagination. The journey is far enough there's a chance of something threatening. Although, he didn't say anything about squirrels, only to wait to be attacked. Would a funny look count, a squirrel getting defensive about its nut horde. Maybe...
There are squirrels but they avoid the group, skittering around behind trees, climbing and peeking.
The group leaves the main road to follow a trail, heads some distance into a sparsely populated woods, and waits for something to happen. It's that last safe opportunity to attune to the weapons without worry of being interrupted.
GAME: Katsuro rolls survival: (17)+1: 18 GAME: Katsuro rolls stealth: (4)+9: 13
Katsuro's immediate area is rich in dry brush and clutter, and with it Katsuro constructs a sort of blind, of the sort duck hunters use, to keep him out of sight of any sort of monsters wandering by. Because nothing says hunting like sneaking up on some poor unsuspecting critter and blowing it away.
GAME: Dax rolls survival: (2)+8: 10
Dax has her bait pack, and while she's looking around for a good place to put it, she sort of just walks it out to the middle of the current area and drops it on the ground. "Great, this is a great place for that." She calls back to the rest of them, then moves off to the side to lean against a tree. Waiting. "I hate waitin' fer things. Ya know, it's like how long is a day? No one really knows, jus' the sun decides to go down when it goes down. If there be some way ta keep track of time, or the like, might make waitin' a lil' less of a problem."
GAME: Rigby rolls survival: (5)+4: 9 <OOC> Rigby says, "I'll toss my bait to 13, 11 and then go stand near Dax."
Rigby doesn't seem particularly on edge- though he always keeps his eyes peeled, so perhaps it's more fair to say he doesn't seem any more on edge than usual. He grins at Dax's sentiment, "Ah, patience is a virtue, they say. But I'm agreed, I prefer to go find my quarry than wait for it to come to me." he says. As he heads along, he looks about, and then unclips his bait pack from his belt and tosses it across to the other side of the path. With that, he heads to join Dax over at the tree, holding the rifle in the crook of his arm, he gets to work on packing his pipe again. "There's those mechanical timepieces the gnomes make, even fit in your pocket these days." he says to Dax. "Bit rich for my blood, though."
<OOC> Jinks says, "Take 10 on Athletics if that's agreeable, for a 15, and climb on up. Tree at 5,13" <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "okay, 10' up is as high as you can get"
Jinks flips his folding handfan closed and slides it into his opposite sleeve before slicing his bait pack with a dagger and half-tossing it next to Dax's. He then takes a look around before finding a tree and moving to its base. "This is so much easier with lattice work. Or a trellis." And up he goes, taking his time and double-testing every handhold before pulling himself up. He settles on a branch and crosses a leg beneath it before drawing out one of the pistols and reexamining the various mechanisms at play.
The bait is set, locations are chosen. It's down to waiting. There's a tension in the air, palpable. Conflict and combat is soon.
The guns want a taste.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "okay! There are two surprise rounds. First one is GM surprise. :)" GAME: Fast Rapid Thunderbelcher damaged Dax for 5 points. 47 HP remaining. GAME: Focused Thunderbelcher damaged Katsuro for 3 points. 11 HP remaining. GAME: Fast Paired Dragonspitters damaged Jinks for 3 points. 19 HP remaining. GAME: Slow Deadly Tripp Thunderbelcher damaged Rigby for 2 points. 19 HP remaining.
Everyone feels a drained suddenly, a little lethargic. Could it have been the earlier blood loss? It seemed so trivial at the time.
GAME: Katsuro rolls will: (7)+1: 8
Katsuro is taking cover, and getting settled in his blind when there's a report, and a cloud of smoke above the brush where he was hiding, followed by some muffled cursing and frantic activity as he tries to re-safe the gun. "What in the world...?" he wonders. "This is definitely getting a negative score," he mumbles to himself as he looks to see what he might have damaged.
The feeling of the gun is great, and Dax looks over at Rigby and she mentions, even as she winces just slightly, "Do all these things work out to feel this great? There's all sorts of gizmos an' gadgets on it. I mean, ain't nothin' like the feeling of diggin' yer hands right inta yer foe and feeling your claws hit bone, but ... it sure is interestin'." She offers to the go-to gun toter in her mind. She keeps playing with the gun even after feeling the draining of it pulling her life energies from it. She quirks her mouth, holding it, looking down the 'sights' as she has seen others do and otherwise fiddling.
Jinks already had one of the pistols out and was inspecting it with a sort of idle curiosity. As the time begins to roll on and boredom starts to set in he'll be showboating, gunspinning, and testing his draw speed. He keeps one leg hooked under the branch to steady himself. He only almost-falls when he tosses the gun up and it deflects off a higher branch, snapping it and sending debris down while the gnome awkwardly reaches for the weapon.
Rigby grins a bit, "There's a reason they call them thunderbelcher. Holding the power of the heavens in your hands right there. By the by, that's what I call-" he begins, but is interrupted by Katsuro's report. "Good gods man! Be careful!" he calls out to him. He tuts and shakes his head, putting his pipe away. Apparently the moment is spoiled, and shouldering his own rifle. "Just might be a natural, there." he says as he watches Dax sight her gun in. He does much the same, checking his sights.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Okay! Second surprise round!" GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+13: (13)+13: 26 (Giant Mantis 1 Stealth) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+13: (9)+13: 22 (Giant Mantis 2 Stealth) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+13: (13)+13: 26 (Giant Mantis 3 Stealth) <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Perceptions, those are your DCs! See something you're not surprised!" GAME: Rigby rolls perception: (17)+2: 19 GAME: Jinks rolls Perception: (19)+6: 25 GAME: Dax rolls perception: (13)+0: 13 GAME: Katsuro rolls perception: (12)+6: 18 <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "also, if you are hiding or consider yourself hidden, roll stealth. <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Undergrowth allows for concealment, so sneak attacks and 20% chance of missing you" GAME: Katsuro rolls stealth: (12)+9: 21 GAME: Jinks rolls Stealth: (7)+11: 18 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+6: (7)+6: 13 (Giant Mantis 1 Perception) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+6: (15)+6: 21 (Giant Mantis 2 Perception) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+6: (16)+6: 22 (Giant Mantis 3 Perception) <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Okay, jinks you get a reaction, everyone else, you'll be surprised. So updating the map."
