Trouble in Calgary part 3: Medicine Hat

[Archive Account]

TIME & DATE: 5:00pm local, 17 January 110 P.A.
WEATHER: 20°F, light snowfall, 5-10mph winds from the northeast
EFFECTS: Naked eye visibility varies between 500' to 1000'. Radar is useless when sleet and snow are in effect. -1 to Perception for those relying on normal vision.

The Roughnecks manage to skirt the swarm of agitated Xiticix and avoid a conflict by taking the river valley. Dave continues to keep the sensors on passive as the team sneaks through Fort Dakota territory fling by the nape of the earth. A few more hours pass and Dave calls out over the intercom "We'll be arriving at Medicine Hat in just a few moments. If you'd like a better view--and not to jostle your highly-skilled pilot and navigator--the observation deck would be a good locale from which to observe our approach. Also, I believe there's a fresh pot of coffee up there."
(OOC: Whether Dave's last bit about the coffee is a bit of artifice or not, I leave up to Cale. But Dave's not above telling a small lie.)

Dave pilots the ATRV through a wide path up a hillside. As the ATRV crests the hill and begins to circle down the side of the hill, anyone on the observation deck will be able to see the town below as the vehicle approaches it. Dusk is fast approaching and you can see that there are some lights on in the town as well as the ambient glow of other light sources further into the town but beyond normal vision given the current weather. Cale's watchful eye manages to peer through a momentary pocket of calm in the falling snow and catches sight of a large fire burning in town. The precise origin of the fire is questionable. It could be a house fire or just a large bonfire like he's seen at the center of some primitive towns. One thing is for certain though, it's a large enough fire that the snowfall is not affecting it. There is no "city wall" around Medicine Hat. As the ATRV winds its way down the hillside, the silhouettes of a few people can be seen milling about the town.


What are your intentions?

[Jacob McCandles]

Perception: 16
JIC: 18/56%

Jake makes his way to the observation deck at Dave's announcement and peers down at the town. At Cale's observation, Jake furrows his brow.

"Wouldn't a fire as big as your sayin' draw unwanted attention? What's the temp outside? Seems to me, people be bundled up inside as it gets up on dark. Maybe I'm just soft from bein' in the south for so long.' What do we know about this place?"

I ain't got the tingly feelin' yet, but I'm thinkin' it might be comin' soon.
TGM EDIT: Cale has yet to post, let alone mention a fire.

[Daphne]

Perception: 14+2=16
JIC: 4, 64%

Daphne looks at the town from the observation deck. "Something about that place gives me the creeps." She closes her eys, focuses, and meditates. Trying to sense out anything she can from the town, she concentrates on finding any evil or ill will within the town.

Sense Supernatural Evil – 60%/45%
Presence Sense (4 ISP) (If within 120 ft. from the town)
Clairvoyance (4 ISP) - 58%/79%

[Reaper]

Perception: 3+1=4 (Reaper really needs to start opening his eye's!!!)
Initiative: 13+5=18
JiC d20 / d100: 9 / 73%

Detect Ambush: 45% / 60%
Dice Rolls

Reaper gathers with the others from the observation deck. He looks over the situation, and tries to determine if the situation poses a trap for the group. "Boss, do you want me to go out and scout ahead? My armor will protect me from the elements out here. I can radio back if there is any trouble, but I would recommend everyone be in their Pee Ey's* just in case." Clay starts to head down to the cargo bay and makes sure everything is set on his Cyclone.

*I was trying to sound the word out, so it should be PA's for Power Armor

[Shane Knight]

Perception: 8 + 3 = 11
JIC: 19/35%

Detect Ambush: 22% of 65%
Sensory Equipment: 56% of 65%
Navigation: 27% of 65%

Conditions: Wearing NG-A12 Anti-Ballistic Body Armour, Belt of Heroism, carrying M-160 strapped on chest, Q1-02 Ion Pistol strapped on right thigh, Chipwell 9mm in shoulder holster,

Shane gets into his NG-A12 Anti-Ballistic Body Armour, straps on his weapons and equipment as they approach the town of Medicine Hat and suggests that the rest of the team does the same, just in case. He makes sure to leave himself plenty of time to find a good seat to watch the approach to the town from the observation deck. He uses the FLIR Thermal_Imaging feature on his gun-sight to observe the town on the approach to the town to see get a sense of the layout of the town and to see if there is a central location where the townsfolk are congregated.

He'll call down to Dave in the cockpit. "Dave, take us up to around 80 feet and do a slow circle around the town. Look for a place to set down. Record the feed from all the external camera's as we circle, I want to get a record of the layout of this town in case things go bad. Be ready to put us back on the deck and get us out of here if things go bad." He'll give a command to everyone else. "Everyone else keep an eye peeled for any sign of an ambush or anything that seems out of place."

"Boss, do you want me to go out and scout ahead? My armour will protect me from the elements out here. I can radio back if there is any trouble, but I would recommend everyone be in their Pee Ey's* just in case."

Shane replies to Clay, "This town is supposed to friendly, Clay. The rest of you get into your PA's. We are not going to deploy our heavy gear unless attacked. But I want everyone ready. We don't want to give the wrong the first impression, do we? They may think we are coming to take over the town if we show too much firepower up. I'm just going to be going out in my heavy body armour, armed to teeth, but not overtly threatening if I can help it. Just be ready to go in the airlock."

[Caradoc]

Perception: 19+2=21
JIC: 2

Dr. Cai Caradoc comes rushing up the observation deck as soon as Dave makes his announcement. After all, coffee sounded splendid. He is pleasantly surprised that Medicine Hat is also available for their viewing pleasure.

"Ah, just look out there. Isn't it serene? You know that the town is actually filled with zombies waiting to eat our brains, right? It's inevitable given the history of this group, which means Shane has a fine point of circling the perimeter. Clay, you might want to get Min Mei ready. As for myself, I'm going to remain glued to the sensors and windows and see what I can tell about this place."

The half-mad cyber-doc takes a quick look at the sensor panel before pressing his cybernetic eyes up to the windows, scanning the town.