Time passes, and passes.
These firearms want to be used, but there's nothing to shoot. The bait sits there, and sits.
And then it's gone?
Jinks hears an unexpectedly loud buzzing as something flies up to his tree. On the ground, bugs? What looks like a large preying mantis just took the bait. Both of them.
<OOC> Jinks says, "If I'm acting in the surprise round then I'll spend a Standard to start Bardic Performance and Inspire Courage (+1)." GAME: Jinks rolls Will: (4)+3: 7 GAME: Jinks spends ONE use of BARDIC PERFORMANCE.
Jinks is doing his best to keep alert while also being a showoff with the twin pistols. He usually plays with coins and the like but with the uncanny understanding spilling into from the artifacts he seems to be doing alright. A blur at the corner of his eye and he turns, onyx orbs going wide with surprise at the sudden appearance of the oversized insects.
His voice spills out a surprisingly deep basso rumbling lyrics of a Khazad work song. "Cold: the air and water flowing. Hard: the land we call our home." The second line is punctuated by the report of a firearm and it takes a moment for Jinks to realize it was one of the weapons he wields. <Khazdul>
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (12)+5: 17
An unexpected preying mantis attempts to interrupt Jinks, hovering through the air and swiping into the foliage. It hits the tree. One thing is assured, something so large shouldn't be flying.
<OOC> Dax says, "Okay, I have it then as a wash with the inspire courage and within 30'. Gonna shoot twice." GAME: Dax rolls 1d20+8: (19)+8: 27 GAME: Dax rolls 1d20+8: (10)+8: 18 GAME: Dax rolls 1d12: (9): 9 GAME: Dax rolls 1d12: (6): 6 GAME: Dax rolls will: (6)+2: 8
The things want to be used, and something comes out of no where to attack at Jinks. Dax is off to the side fiddling with her gun, and doesn't quite notice at first until the lyrics start popping up. She looks up to listen better and that's when she spots the large bug. She levels the gun, its like a bow, and she fires - then fires again. There's a loud booming sound and a feeling of being pushed back on. Her strong limbs keep her planted but she giggles a bit, "Oooh, ahhh, uh, that be somethin'. Kicked me right in my depths."
Unexpectedly, Dax's thunderbelcher barks a third time, the bullet whistling through the leaves.
She states to anyone close enough to hear her, as she's grinning wide from the large explosions. When the third shot goes off without her feeling like she shot it, she jumps a moment, eyes a bit wider, "Oh, terribly sorry, must've still had this thing ready to go... Sorrrrry." She calls out to everyone else.
<OOC> Rigby says, "I am going to Deadly Aim at the nearest one. 3, 12" GAME: Rigby rolls weapon1-1+1: (19)+6+-1+1: 25 GAME: Rigby rolls damage1+2+1: aliased to 1d12+0+2+1: (10)+0+2+1: 13 <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "and that drops #3"
"Put some distance between you and them!" Rigby calls out to Dax as the gigantic insectoids suddenly appear all around. He swings his rifle around, leveling it on the nearest one, and squeezes the trigger. With a loud report, the bullet hurtles from the muzzle of his rifle and catches the mantis right between the eyes, cracking carapace and burying itself deep within. He wastes no time following his own advice, jogging to the tree south of his present position and thumbing the bolt on the gun as he moves.
<OOC> Jinks says, "I'll shoot both pistols at 1. Don't know if they have reach but I imagine I provoke an AoO if they does." GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+3+2+1+1+1-2: (2)+3+2+1+1+1+-2: 8 GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+3+2+1+1+1-2: (15)+3+2+1+1+1+-2: 21 GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6+1: (6)+1: 7 <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "It does have 10' reach, so it'll do it's AOO" GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (19)+5: 24 (Mantis 3 AOO) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d6+3: (3)+3: 6 GAME: Mantis 3 damaged Jinks for 6 points. 13 HP remaining. <OOC> Jinks nods. "Oh! And maintaining the song as a free action. Ow, fudge." GAME: Jinks spends ONE use of BARDIC PERFORMANCE. <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Reflex save Dax, DC15" GAME: Jinks rolls Reflex: (11)+6: 17 GAME: Dax rolls reflex: (7)+6: 13 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11: (2)+11: 13 (Mantis 3 Grab attempt)
"Push to keep the dark from coming. Feel the weight of what we owe." Jinks continues, lifting both pistols at the next-closest beast and pulling both triggers simultaneously. One gives a flash-crack of yellow from the hammer and jumps oddly, the shot going wide. The other fires true and takes a chunk out of the mantis' thorax. <Khazdul>
There's a hissing as the Giant Mantis which was happily devouring the bait hears a nearby click. Singing, shots, the sound of combat. It sees a fellow bug fall from the sky. Not that it really cares, but the other bug did indicate the presence of something interesting.
More Bait!