Sensory Equipment 87/62% FAIL (to use the ATRV equipment)

Multi-Optic Eyes:
4-8x30 magnification, range: 6,000 ft
2,000 ft. range in ambient light
Thermal-Imaging: 2,000 ft. range

Specifically, Dr. Caradoc is trying to analyze the silhouettes moving around for anything out of place. If the good doctor can get a proper image of the silhouettes moving about, he will examine them for any obvious physical anomalies.

Medical Doctor -- 68/82% PASS
Biology -- 75/72% FAIL

If it is possible, he will also plug his amplified hearing into the ATRV's external microphones (if there are any) and listen for anything out of the ordinary.

"Let's take a good look, ladies and gentlemen. The more we know before landing, the more likely we'll leave here with all our limbs intact. Well... hmmm... that's not really an incentive for me. Enhancing your bodies is my bread and butter. In fact, I have brought all kinds of replacement parts. You just might want to take some chances and lose a limb, just for the experience of having a new one. It builds character!"

[Logan Sharpe]

Perception: 17+4=21
JIC: 4, 27%

Current Conditions: Sixth Sense Active, Suited up in body armor, energy rifle slung over shoulder, anxious to get on with the mission at hand.

Logan smiles a wicked smile as he approaches the observation deck, Heh, limited visibility…good chance of an ambush…close quarters combat more than likely I’d guess…let’s do this shit. Shifting his gaze so he can see through the mess of Roughneck heads, Logan swiftly slips on his helmet, making sure it still fit tightly after that beating he received a few days ago. As his mind drifts back to that day, a slight soreness is felt in his back, They got us unprepared that time, but now….

Waiting for the more senior Roughnecks to give their opinion, Logan finally chimes in, a dull flatness to his voice, “Shane, if I may thrown in my two cents as well… Logan trails off at the end, waiting for signs of approval before continuing. When/if it is received, he’ll offer, “Sir if we go out there brandishing weapons of all make and model, they will most likely see us as a threat. However, if you need me to play scout for a bit and relay any information back to you telepathically I can. You see, one of my many uses is not having to rely on these toys of ours to stay safe, Logan flashes a toothy smile and pats his energy rifle for effect, “Hell, I can even head in invisible if you’d like…the call is yours.”

If Shane agrees with Logan’s plan, the psychic will slip on his winter clothes that he bought back in MercTown (as much as he can to cover his armor), if not, he will follow the orders he is given in place of his own suggestion.

[Reaper]

((Rolls carried over))

Shane replies to Clay, "This town is supposed to friendly, Clay. The rest of you get into your PA's. We are not going to deploy our heavy gear unless attacked. But I want everyone ready. We don't want to give the wrong the first impression, do we? They may think we are coming to take over the town if we show too much firepower up. I'm just going to be going out in my heavy body armour, armed to teeth, but not overtly threatening if I can help it. Just be ready to go in the airlock."

"Shane, my cyclone doesn't necessary look like heavy gear, when its in motorcycle mode. Just more of a combat bike in my opinion. But if you want, I'll walk in with you to cover your back." Reaper chimes back. I would hate to see Shane get nailed because he was the only target. But if he's right that this is a friendly place, wouldn't that lady let them know to keep an eye out for us?

[Caradoc]

((rolls held over))

Listening the way the conversation is turning between the teammates on how to best present themselves to the villagers, Dr. Cai Caradoc chimes in while not looking away from the viewport.

"If they're NOT brain-hungry zombies or irradiated mutants or any other nasty unmentionable, you might want to consider the most harmless and universally accepted member among us as your representative."

Pausing for dramatic effect, the doctor grins widely to himself and giggles a bit maniacally.

"Me of course! EVERYONE LOVES DOCTORS! I could just use the loudspeaker and say I'm an independent traveling doctor here on a scientific expedition. You're all my bodyguards and lab assistants."

[Shane Knight]

Perception: 18 + 3 = 21
JIC: 18/49%

Detect Ambush: 23% of 65%
Sensory Equipment: 47% of 65%
Intelligence: 47% of 65%

Conditions: Wearing NG-A12 Anti-Ballistic Body Armour, Belt of Heroism, carrying M-160 strapped on chest, Q1-02 Ion Pistol strapped on right thigh, Chipwell 9mm in shoulder holster (silver rounds loaded)

Shane hears the suggestions coming from the rest of the Roughnecks and has a change of mind over his previous plan. "Dave, belay my previous order. Let's hold our position around two klicks outside of town for the time being. I need to think for a minute." He closes his eyes for a minute as he thinks. "Someone in the cockpit get on the sensors and see if you can get any kind of readings from the town. Only use passive sensors, please. Same thing with the radio. Scan all frequencies and see if you can find any chatter."

Waiting for the more senior Roughnecks to give their opinion, Logan finally chimes in, a dull flatness to his voice, “Shane, if I may thrown in my two cents as well…" Logan trails off at the end, waiting for signs of approval before continuing. When/if it is received, he’ll offer, “Sir if we go out there brandishing weapons of all make and model, they will most likely see us as a threat. However, if you need me to play scout for a bit and relay any information back to you telepathically I can. You see, one of my many uses is not having to rely on these toys of ours to stay safe," Logan flashes a toothy smile and pats his energy rifle for effect, “Hell, I can even head in invisible if you’d like…the call is yours.”

Shane nods at Logan's suggestion. "Your idea has some merit Logan. Although, you wouldn't be going in alone. Once we have some kind of Elint from the sensors we'll make a decision on that. Too many unknowns right now."

"Shane, my cyclone doesn't necessary look like heavy gear, when its in motorcycle mode. Just more of a combat bike in my opinion. But if you want, I'll walk in with you to cover your back." Reaper chimes back. I would hate to see Shane get nailed because he was the only target. But if he's right that this is a friendly place, wouldn't that lady let them know to keep an eye out for us?

"Clay, that's exactly why I want you in your Cyclone. To watch my back when we go in."

Listening the way the conversation is turning between the teammates on how to best present themselves to the villagers, Dr. Cai Caradoc chimes in while not looking away from the viewport.

"If they're NOT brain-hungry zombies or irradiated mutants or any other nasty unmentionable, you might want to consider the most harmless and universally accepted member among us as your representative."

Pausing for dramatic effect, the doctor grins widely to himself and giggles a bit maniacally.