It swipes at Jinks as he draws, an insect claw ripping into the gnome.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "ok, #1 goes for Dax, #2 goes for Katsuro. #3 is dead" <OOC> Dax noddles, and is AC23 without her twin weapons as a note. <OOC> Cryosanthia nods, "They can both 5' into their reach range, so they'll full attack" GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (14)+5: 19 (Mantis 1 Claw) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (2)+5: 7 (Mantis 1 Claw) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (7)+5: 12 (Mantis 2 Claw) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (4)+5: 9 (Mantis 2 Claw)
The Mantii lurch forward, attracted by the noise and movement. The one that was eating Dax's bait goes for her. The other, crosses the road to attack Katsuro in the scrub.
Chitinous claws snap through the air, but nothing lands.
GAME: Katsuro rolls will: (5)+1: 6
The second the second Manti's foot touches the road, Katsuro's thunderbelcher fires. The shot goes wide.
There's a loud 'click', the opposite of an empty chambre. Jink's dragonspitter, the one which unexpectedly went off, reloads automatically. 'click', It reloads agan. 'CLICK' It reloads. Again.
>>CLICK<<
It's shoving bullet after bullet into the chambre. Is this by design?
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Jinks, you made your reflex save." <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "would you like to hold onto the dragonspitter, or drop/throw it away?" GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6: (2): 2 GAME: Exploding Dragonspitter damaged Jinks for 1 points. 12 HP remaining. <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "okay, pose throwing it away. It explodes as you do. It hurts you and the mantis a little."
The gnome flings his errant dragonspitter at the Mantis. It explodes as it leaves his hand, partway to the bug, both are injured a little.
<OOC> Katsuro says, "Shoot the one in my face?" <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "okay. It'll AOO, but make the roll" GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (2)+5: 7 (Mantis 2 AOO) GAME: Katsuro rolls 1d20+6: (15)+6: 21 GAME: Katsuro rolls 1d12+2: (1)+2: 3
Katsuro acks as his thunderbelcher goes off again without him pulling the trigger, and he's not sure if that's more surprising of the fact that it's somehow reloaded itself. Neither one sits well, really, but there's no time to think now, there's a bug in his face. Sadly, of the magical things these firearms grant, the ability to fire into a point blank enemy without leaving yourself open to counterattack is not one of them. But Katsuro gets lucky in that regard. He frantically tries to bring the gun back to point at the monster and for the first time, he pulls the trigger. The gun explodes again, but it only nicks the bug's antenna. So useful.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Rigby, roll will please. DC11" GAME: Rigby rolls willpower: (12)+willpower: 12
The lever action rifle handed over to Rigby seems chill, content to let him fire it at his own pace.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Sure, #1 AOOs you, using up it's AOO for this turn." GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (14)+5: 19 (Mantis 1 AOO) GAME: Dax rolls 1d20+8: (17)+8: 25 GAME: Dax rolls 1d20+8: (13)+8: 21 GAME: Dax rolls 1d12+1: (4)+1: 5 GAME: Dax rolls 1d12+1: (3)+1: 4 <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "also, Roll Will Dax, DC19" GAME: Dax rolls will: (17)+2: 19
The gun seems to like Dax. It really wants to go off, shoot!
The gun, the feeling of it, the kick! Bows are no where near this fun, and unable to hear Rigby's advice or not listening to it. She just levels the gun up, points in the direction of the mantis that's right on her... and she fires. Then fires again! There's a little giggle chuckle coming from her like she's being tickled, with even the slight doubling over, but that could also be from her dodging out of the way of the mantis's large claws and mandibles. Her eyes are big, "This 'ere, I gotta get me one of these, once I've got some spare coins jus' laying around. Fun ta take out, shoot some, ya know, have a day of it."
The fast and silvery thunderbelcher that Dax holds vibrates. It reloads automatically. Waits. Ready! So Ready!
<OOC> Rigby says, "I'll shoot at #1, deadly aim, pbs. The gun gives me precise, right?" <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "+1 from Jink's Inspire Courage" GAME: Rigby rolls weapon1-1+1: (1)+6+-1+1: 7 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Rigby rolls reflex: (17)+4: 21 <OOC> Rigby says, "I'll drop it and use my move to draw my own gun."
Rigby levels his gun up towards the one Dax fires at, steadies his breathing, and then pulls the trigger. And nothing happens. He squeezes again, and still nothing. He rolls his eyes, "Why am I not surprised?" he asks no one in particular, and drops the gnomish firearm to the ground. He reaches over his shoulder to fetch ol' reliable. The Khazad thunderbelcher he usually carries over his back. A little dinged up, second hand, but tough as old boots.
<OOC> Jinks says, "Maintain performance as free and rapid shot the remaining pistol at 1" GAME: Jinks spends ONE use of BARDIC PERFORMANCE. GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+3+2+1+1+1-2: (17)+3+2+1+1+1+-2: 23 GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+3+2+1+1+1-2: (2)+3+2+1+1+1+-2: 8 GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6+2: (2)+2: 4 GAME: Jinks rolls Reflex: (1)+6: 7 (EPIC FAIL)
"This: the song of sons and daughters, hide the heart of who we are. Making peace to build our future. Strong, united, working 'til we fall." The gnome continues to bellow from his place in the tree, his face burned and blackened by the exploding weapon. Sense would likely lead one to holstering the remaining pistol and draw his own weapons but he's in the thrall of the moment. With a spinning flare he snatches a pair of alchemical loads and fans the hammer to fire twice. He lifts the barrel heavenwards and smugly blows smoke from its tip before slamming it home into the holster. Apparently he hasn't noticed the arcing energies or hum increasing in volume. <Khazdul>
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "#1 attack Dax, #2 attack Katsuro" GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (8)+5: 13 (Mantis 1 Claw) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (3)+5: 8 (Mantis 1 Claw) (THREAT) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (8)+5: 13 (Mantis 1 Not confirmed) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (20)+5: 25 (Mantis 2 Claw) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (1)+5: 6 (Mantis 2 Claw) (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11: (9)+11: 20 (Mantis 1 Grab) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d6+3: (1)+3: 4 GAME: Mantis 2 damaged Katsuro for 4 points. 7 HP remaining.