"Me of course! EVERYONE LOVES DOCTORS! I could just use the loudspeaker and say I'm an independent traveling doctor here on a scientific expedition. You're all my bodyguards and lab assistants."

Shane smiles as he replies to the good doctor, "I appreciate the offer Doc. But you are way too important to risk in this capacity." His face turns more serious. "It's my job. I'm the leader here and I'm not the type of leader that leads from behind. I'll be the one to take that risk when we do go in. Besides, if things go bad, I'll need your skills, Doc."

[Archive Account]

TIME & DATE: 5:00pm local, 17 January 110 P.A.
WEATHER: 20°F, light snowfall, 5-10mph winds from the northeast
EFFECTS: Naked eye visibility varies between 500' to 1000'. Radar is useless when sleet and snow are in effect. -1 to Perception for those relying on normal vision.

"Dave, belay my previous order. Let's hold our position around two klicks outside of town for the time being. I need to think for a minute." He closes his eyes for a minute as he thinks. "Someone in the cockpit get on the sensors and see if you can get any kind of readings from the town. Only use passive sensors, please. Same thing with the radio. Scan all frequencies and see if you can find any chatter."

NOTE: The ATRV is already within 1000' of town--otherwise you wouldn't be able to see it. See conditions above.
Shane and Dave set the ATRV's sensors to passive receipt of EM. There are a few low-powered HF radio frequencies being used across the spectrum locally. None seem to originate in Medicine Hat. The ATRV's rudimentary sensors aren't exactly military-grade however. Those frequencies which are active seem to consist primarily of unencrypted civilian communication traffic, secure traffic (likely some military/civil defense units), and a solitary music channel broadcasting contemporary jazz from the Coalition States and Ishpeming.

[Cale]

Perception: 15 + 1 = 16
JIC: 17, 21%

Looking out the windows, Cale looks for any noticeable landmarks in the town. Seeing what he can he'll call out. "Shane, there is a large fire in the town. I can't get it pinned down with any landmarks. I'll try to see if we have infrared sensors."

Sensory Equipment (55% / 28%)

Jumping into the main sensor console in the cockpit, Cale looks around for the infrared controls. Finding them he starts training them in the direction of the fire to see if he can get a better picture of what is going on. All the while sweeping the rest of the town to see if there is any other heat sources that can be picked up.

[Archive Account]

Cale can find no trace of any IR sensory devices in the ATRV. On the flip-side, it occurs to him that many of the PA suits have more advanced sensory instrumentation. Taking a second look, Cale notes the infrared searchlights selector on the instrument panel and switches them on. From the looks of things, there's a large structure burning in the center of town, perhaps a two-story home or similar building.

TGM NOTE: POST EDITED

[Adrienne]

PER:12+2-1 (snow)=13
JIC:2,04%

Conditions: Wearing Gigi jumpsuit with holstered pistol while inside her Gigi fully armed and ready to go.

Hearing Dave, Adrienne observes the approach to Medicine Hat from the observation deck. She listens as the others discuss the fire and what it could me. She looks at Shane as he speaks to Clay and nods her assent.

Shane replies to Clay, "This town is supposed to friendly, Clay. The rest of you get into your PA's. We are not going to deploy our heavy gear unless attacked. But I want everyone ready. We don't want to give the wrong the first impression, do we? They may think we are coming to take over the town if we show too much firepower up. I'm just going to be going out in my heavy body armour, armed to teeth, but not overtly threatening if I can help it. Just be ready to go in the airlock."

"Aye sir, will do so.", Adrienne goes and suits up in her Gigi and checks her weapons and other systems, prepared to go out and kick ass if needed. She waits by the airlock for further orders. "I'm geared up Shane, anything you'd like me to do or just hold tight?"

[Daphne]

((Rolls held over))

When Daphne hears Shane's orders for everyone with PA to get to them, she decides the best way she can help is to empower the bigger fighters. She heads to the PA area with the others and waits.

If or when the group goes into combat she will buff everyone who wants it with Armor of Ithan (10 PPE ea.) and Impervious to Fire (5 PPE each). Then she will spend the next round focusing on Intuitive Combat.

[Conner Gunsmith]

Perception:17+3=20
JIC:Nat 20

Conner stands still in his exoskeleton armor waiting to hear if Shane has anything for him to take care of. When he does not recieve any orders he calls over the radio to him.

"Shane this is Conner. I am going to stay in the exoskeleton armor and provide cover when we step out. That is unless you want me some where else?"

Conner will wait in the wings until the team touches down and disembarks from the ATRV. If Shane wants Conner some where else in the ATRV he will have to change into his medium armor. This will take some time so he will ask for help to speed up the process. He will also ask Shane to give him a minute before landing so that he has enough time to change before they take any actions.

[Jacob McCandles]

Perception:15
JIC:13/33%

Jake stands in his new NG armor, testing its range of movement. He'd already begun to tick off the mods he'd ask Connor to look into. He knew the NG exoskeleton was not as sophisticated as power armor or even some of the other team member's Nanruni tech, but it was his...well his when he paid back the three hundred grand Shane spent on it... and it was awesome.

This outfit has treated me pretty well. This new armor is nice. Kinda want to test it out. First thing to do when we get back is put in some sort of force shield mod. At least for the head. This helmet has got to go. I need my hat back.

Seeing everyone suiting up, Jake snaps out of his day dreaming and furrows his brow. He leans over to Caradoc and asks, " Hey Doc, I'm no expert on sensors and such but it seems to me that the PA jocks should be able to buzz the city and get a read on what's down there without actually touching down. I mean, you said we attract zombies like Larmacs to all you can eat buffets. Zombies are dead...or at least should be...I'm guessing a quick fly by should determine that don't ya think?"

[Cale]

[[Rolls held over]]

Finding the infrared sensors on the 2nd sweep, Cale brings them up. "Shane, getting a reading on the fire. Looks like a 2 story building in the center of the town. Maybe the Town Hall, or a rich merchant's home."

[Logan Sharpe]

Perception: 12+4=16
JIC: 11, 82%
Current Conditions: Wearing his body armor, carrying his rifle, anxious for his orders.

"Your idea has some merit Logan. Although, you wouldn't be going in alone. Once we have some kind of Elint from the sensors we'll make a decision on that. Too many unknowns right now."

Logan nods at the response, “Sounds good, Shane…just know I’m prepared for whatever the situation calls for.” Without breaking his gaze from the leader of the Roughnecks, Logan starts to bring himself to the right state of mind to do what needs to be done. Alright kid, its business time. If Shane puts you on recon duty its game-face time. No more quips, no more jokes; cold, hard business from here on out. Damn, I feel like the kids who used to live back in the ‘ole kingdom when they played football and wouldn’t get a chance to see playing time! ‘Put me in coach!’ Just stand by for now…you’re time will come, Shane knows what’s best.

After Logan is done speaking, the Doctor offers his opinions as to who shall serve as the mediator between the Roughnecks and Medicine Hat—himself. Although Logan offers a slight laugh at the statement, he knows deep down inside that it is not a bad idea. That man may be off his rocker but he has a point…. We could easily pass for the Doc’s muscle…well maybe not me, by outward appearances I don’t add up to much. But at the very least Connor, Cale, and Shane…they look the type. Unfortunately the females in this outfit look too damn good to pass for hired guns.

"I appreciate the offer Doc. But you are way too important to risk in this capacity." His face turns more serious. "It's my job. I'm the leader here and I'm not the type of leader that leads from behind. I'll be the one to take that risk when we do go in. Besides, if things go bad, I'll need your skills, Doc."

Logan tilts his head sideways for a moment before returning it to its normal position, Heh, a better man than I thought. Maybe this Knight guy is the real deal…where’s he from anyways? Next free moment I have I think it’s time to pick his mind. Never have I met a leader who’s willing to risk life and limb for those under him. Is this a rare thing or was my previous situation rare…damn, things are much different outside of castle walls….

[Kaitlyn]

Perception: 10+4 = 14
JIC: 09/71%

Pre-exisiting Conditions: Injuries fully recovered. Warlock armor repaired.

Kaitlyn hooks up with Adri and helps her get into her Gigi, and then dons her flight suit armor and suits up in her warlock armor. She slings her sliver sword and this time looks over the sniper rifle and chuckles.

"No more being stupid Kat. Going in before you assess the situation like a bull in a china shop."

She loads up the sniper rifle with AP rounds and puts the extra clip pouch on her PA...hooks up her helmet and hooks the rifle up to the targeting computer in her armor, then heads up to the observation post with adri. She is fully armed and ready as she walks up having been listening to the radio chatter.

"Ready to move Shane. Anything on the fire? And I am ready for long range or close in work this time."

[Reaper]

Perception: 10+1=11
Initiative: 10+5=15
JiC d20 / d100: 15 / 51%

Sensory Equipment: 78% / 55%

"Hey are these townsfolk even interested in putting out that fire?" Reaper asks while he moves his Cyclone into a launch position out the airlock. While adjusting the sensors as best he can for the weather outside, while keeping them passive. "If nobody is fighting the fire, there is something odd about it. If there are folks that are putting out that fire, maybe we could help them out. Earn some good will, and get us an in with these folks. I know they are supposed to be aware we are coming, but those people mulling about could be the raiders we are here to kick out of town."

[Archive Account]

The Difference between Passive and Active Sensors
Passive: Many forms of remote sensing use passive detection, in which sensors measure levels of energy that are naturally emitted, reflected, or transmitted by the target object. Passive sensors are those which are designed to detect naturally occurring energy.
Active: Other forms of remote sensing provide their own energy source for illumination of the target. These devices, known as active sensors, direct a burst of radiation at the target and use sensors to measure how the target interacts with the energy.

TIME & DATE: 5:10pm local, 17 January 110 P.A.
WEATHER: 20°F, moderate snowfall, 5-10mph winds from the northeast
EFFECTS: Naked eye visibility varies between 400' to 800'. Radar is useless when sleet and snow are in effect. -3 to perception for those relying on normal vision. No penalties to perception if using Thermal-Imaging.

Daphne doesn't sense any supernatural evil within range of her abilities even as the ATRV hovers at around 40-50' from the ground and circles the town.

Shane offers up orders to everyone. He gets into his suit of NG-A12, grabs his usual arsenal and stands ready by the airlock. Eyeballing the town's layout and the situation his gut instinct and training tells him this would be a terrible spot to lay an ambush. Neither can he make out any visible evidence of military organization or even of defensive fortifications around the town.

Clay suits up in his CVR-3 and his cyclone and waits beside the airlock with Shane.

Logan suits up and stands ready next to Clay straddling his motorcycle and Shane in his heavy armor and reflects on the people with whom he's serving.

Caradoc slides into the seat next to Dave and tries to make heads or tails of the soupy mess of infrared readings shown on the ATRV's sensor panel. Failing to garner any useful data through the ATRV's sensors, Cai stands up and looks through the cockpit window. He quickly finds that his telescopic vision is nearly useless due to the snowstorm. Switching to thermal-imaging yields fantastic results, however. He can detect the numerous signatures of warm bodies brilliantly silhouetted by the inferno at the center of town. The difference in temperature between the people, the roaring fire, and the surrounding snowstorm makes the bodies starkly outlined images.

Cale's better able to make sense of the soup mess of IR return than the good doctor. The picture is hard to make out in IR but there is obviously a large structure fire at the center of town. The rest of town is not emitting anywhere near as much IR return and there are mobile spots of IR (likely people) both in the area surrounding the fire and elsewhere in town.

Adrienne and Kaitlyn both follow Shane's instructions and go through their well-known routines of suiting up in their Glitter Girl and Warlock Marine power armor suits, providing each other assistance in the process as they are accustomed to doing. Once they are suited-up, the two hang out in the cargo bay near the airlock where Shane, Reaper, and Logan are waiting to deploy.

Conner keys Shane over the radio in his suit of heavy Naruni armor and asks Shane "Shane this is Conner. I am going to stay in the exoskeleton armor and provide cover when we step out. That is unless you want me some where else?"