The Mantii continue to click and whip-snap ther claws at Dax and Katsuro. The pirate lass is menaced, but unhurt. It's the ninja who gets grabbed in a painful way, perhaps resolving that eternal debate.
GAME: Katsuro rolls will: (15)+1: 16 <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Reflex save Dax, DC15, Fail is 1/2 damage, save is none" GAME: Dax rolls reflex: (17)+6: 23 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d6: (2): 2 GAME: Errant Dragonspitter damaged Jinks for 2 points. 10 HP remaining.
The ninja's thunderbelcher seems under control for now. It doesn't accidentally stay off, the safety stays on. His finger is off the trigger.
There is a giant bug attempting to bite his head off, but that's not really the gun's fault. It's behaving.
Meanwhile, there's an odd clicking from the Dragonspitter in Jinks' holster, a little like the other one. Except, this time there's a brief alarm.
It's not a helpful alarm. It's more a dramatic chord progression. Perhaps this is appropriate for a bard bondeded weapon. It's the short, suspenseful sequence used in Noir plays, 'Daaan de dant Dant!', unclear and confusing.
The dragonspitter explodes on Jinks' hip. It's a small explosion, suitable for a small gun. It still hurts, but not much.
<OOC> Katsuro will drop the thunderbelcher, draw my shortsword, and attack with that <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "-2 on the attack roll also I believe" GAME: Katsuro rolls 1d20+3: (13)+3: 16 GAME: Katsuro rolls 1d6+3: (5)+3: 8
Katsuro is grabbed by the fast bug, and the long gun is now even more useless than before. Since there's no way to bring it to bear, he drops it and pulls the shortsword from the scabbard at his belt. With all the strength he has, he slashes hard at the chitinous monster, and it seems not to like that. Not that it lets him go, but he has definitely made it unhappy. That's a win in his book.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Okay. Rigby, what was your attack roll with that thunderbelcher?" <OOC> Rigby has a ranged of +6. <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "So. Your gun is doing a touch attack against everything within 40'," <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "which is all y'all. (and the Manti). If it hits, you get a Reflex save DC15 for half damage" <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Order is Dax, Rigby, Jinks, Katsuro, Manti 1, Manti 2" GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+6: (12)+6: 18 (On Dax) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+6: (20)+6: 26 (On Rigby) (THREAT) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+6: (7)+6: 13 (Not Confirmed) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+6: (11)+6: 17 (On Jinks) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+6: (8)+6: 14 (On Katsuro) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+6: (3)+6: 9 (On Mantis 1) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+6: (11)+6: 17 (On Mantis 2) GAME: Jinks rolls Reflex: (13)+6: 19 GAME: Rigby rolls reflex: (1)+4: 5 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Katsuro rolls reflex: (8)+7: 15 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+2: (18)+2: 20 (Mantis 2 Reflex) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d12: (1): 1 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d12: (4): 4 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d12: (2): 2 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d12: (11): 11 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d12: (2): 2 <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "hits Dax - 1 hp, Rigby - 4, Jinks - 1, Katsuro - None(the 11), Manti 2 - 1 hp" GAME: Thunderbelcher damaged Dax for 1 points. 46 HP remaining. GAME: Thunderbelcher damaged Rigby for 4 points. 15 HP remaining. GAME: Thunderbelcher damaged Jinks for 1 points. 9 HP remaining.
Rigby's discarded thunderbelcher bounces against the ground. >>BLAM<<
It jerks and flops. >>BLAM<<
It's shoved against a rock, >>BLAM<< >>BLAM<< >>BLAM<< >>BLAM<<
How many bullets does it have!
Shots fired! Everywhere. Into the trees, across the ground, into the scrub. Everyone has to duck and dodge.
Rigby ducks as the thunderbelcher starts firing off wildly, "What the fu-" he manages to say before a bullet grazes his temple. An inch to the right, and it would have passed right through his skull, most likely, but his luck holds out- he manages to keep his grey matter inside his skull, but it's thoroughly rattled and he falls to the ground, unconscious.
<OOC> Dax says, "Okay, shooty shoot twice?" GAME: Dax rolls 1d20+8: (8)+8: 16 GAME: Dax rolls 1d20+8: (4)+8: 12 GAME: Dax rolls 1d12+1: (2)+1: 3 GAME: Dax rolls 1d12+1: (6)+1: 7 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (9)+5: 14 (Mantis 1 AOO)
The gun is just reloading, and Dax is getting to the point of absolutely laughing. Her aim gets worse, not that it's been terrible since she's started, but it definitely gets worse as she continues to unload on the mantis that is so close to her. She doesn't care, she's firing, again and again and again. The kickback from the gun is making her ecstatic as she continues to fire. She's just having the time of her life, as she fires once, then leans back, just in time to get a mantis swipe right in front of her, before she fires again. Damaging the large mantis, "Is everyone else okay? I mean, these things, I'm gonna give that feller a ravin' review!"
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "also, roll Will DC19" GAME: Dax rolls will: (14)+2: 16 GAME: Dax rolls 1d20+8: (3)+8: 11 <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "roll Reflex save DC15" GAME: Dax rolls reflex: (17)+6: 23 GAME: Dax rolls 1d12+1: (2)+1: 3 GAME: Thunderbelcher damaged Dax for 3 points. 43 HP remaining.
Dax's Thunderbelcher is enjoying being fired. Somehow, her wild, reckless happiness aligns perfectly with the firearm's... attitude, spirit? It fires when she laughs, and then, it fires again, on it's own.
It was already lined up perfectly. Another shot goes into the Mantis, cracking the carapace.
It's perfect! If only she wasn't feeling so light headed.
The airshipman is unconscious.
<OOC> Jinks says, "Alright. Maintain performance as free, cast Grease under 2 as a standard, and draw my bow as a move." GAME: Jinks spends ONE use of BARDIC PERFORMANCE. GAME: Jinks casts Grease. Caster Level: 3 DC: 15 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+2: (13)+2: 15 (Mantis 2 Reflex)
Jinks continues to sing in Khazdul, reaching the chorus and repeating an earlier couplet. The second handgun exploding has a slow trickle of blood flowing from his right ear but he manages to hold the melody easily. He pushes an empty hand into the air in front of his mouth, pinching at his own breath and twirling it through his fingers with a flourish. A wave through the air and he grasps a small bundle from a pouch to toss at the base of the oversized bug grabbing at the Xian. There's viscous, lazy splash and the earthen ground is covered with a sludging sheen. Somewhere in all the cavorting and flinging of hands the gnome loosed the harness on his back and now holds his polished bow.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "#1, 2 attacks on Dax, the one on Katsuro, <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "#2 keeps holding onto him with one claw, or trying to, and atatcks with the other." GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (2)+5: 7 (Mantis 1 Claw) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (3)+5: 8 (Mantis 1 Claw) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11-20: (18)+11+-20: 9 (Mantis 2 Grapple CMB) <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "so Katsuro slips out" GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (19)+5: 24 (Mantis 2 Claw) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d6+3: (4)+3: 7 GAME: Mantis 2 damaged Katsuro for 7 points. 0 HP remaining. (DISABLED)
Giant Preying Mantii don't make a lot of noises. Clicking, a kind of a hiss. Two chitinous claws flail at Dax, not coming close.
The one attacking Katsuro slips in place. Jinks' Grease spell has given it more to think about. It doesn't fall, nor does it manage to hold onto the ninja. It loses its grip, and drops Katsuro.
This momentarily reprieve is short. It snaps with the other claw, ringing his head and opening a huge gash on his shoulder.
Enough to almost drop him, but he's right on the edge.
GAME: Katsuro rolls will: (17)+1: 18
Unlike the other dropped rifle, Katsuro's Thunderbelcher simply lies there. Guns don't shoot themselves.
<OOC> Katsuro says, "Stab mantis. fall down." GAME: Katsuro rolls 1d20+5: (19)+5: 24 (THREAT) GAME: Katsuro rolls 1d20+5: (13)+5: 18 (Confirmed) GAME: Katsuro rolls 2d6+6: (2)+6: 8 <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "that drops it!" GAME: Katsuro damaged Katsuro for 1 points. -1 HP remaining. (DYING)
Katsuro is dropped free, and with his sword in hand, but before he can use it, he's skewered, and it's pretty bad. He knows that's it for him, and perhaps the mantis knows it, too. After all, it's moving on to other targets now. But Katsuro isn't -quite- done yet, and when the mantis moves past him, he thrusts deeply into the mantis's flank, skewering it straight through. The monster falls over, oozing, and Katsuro falls over on top of it.
'Click' 'Click' 'Click' 'Click'. Rigby's Thunderbelcher seems empty.
>>BOOOM<<
No, it was preparing to explode.
<OOC> Dax says, "If this thing still has bullets, I'm shooting the same Mantis." GAME: Dax rolls 1d20+8: (11)+8: 19 GAME: Dax rolls 1d20+8: (13)+8: 21 GAME: Dax rolls 1d12+1: (8)+1: 9 GAME: Dax rolls 1d12+1: (9)+1: 10 GAME: Dax rolls will: (1)+2: 3 (EPIC FAIL) <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "roll another attack" GAME: Dax rolls 1d20+8: (6)+8: 14 GAME: Dax rolls 1d12+1: (6)+1: 7
The mantis is in front of her, and she's stepping forward, Boom. She practically cackles, and even pets the gun once as it reloads, then she fires again. The bullets pounding into the mantis and exploding pieces of bug splattering bits all over the place.
Then a third shot happens, and Dax isn't even sure how many times she's pulled the trigger anymore. And more mantis explodes, and as it collapses Dax's eyes get real wide as she shoots the already dead mantis, exploding one of its still intact legs. Then the gun reloads again, and she swings it toward the still living mantis, but doesn't quite get there before she pulls the trigger again. The target? The mantis she just killed, exploding its head, as she chuckles even more, "These are -so- fun my arse is tingling."
Splat! Crack. K-zing! Bullets rip through the giant vermin's carapace.
The one that was attacking Dax is down. The one attacking Katsuro is down. The one attacking Jinks, that one was down earlier.
They aren't equally blown to bits. She could shoot off the heads! Then each leg, each wing.
Shoot! Shoot! Shoot me!
The tingling sensation spreads through Dax's body, each impact against her shoulder a stimulating punch. This is a great weapon. This is a wonderful weapon.