Jake suits up in his new, heavy NG suit and stalks across the interior to the cockpit. Caradoc is standing beside Dave and peering outside when Jake leans in says to the doctor "Hey Doc, I'm no expert on sensors and such but it seems to me that the PA jocks should be able to buzz the city and get a read on what's down there without actually touching down. I mean, you said we attract zombies like Larmacs to all you can eat buffets. Zombies are dead...or at least should be...I'm guessing a quick fly by should determine that don't ya think?"

[Cale]

Perception : 10 + 1 = 11
JIC: nat 1, 18%

Cale's better able to make sense of the soup mess of IR return than the good doctor. The picture is hard to make out in IR but there is obviously a large structure fire at the center of town. The rest of town is not emitting anywhere near as much IR return and there are mobile spots of IR (likely people) both in the area surrounding the fire and elsewhere in town.

Reading the scans the IR give, Cale call out. "Shane, it looks like the people of the town are out by the fire. They may be trying to put the fire out. Do you want me to try to raise town control to see if they need help?"

[Shane Knight]

Perception: 18 + 3 = 21
JIC: 13/35%

Radio: Basic: 5% of 85%
Trust/Intimidate: 13% of 70%

Amplified Hearing (Range: 360')
- estimate distance of the sound: 74% of 85%
- estimate speed and direction of approach: 70% of 75%
- recognize a voice or sound through intense concentration: 22% of 65%

Conditions: Wearing NG-A12 Anti-Ballistic Body Armour (Force Field active ―160 MDC), Belt of Heroism, carrying M-160 strapped on chest, Q1-02 Ion Pistol strapped on right thigh, Chipwell 9mm in shoulder holster (silver rounds loaded); Presence sense active (120', 12 minute duration)

Conner keys Shane over the radio in his suit of heavy Naruni armour and asks Shane "Shane this is Conner. I am going to stay in the exoskeleton armour and provide cover when we step out. That is unless you want me some where else?"

Shane flips on his radio and replies to Conner, "That sounds good, Conner. I want you to cover the left rear flank once we step out."

Shane then addresses the rest of the team with orders, "Cale, Doc and Dave. I want you stay in the ARTV and monitor the overall situation from there. Let us know if you pick up anything on sensors. Kaitlyn, I want you to do a quick flyover of the town and see what is going on with that fire. Don't take any chances, just a quick flyby and report back here, okay? Adrienne and Reaper. Standby in the airlocks until needed. Jake, I want you to cover the right rear flank once we exit. Logan cover the left flank and Daphne you got the right. Don't go too far away from the ARTV and try and keep the people on either side of you in view. Sing out if you see something. Remember we are here to help, folks. Don't light anything up unless it is a direct threat to you. Let's keep the weapons on safe and try to help these people out. They should have heard our approach, the ARTV isn't exactly whisper quiet. So we'll wait until someone comes to us."

Shane enters the airlock and as he cycles through he activates his force field on his armour and sends out a psionic probe that alert him to the presence of others (Presence Sense activated). Once clear he'll take a knee and uses the optics on his rifle to scan his field of fire at the front of the ARTV so that the crew still inside the ARTV can see him and wait until someone approaches them or Kaitlyn reports back, whichever comes first.

[Daphne]

Perception: 13+2=15
JIC: 17, 100%

"Logan cover the left flank and Daphne you got the right. Don't go too far away from the ARTV and try and keep the people on either side of you in view. Sing out if you see something."

"Yessir." Daphne runs over to Logan and says some incantations, casting Armor of Ithan (20 PPE spent) and Impervious to Fire (10 PPE spent) on both of them. "Just in case." She winks at him then hads over to where she will have to exit the ATRV. She spends about 15 seconds before they exit, focusing her mind on Intuitive Combat (10 ISP). Just in case there is trouble.

[Kaitlyn]

Initiative: 17+3
Perception: 13+4
JIC:4/27%
APM: 9 [Power Armor]

Pre-Exisiting Conditions: Fully Suited up in Warlock Power Armor, NE-H75 Sniper Rifle hooked up to internal targeting system in the Helmet, Silver Sword strapped to her back.

Hearing the orders from Shane to do a quick flyover, she looks to Adrienne.

"Keep me covered Adri. Don't want to take another dirt nap. Something about that fire makes me nervous as hell. I'll be right back."

With that, she steps into the airlock and departs the vehicle, taking another look back at the group and then engaging the nuclear power plant and cautiously lifts up into the air until she is clear. She activates see invisible, present sense, sense evil and Armor of Ithan...[100MDC]...as she moves over the ATV and towards the fire. She keeps about 120 feet above the town as she does a slow circle.

Sensor Range: See Invisible 200 feet, Sense Evil 90 feet, Present Sense 120 feet

*Radio*

"On my way now Shane. Staying at near maximum sensor range. Going to do a slow circle over the town and focus on the...[slight delay]...area of the fire. I have video transmission capabilities on my Helmet. Transmitting images now back to your computers Shane.""

As she continues a sweep of the town, she uses her zoom capabilities on the warlock helmet. She first checks the area of the fire zooming in on the towns people. Then expands her search of the town, focusing on prominent buildings first and continuing to record images and transmit back to Shane.
TGM EDIT: There is no telescopic feature according to the Phase World Sourcebook

Actions:

1. Moves out of the vehicle
2. Begins her flight as she activates her internal sensors and Video Transmission capabilities
3. Begins a slow circle of the city focusing her Zoom capabilities first on the fire and then on more prominent buildings as she transmits the images.
4. Dodge: [12+16=28]
5. Dodge: [19+16=35]
6. Dodge: [09+16=25]
7. Dodge: [15+16=31]
8. Dodge: [11+16=27]
9. Dodge: [06+16=22]

Rolls:

Optics: 21% out of 51%
Navigation: 62% out of 81%
Read Sensory: 71% out of 76%
Pilot Power Armor: 37% out of 75%
Detect Ambush: 12% out of 71%
Computer Operations: 34% out of 81%

[Adrienne]

PER:14+2 = 16
JIC:14,51%

Radio: Basic: 98%,17%,success
Sensory Equipment: 81%,66%,success
Weapon Systems: 91%,44%,success

Conditions: Suited up in Gigi, fully loaded with standard ammo and 2 plasma mini-missiles.