If only there were more things to shoot.
GAME: Jinks casts Grease. Caster Level: 3 DC: 15 GAME: Dax rolls will: (16)+2: 18 GAME: Dax rolls will: (13)+2: 15 GAME: Dax rolls will: (5)+2: 7 <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "okay, yours is DC19, so you don't snap out of it." <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Reflex DC15 Dax" GAME: Dax rolls reflex: (10)+6: 16 <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "you hold onto the greased gun. :)" GAME: Dax rolls perform/dance: (2)+2: 4
The shooting continues, and Dax is giggle-cackling all the while. There's a limb, BOOM, there's a limb, BOOM, there's a rock, BOOOM, a head, BOOM, a leaf falling from the tree, BOOM! And then there's shooting the ground, and dirt exploding up, and then there's another limb, BOOM, and a tree, BOOM, her foot... no wait, something else. A squirrel? Boom! Did she get it? BOOM BOOM BOOM, the tree limb falls, but the squirrel isn't present anymore. Either shot and 'sploded or ran away. She's got big wide eyes, and a happy grin as she's kind of spinning around, and shooting, randomly, exploding whatever is hit, as she practically dances with the gun.
It's all gone to pot but at least he's not one of those oversized things bleeding out in the grass and bushes. He readies to climb down from the tree as the last of the bugs is rendered chitony paste only to realize Dax is still on the warpath. Well, now. Something is certainly amiss. He considers an approach or two before offering a quick limerick in his native tongue and conjures a second coating of grease hoping this time to separate the madwoman from her rifle. "Tallman, hey. Your brothers are dying while you're blasting around like a gobber," he adds for good measure.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "okay, Dax, another DC19 will save. Also, roll 6 attacks to represent the last 3 rounds" GAME: Dax rolls 1d20+8: (11)+8: 19 GAME: Dax rolls 1d20+8: (13)+8: 21 GAME: Dax rolls 1d20+8: (5)+8: 13 GAME: Dax rolls 1d20+8: (20)+8: 28 GAME: Dax rolls 1d20+8: (1)+8: 9 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Dax rolls 1d20+8: (7)+8: 15 GAME: Dax rolls will: (6)+2: 8 <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "okay, the gun sucks a bunch more blood out of you, and you feel tired, and stop shooting everything" GAME: Thunderbelcher damaged Dax for 11 points. 32 HP remaining.
The gun seems to start tiring out, even as Dax is continuing to explode things, rocks and dirt, just shooting whatever. She then feels the lowering of ambition by the gun, and she shakes it a few times. Shooting a few more shots, before finally giving it up. "I think its broken. Doesn't feel as good shootin' no more." She gives one of those full body shiver-shakes as she bleeds more into the gun without really noticing so much except that bad kind of tingle up her spine replacing the good tingle from before. Sighing she grumbles and is momentarily aiming at Jinks, from the hip, and is tempted to shoot one last time before she grumbles aloud, "Fer Rada's sake, I need a drink." And she lifts the gun up to lay against her shoulder and starts stomping back in the direction of the city.
GAME: Jinks casts Cure Light Wounds. Caster Level: 3 DC: 15 GAME: Jinks rolls 1d8+3: (8)+3: 11
"You need a lesson in moderation, tallman." Jinks smirks, finally abandoning his perch when the shooting stops. He gives a few muted grunts during the descent and pauses to brush off his hands and pants before walking over towards Katsuro. The gnome pinches the fellow's nose and lifts an eyelid just to make sure he's not faking before setting into humming a quick melody and laying on hands. The touch of the Hymn isn't quite the warmth of a god's blessing but it's been known to make hearts swell none the less.
Jinks gives a few snaps of the fingers above the Xian's face to rouse him before standing and moving over towards Rigby to offer similar ministrations.
Katsuro wakes up when he is healed and hops to his feet quickly, looking around warily as he fumbles for his sword. Seeinng no threats, he'll clean and sheath it, then pick up the gun warily.
He composes his review in his head as we walk back, keeping a close eye on where the gun is pointing, and trying to catch the safety flicking itself off. "This weapon," he composes, "Is a threat to all adventurers and the inventor should be locked in jail where he is tortured for the remainder of his life. The gun itself should be burned, and the ashes consencrated by a priest, and the metal formed into a lump to be dumped into the deepest part of the ocean. Performance-wise, it is ineffective, bordering on uselessness ...."
The safety flicks off.
At this point, Dax feels upset. She wants the high from shooting more and she's angry, so she's stomping into the ground all the way back to town. She doesn't go back to help, she doesn't pick anyone up, and she doesn't, for sure, carry anyone. Even though she's likely a good candidate to do so. She just goes allllll the way back to Glock'n'spell to tell him exactly what she thinks of his gun.
Dax stomps into the store, she smacks the gun down onto a table in front of the Gnome and she states, "Look. This thing is broken. At first, it was amazin', I was nearly pissin' myself wit' excitement an' how it was blowin' things up. Then?! Ohhhh, then, it gets really good, I was shootin' an' shootin' and then... the damn thing broke. I was this close" she holds up her hand with her thumb and forefinger indicating a small amount, "ta havin' a merry o' time but no, it stopped workin'." Taking in a deep breath, she lets out a hefty sigh while she shakes her head, "An' now I'm all nothin' but disappointment an' needin' a heavy drink ta fix the things yer gun don't. Broken I say." And she turns around and stomps right back out of the store.
Glockenwunderspiel listens, first with a deliriously happy expression that slowly becomes crestfallen. As Dax stomps out of his store he slumps, sitting heavily on his counter.