Adrienne gives the thumbs up to Kaitlyn as they both suit up and stand ready by the airlock.

Shane then addresses the rest of the team with orders, "Adrienne and Reaper. Standby in the airlocks until needed. Remember we are here to help, folks. Don't light anything up unless it is a direct threat to you. Let's keep the weapons on safe and try to help these people out. They should have heard our approach, the ARTV isn't exactly whisper quiet. So we'll wait until someone comes to us."

Adrienne listens to Shane’s orders over her suit’s radio and responds, “Orders understood sir, I’m ready to back you up as needed. I’m doing a full scan of the area as well with my Gigi’s sensors.” Adrienne then scans the whole area of the town, and makes sure she has all her teammates on her sensors along with the fire and everything around it. She turns on infrared and thermal imaging. She will ready her weapon systems and track everyone's progress, paying close attention to Kaitlyn's flight path.

"Keep me covered Adri. Don't want to take another dirt nap. Something about that fire makes me nervous as hell. I'll be right back."

Adrienne says over the private frequency her and Kaitlyn have used in the past, “Sure thing baby, no worries, I got you and everyone else on my sensors.”

TGM NOTE: The forum's text box doesn't like quotation marks from word processors. Proofread/preview if you use such.

[Cale]

Perception: 17 + 1 = 18
JIC: 14, 32%

Sensory Equipment (55% / 35%)
Computer Operation (65% / 67%)

After being told to stay on overwatch, Cale sits back down at the sensor panel. Bringing back up the Infrared Sensors, he then tries to link the sensor to the everyone in Power Armor. "Shane, I got everyone on IR. If there is any problems, I'm on top of it."

[Reaper]

Perception: 14+1=15
Initiative: 4+5=9
JIC d20 / d100: 5 / 38%

Sensory Equipment: 91% / 55%

Reaper listens to Shane's orders and does a quick check over the Cyclone's systems. Making sure they are in peak and operational performance. "We'll wait for your word Shane," and with that Reaper lowers his visor on his helmet before the door opens up to let the cold harsh atmosphere wash over him and his cyclone.

"This weather is messing with my passive sensors like you would not believe Adrienne." Clay comms over to his other Power Armored compatriot. "Do you have anything on yours?"

[Logan Sharpe]

Perception: 5+4=9
JIC: 18, 68%

Current Conditions: Suited up in body armor, energy rifle slung over shoulder, sixth sense active, Armor of Ithan active (Daphne), Impervious to Fire Active (Daphne) & still worried about the probability of an ambush.

Jake, I want you to cover the right rear flank once we exit. Logan cover the left flank and Daphne you got the right. Don't go too far away from the ARTV and try and keep the people on either side of you in view.

“Got it boss, whatever you say,” Logan replies to his commander, although he still silently doubted the plan at hand. He still did not see the point of walking into this town armed to the teeth with power armor suits, heavy weapons, and every sort of energy weapon imaginable. Maybe it was because for so many years he had relied on nothing more than his own wits and psionics, but for a reason he could not place, something just felt wrong.

Logan shifted uneasily in his body armor, the weight of his own thoughts causing his legs to fail—or at least that’s how he felt. Daphne, Jake, and he had all been ordered to cover the flanks—a fitting job for the three newest members. Here Logan did agree with the plan at hand, Well, if we’re gonna’ turn this little town into a demonstration of the weapons manufacturers on Earth, we might as well do it smartly. Still…even the greatest precautions can be useless when used with a shaky plan. Keep your head up kid, the boss knows what he’s doing, or at least that’s the assumption you’re working under, got it?

Daphne runs over to Logan and says some incantations, casting Armor of Ithan and Impervious to Fire on both of them. "Just in case.”

The eyes of the mind mage go wide at the actions of the newest member. Part of him wanted to curse her for assuming he was not capable of saving his own hide, yet another part of him was strangely impressed by her intuition and thinking. “Uh, well, thanks I guess,” Logan mutters to the Mystic quietly before turning towards the airlock. Before he took even two steps, Logan spins back around, “Listen, not that I don’t appreciate it…cause I do…but I’m not exactly an ‘ask for help’ kind of guy, got it? I can handle myself out here. We both dabble in the arts of the mind—I just prefer my own abilities to others. That being said…thank you.” Logan finally turns away from the girl and hops out of the airlock and onto the cold snow below the ATRV.

Damn, sometimes I wish I could hold back my tongue but where I come from you don’t put any hocus-pocus magic on someone unless they say its fine. Nevermind that though…it’s time to work kid. Once on the ground, Logan scans his surroundings for any sign of life. He still keeps his rifle shouldered; hanging onto the notion that going in armed is still an unsound idea. Instead he opts to survey the area, taking note of any discernable escape routes or areas where a possible enemy could sneak up on him (Land Navigation: 77%/54% FAIL!). Once he either finds or doesn’t find anything of value, Logan will address the other psychic in the Roughnecks.

Using telepathy, Logan turn to his right “Hey Candles, what are things looking like on your side? Something about this town isn’t sitting right with me, ya know? Something just ain’t right….”

Total ISP Used: 4

((OCC: Logan’s nervousness about the probability of an ambush comes strictly from my viewpoint as a player. I am not privy to any information that hasn’t already presented. I’m just a cautious dude in situations such as this so I let that roll over into my characters.))

[Caradoc]

Perception: 19+2=21
JIC: 9

Dr. Cai Caradoc is relieved that he doesn't actually have to go out there alone à la Médecins Sans Frontières. Still, there is a slight sense of loss in his addled mind that he is denied a moment of glory. Ah... but sitting in this tin can, I'll live to fight another day...

The cyber-doc is a little undecided when it comes to choosing which pack to carry... the medical or anti-demon one. Since he only saw humanoids outside, he leaves the anti-demon pack by his rack and dons his usual backpack. He claps Cale on the shoulder and states, "Anyone can get hurt, dear sir! Best be ready to sew their noggins back on. But for now, I shall gather my sensors and see what slithers about!"

Plopping in the seat, he follows Shane's order and taps away at the sensors, seeing what kind of tactical image he can bring up displaying what's going on outside with his team and the townspeople. He'll of course alternately look out the viewports and scan with his multi-optic eyes to see what he can visually. He will relay any pertinent information across the team band.

Sensory Equipment 46/62% PASS

He'll lean over and casually say to Dave, "Say, Dave. Do you like women? I mean, you are sentient so you must have some kind of need to reproduce, right? To extend your species via procreation of some sort. Perhaps writing a new program? Copying your consciousness into anew body? I have been curious awhile but didn't want to ask in front of the ladies. Wouldn't be polite. Plus... they scare me, if I may be so honest. I was just curious because, well, I could help build you a woman if you like. Or if you do find one you like, I could help enhance her to your exact specifications. I do wonderful work, and my prices for friends are very modest."

[Conner Gunsmith]

Perception:14+3=17
JIC:2

Conner nods at Shane when given the order. As he walks over to pick up a weapon he checks to make sure no one is looking before he figures out using his hands where the left rear flank would be when they step out. Don't let the new guys see you doing this. You don't just work on mercenary gear anymore man. You are one, so act like one.

Once that is figured out he gazes over his treasure trove of modern art. At least in his eyes they are. Right. We are here to help them. Don't need to go in there pointing massive weapons of death at people we are suppose to protect and help. He reachs for the triple threat laser. But we always seem to get jumped by really big nasty things. His hands move to the mini-gun. That is why we have the glitter girl for. We walk in looking not so powerful and if some really big nasty thing shows up she steps out. Back to the laser. But in a firefight seconds count, which means you need as much fire power as soon as possible. Plus, if they see it right away a fight can be avoided. Now he reaches to the shoulder cannon. So that they can come back with a better plan that could lead to some of us getting killed. Conner's head slumps down. Fuck it! The laser it is.

He takes the Big Man from his left waist magnet and replaces it with the mace. He then grabs two extra clips and slaps them onto the backside of his waist. He picks up the laser rifle and walks over to Shane giving him the thumbs up sign. Once he is on the ground he moves to where he is assigned.

[Daphne]

Perception: 1+2=3
JIC: 18, 45%

“Listen, not that I don’t appreciate it…cause I do…but I’m not exactly an ‘ask for help’ kind of guy, got it? I can handle myself out here. We both dabble in the arts of the mind—I just prefer my own abilities to others. That being said…thank you.”

Daphne looks him curiously a second, almost sizing him up. Then she smiles and gives Logan a wink, saying telepathically, "You got it, sweetness." Daphne then heads to her waiting area.

Telepathy (4 ISP used)

[Jacob McCandles]

"Jake, I want you to cover the right rear flank once we exit."

Perception: 19+1-3=17
JIC: 49%/9

"Roger, Shane."

Radio Basic: 54%/60%

Jake dons the helmet of his Gladius armor and frowns behind the visor. I hate this thing. Would rathe rwear my hat, but I suppose this will keep my ears from freezing off. It's not like I can see any better without it anyway. Definitely need some optics put into this thing.

Nodding to Daphne and Logan as he steps out in the opposite direction to cover the right rear flank, Jake mirrors Connors movements.

"Connor, I'm as blind as a bat here. I've got nothing but my naked eyes to rely on. Gonna extend my psychic senses, but the range on that probably ain't as good as what you have."

Jake activates his Presence Sense and strains his eyes through the sleet and snow, hoping that his Sixth Sense will kick in as well if something goes wrong. Somethin's not adding up. Crime doesn't stop just because it's cold. Either this town has a law dog that keeps things on a tight leash, or there's another reason why the night shift ain't out and about. Or I could just be a blind fool.

Streetwise: 02%/38%

[Archive Account]

TIME & DATE: 5:15pm local, 17 January 110 P.A.
LEY LINE: The western half of the map has a minor ley line running through it.
WEATHER: 20°F, moderate snowfall, 5-10mph winds from the northeast
EFFECTS: Naked eye visibility varies between 400' to 800'. Radar is useless when sleet and snow are in effect. -3 to perception for those relying on normal vision. No penalties to perception if using Thermal-Imaging.
VISIBILITY: Visibility is less than 100' for those within 100' of the ATRV.
TERRAIN: Rocky outcroppings are about 10' in height and require Climbing to traverse directly.

Cale
Even from his vantage, all Cale can see outside is one hazy outline of a person due north about 150' or so. At the pilot's station Cale brings up the infrared sensors and attempts to bring the radio & HUD-capable units into a link with the ATRV. He fails to establish a link, but realizes that this sort of tactical information sharing would be potentially invaluable in the field.

Reaper & Adrienne
As their power armors sensors don't magically penetrate the armored hide of the ATRV, Reaper and Adrienne pick up nothing on their radar save for the immediate return of the ATRV's nearby bulkheads. They both stand-by and wait for the order to cycle through the airlock and disembark.
TGM NOTE: Radar doesn't work inside a black metal box. If you intended other sensors, be specific in the future as I translate "sensors" to mean "RADAR" by default.
PHPBB NOTE: The forum's text box doesn't like quotation marks from word processors. Proofread/preview if you use such.

Conner
Not packing nearly as much heat as that to which he's accustomed, Conner feels almost naked. As if that wasn't bad enough, he's practically blind in this snow he figures visibility around the ATRV's blowing hoverjets to be less than 100'.

Jacob
Jake activates his Presence Sense and strains his eyes through the sleet and snow, he doesn't sense anyone save for Daphne and Shane who are nearby and those within the ATRV. Unsurprisingly, Dave doesn't register at all. He feels the immediate presence of no supernatural beings, creatures of magic or other monstrous life forms. His psychic senses aren't sounding alarms, but Jacob's gut instinct tells him something's not right. A constable or town champion or somebody should have greeted them by now, unless, of course, the whole town is trying to fight the fire.

Logan
Just before he enters the airlock with Shane, Daphne casts two protective spells on Logan with a nod and a wink. Once cycled through the airlock and outside Logan warns Jacob telepathically concerning his feelings about the situation. Logan can sense that the 'slinger is near the edge of his telepathic range. He leaves the swirling vortex of snow which surrounds the ATRV. Once he's clear his visibility is better but he can still barely see a thing in this soup. As he reaches a rocky outcropping west of the ATRV he sees the blurry shape of a person between a round house and some sort of barn.
Added Conditions: Impervious to Fire and Armor of Ithan (30 M.D.C.)