"That's what happens when you don't satisfy a woman." Sheriliquor says, sweeping.
"She was perfect. Perfect. The perfect shooter." The male gnome waves empty hands at the door. "I'll... I'll have to make them even better."
Or worse.
Jinks rests his sack on the counter and then carefully takes it in both hands from the bottom and top, pulling to reorient and invert and carefully deposit its shattered and charred contents on the countertop. "So, there may be pieces of monstrous mantis mauler in there... and it might not be all of the guns-- but I gave it a good ten-seconds of trying to round it all up." He sniffs and picks up a blackened hunk, poking at the fleshy underside and tossing it into the assistant's sweeping pile. He reaches to his waist and undoes the belt with the two holsters, tossing it up to the inventor. "The belt worked flawless, though."
Oh, but one of the holsters is also a smoldering ruin.
Sheriliquor glares at Jinks, and keeps sweeping.
Glockenwunderspiel catches the belt. He looks at the ruined holster, and the bag full of bits.
"Well, I'll build out from the belt then. Clearly they need some more benchwork. I'll have to do this again soon."
"Say, you don't know where to find that tallfellow girl do you? She... she's exactly my target customer profile."
Ah, gun love.
OOC and Combatty
===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 1 =====================
---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------
21 Dax 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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15 Dax's Belcher
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15 Rigby 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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14 Jinks 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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13 Katsuro's Belch
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12 Jink's Spitters
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12 Katsuro 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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0 Rigby's Belcher
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==============================================================================
===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 1 =====================
---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------
21 Dax 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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15 Dax's Belcher
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15 Rigby 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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14 Jinks 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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13 Mantii
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13 Katsuro's Belch
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12 Jink's Spitters
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12 Katsuro 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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0 Rigby's Belcher
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==============================================================================
===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 1 =====================
---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------
21 Dax 1
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15 Dax's Belcher 1
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15 Rigby 1
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14 Jinks 1
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13 Mantii 1
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13 Katsuro's Belch 1
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12 Jink's Spitters 1
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12 Katsuro 1
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>> 0 Rigby's Belcher 1 <<
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==============================================================================
===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 2 =====================
---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------
21 Dax 1
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15 Dax's Belcher 1
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15 Rigby 1
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14 Jinks 1
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13 Mantii 1
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13 Katsuro's Belch 1
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12 Jink's Spitters 1
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12 Katsuro 1
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>> 0 Rigby's Belcher 1 <<
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==============================================================================
===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 4 =====================
---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------
>> 21 Dax 1 <<
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15 Dax's Belcher 1
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15 Rigby 1
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14 Jinks 1
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13 Mantii 1
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13 Katsuro's Belch 1
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12 Jink's Spitters 1
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12 Katsuro 1 DYING
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0 Rigby's Belcher 1
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==============================================================================
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| Name | Race | Class | CHP | HP | AC/FF/T |CMD |For |Ref |Wil |
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|Dax |HUMAN |Ftr | 47 | 52 |23/19/16 | 23 | 7 | 6 | 2 |
|Jinks |GNOME |Bard | 19 | 22 |18/15/14 | 15 | 3 | 6 | 3 |
|Katsuro |HUMAN |Rog | 11 | 14 |16/12/14 | 18 | 1 | 7 | 1 |
|Rigby |HUMAN |Ftr | 19 | 21 |19/15/14 | 18 | 6 | 4 | 0 |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Name | Race | Class | CHP | HP | AC/FF/T |CMD |For |Ref |Wil |
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|Dax |HUMAN |Ftr | 47 | 52 |23/19/16 | 23 | 7 | 6 | 2 |
|Jinks |GNOME |Bard | 12 | 22 |18/15/14 | 15 | 3 | 6 | 3 |
|Katsuro |HUMAN |Rog | 11 | 14 |16/12/14 | 18 | 1 | 7 | 1 |
|Rigby |HUMAN |Ftr | 19 | 21 |19/15/14 | 18 | 6 | 4 | 0 |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Name | Race | Class | CHP | HP | AC/FF/T |CMD |For |Ref |Wil |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|Dax |HUMAN |Ftr | 47 | 52 |23/19/16 | 23 | 7 | 6 | 2 |
|Jinks |GNOME |Bard | 10 | 22 |18/15/14 | 15 | 3 | 6 | 3 |
|Katsuro |HUMAN |Rog | 7 | 14 |16/12/14 | 18 | 1 | 7 | 1 |
|Rigby |HUMAN |Ftr | 19 | 21 |19/15/14 | 18 | 6 | 4 | 0 |
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
| Name | CHP (T) | HP |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
| Dax...........| 32 | 52 |
| Jinks.........| 9 | 22 |
| Katsuro.......| -1 | 14 |
| Rigby.........| 15 | 21 |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
pre-game briefing
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "The usual: You each have a free re-roll. In combat it's 5 minutes wait and then I move on and your init changes."
where to hunt
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Now. you have the option of where you go: A place with a road, a place with a path and light forest & scrub, or a place with no path and heavy forest and scrub. Prefernces?"
<OOC> Rigby votes for light forest.
<OOC> Jinks says, "Sounds fine to me!"
Map
https://www.mipui.net/app/index.html?mid=m0rs6yvursk
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Rigby is the Green Rifle, Dax is Green Claws, Katsuro is Green Mask and Jinks is Green Flask. Positions aren't accurate, I dropped you in the middle. Brown is the patch. Trees are trees, they can be climbed and give an AC bonus for melee/ranged if you're beside/in them."
<OOC> Katsuro says, "Any ground cover?"
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "You can run/charge, etc along the path. off the path its difficult enough terrain you can't charge, but it doesn't affect your regular movement. If you want a 'scrub' patch added, you can roll a survival roll, DC10, and place one. That square will count as double movement, and it's mostly to represent a place you discover by moving, so somewhere within your regular movement range. You can 'build a hedgerow' with it if you wanted, but don't get absurd."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "So, survival roll to put ground/cover in a square you want, basically."
<OOC> Katsuro just looking to make a place he can hide in.
GM Surprise Round
Gun Rules
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "First note. If your gun goes before you. Will save."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "If it goes after you, it's fine. So, Katsuro, you need a will save DC 15"
GAME: Katsuro rolls will: (7)+1: 8
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "I'll let you know what happens when I move through the init."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Second. The guns give you the following feats:"
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Firearm proficiency. Point Blank Shot. Rapid Reload, Precise shot,"
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "and a fifth one that varies individually."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "If you already have this feat, you don't have to 'buy it with blood.'"
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "If you don't have those feats, it's 1 HP each."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Let me know your feats, I'll inflict the blood price on yas."
<OOC> Jinks has PBS and Precise.
<OOC> Katsuro has Point Blank shot and Precise Shot
<OOC> Rigby says, "Ihave Rapid Reload, Firearm Mastery and Point Blank Shot. Don't have Precise Shot."
You paged Rigby with 'Your gun additionally has. Deadly Aim and Ranged Trip'
You paged Jinks with 'Your dragonspitters have additionally, Quickdraw and Two-Weapon-Fighting, so you can take 2 shots as a full round -2, -2'. It also has rapid shot, giving you one more extra, which would be an additional -2, so, 1 shot regular ranged, 2 shots at -2, or 3 shots at -4'
You paged Dax with 'Your thunderbelcher has additionally, Rapid shot, so you can take an extra attack, -2 on all your rolls.'
You paged Katsuro with 'Your gun has Focused Shot, add your INT bonus under 30' to damage'
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "okay, for this round you feel an urge to play with the guns, and definitely have them out and ready, as well as the HP drain. So if you want to pose accordingly. I won't step through the inits. Katsuro, your gun shoots while you're handling it, -before your action-, you're sure you didn't touch the trigger and the safety was on, but now the safety is off. If you can include that in your pose."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "there's one more gun related surprise I'm not telling you about currently, I'll let you know if it comes up."
<OOC> Jinks says, "What's the situation with reloading and ammo when the guns shoot themselves? Do we need to reload in order to fire it?"
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "No Jinks, but it uses up your move action"
Gunzerker Rage
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "sooo..."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "we are almost out of rounds."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "But Dax is having a 1st edition barbarian-esque Gunzerker rage, where she wants to keep shooting things."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "So Dax, you can make will saves. The first 3 representing shooting each mantii. Thenk you'll have to maybe shoot something else. Jinks... you're the only moving thing besides Dax currently. What would you like to do?"
<OOC> Jinks says, "Uuuuh. Lemme check my spell count super quick. But probably cast Grease on her longarm if I can hear the bloodrage music from Kill Bill coming out of her head."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "you dooooooooooo"
Breaking the rage
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "the HP damage was the amount needed to add to your will save so it would be a success"
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "So it's awesome, and then you're on an adrenaline low, and very tired, and the gun stops shooting. make the poses. Make the patch up Katsuro and Rigby poses."
Fluffs
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "I hope you enjoyed."
<OOC> Katsuro says, "It was good!"
<OOC> Jinks says, "Fun was certainly had!"
<OOC> Jinks says, "Thanks, Cryo."
<OOC> Katsuro says, "Yes, thanks! It was unexpected!"
<OOC> Cryosanthia grins
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "well you partly inspired it Katsuro, saying firearms should be much easier to use, like they actually are"
<OOC> Dax says, "Was totally fun."
<OOC> Dax says, "ANd also unexpected!"
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "and it was partly the Gunne from Terry Pratchett's discoworld"
<OOC> Katsuro says, "Ahhhhhhh"
<OOC> Katsuro says, "Yes, well, in RL, guns are basically Simple weapons. And fire once every 6-10 rounds, in the black powder era."
<OOC> Cryosanthia nods
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "these were more like magical modern weapons that will even shoot themselves"
<OOC> Katsuro nods
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "so they reloaded instantly kind of stuff."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "the Fast guns had a higher will save than the slow guns, so if you thought about shooting them they might go off"
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "there was the option of concentrating on not shooting them, but that's kind of like not thinking of pink elephants, and no one said 'think safety first', or there might have been a concentration or a second will save or something."
<OOC> Cryosanthia had a bunch of experiemental rules to play with! Serious!
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "So, thanks!"
<OOC> Katsuro says, "Great success!"
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "may do things with them again, who knows. I can't give out permanent items, but that was fun"
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "oh yeah, they also exploded or misbehaved on a 1-3"
<OOC> Dax says, "Was tons of fun, and now Dax has a love/hate relationship with firearms."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Yours liked you Dax. :)"
<OOC> Jinks says, "Clearly, Dax needs illicit narcotics in her life to fill the void."
<OOC> Dax is basically an alcoholic pirate with a penchant for indulgence, "Soooo, yes please?"
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "so hopefully that's not too much of what's behind the magic curtain, but I'm glad this was fun, and I think it worked well."
<OOC> Dax says, "Nopers, it was good. Thank you! I'm going to go make dinner now!"
Dax pages: Thank you for running! You rock!!!
<OOC> Jinks says, "Thanks again for runnin'!"