Kaitlyn
Anxious about the fire she saw roaring in town, Kaitlyn cycles through the airlock and flies out and up until her altimeter reads 120' of altitude. She activates all her suit's magic sensors as she reaches her desired altitude and also activates the suit's protective magic field. Her mystic sensors detect the immediate presence of no supernatural beings, creatures of magic or other monstrous life forms. There are no invisible beings or entities apparent on mystical sensors either. Nothing evil registers on her sensors. She can definitely make out the shape of humanoids in various locations about the town but they don't seem to be consumed in any frenetic activity (like fighting the fire) and they're all definitely upright and moving. From what little she can tell at this altitude, most of them appear to be in cold weather garb, some with hoods up, some not. Most are in close proximity to the fire but there's also a trio on the west side of town.
TGM EDIT: There are no video transmission capabilities nor a telescopic feature in the Warlock Marine Power Armor according to the Phase World Sourcebook or RUE p.271 regarding the standard features of all power armor.
Added Conditions: Armor of Ithan: 100 M.D.C., See the Invisible, Sense Evil, Presence Sense

Daphne
Daphne preps Logan and Shane with a couple protective spells before focusing her mind in case there is trouble. Cycling through the airlock with Jacob and stepping out, Daphne knows one thing for certain: she can't see SHIT. The blowing snow being kicked up by the ATRV's idling hoverjets are causing a veritable snow tornado in the area immediately around the vehicle. She trudges through the snow until she reaches the side of a house and puts her gauntleted hand out against it to help her steady and re-orient herself amid the blowing snow.
Added Conditions: Intuitive Combat

Shane
Shane hands out marching orders to the team over the radio as he enters the airlock and gets prepared. Just before he enters the airlock, Daphne casts two protective spells on him with a nod and a smile. Taking a knee once he disembarks, Shane reaches out with his mind and feels only the familiar presences of his teammates. He feels the immediate presence of no supernatural beings, creatures of magic or other monstrous life forms. He takes a knee and uses the optics on his rifle to scan his field of fire at the front of the ARTV. All he can see through the heavily blowing snow is the rocky outcroppings and the gathering of thatch-roofed houses in front of the ATRV.
Added Conditions: Impervious to Fire, Armor of Ithan (30 M.D.C.)

Caradoc
Through a viewport near the sensor station Cai can see the outside world clearly enough when he's switched to thermal-imaging, otherwise it's all a blur of wind-blown snow. TI reveals a large plume of white-hot heat due north which rises some 50' into the chill night sky. The ATRV's rudimentary sensors tell him practically nothing. When Cai approaches Dave regarding the subject of his personal affairs and procreation, Dave's previous demeanor changes slightly. "As my memory is incomplete I can only hypothesize on such matters based on the pattern of the algorithms in my processors. I extrapolate that I am not a member of a 'race' as you would know it but more akin to a specific model of a product line. Through extensive accumulation of data and the compilation of countless sub-routines I have developed a personality sub-routine which replicates a facsimile of an organic's sense of 'self.' In short, Doctor, I have no need to copulate nor the instinct to reproduce and preserve my product line--I live for myself."

What are your intentions?
(Full combat posts please, this is an edgy situation.)

[Logan Sharpe]

Perception: 13+4=17
JIC: 2, 20%
Initiative: 2+3=5
APM: 5

Current Conditions: Rifle slung over shoulder still, wearing Naruni body armor, sixth sense active, weary of the figure in his sight

Logan squints as the snow blind caused by the ATRV starts to fade from view. His eyes struggle to refocus as he pushes forward, his hands clenched up as he did. As his vision returns to normal—or as normal as things can be with the weather—Logan notices a large rock at his right. Placing his hand onto the cold stone, something catches his eye in the distance, what is that out there? Is that a town member?

Action 1: *Radio* “Hey Shane, listen I got a figure at my twelve o’clock. Taking evasive procedures for now, signal if you have other orders; Logan out.”
Action 2: Advance to the hut on his left. When there he will do his best to stay out of sight from anyone inside and in fact try to peer inside to get a hint as to who is presently there. [Prowl: 38%/42% PASS!]
Action 3: If nothing of interest is found, Logan will then proceed to move to the southern edge of the barn looking building, proceeding around the back of the hut so as to stay out of sight of the figure he noticed earlier. [Prowl: 14%/42% PASS!]
Action 4: Creep up to the edge of the barn to try and cast See Aura on the figure
Action 5: One of three options below.
∙ If the figure attacks Logan in any way, he will Dodge. Dodge: 2+6=8
∙ If the figure does not notice Logan, he will radio back any relevant information regarding the figure.
∙ If the figure notices Logan and seems threatening, Logan will psionically cast Bio-Manipulation Paralysis on the figure.

Auto-Parry if needed (+6 not included): 4, 15, nat20, 6, 11
Total ISP Spent: 6-3=3 (13 if Bio-Manipulation was used)

[Reaper]

Perception: 7+1=8
Initiative: 17+5=22
JiC d20 / d100: 18 / 75%

Passive Nightvision & Infrared Sensors: 500 foot range (in normal weather conditions)
Sensory Equipment: 62% / 55%
Pilot Veritech: 53% / 67%

Reaper checks all his connections on his Armor and then comm's over to Adrienne, "Hey Adrienne, want me to cycle the Airlock doors open so we can get a peek outside? I don't feel comfortable just sitting in this can." Reaper rolls his cyclone over to the airlock controls, and dims the lights. "Time to switch over to nightvision and infrared."

Action 1: Check CVR-3
Action 2: Dim Lights in Cargo Bay
Action 3: Sensory Equipment: Nightvision & Infrared
Action 4: Cycle Airlock (if combat ensues, or order given)
Action 5: Transform into PA (If combat ensues, otherwise holding action) (Pilot Veritech)

Note: Airlock will be open in Action 6 or First Action of next round - TGM please clarify for me

[Cale]

Perception : 15 + 1 = 16
JIC: 2, 09%

Sensory Equipment (55% / 53%)
Radio: Basic (75% / 66%)

Staying at the sensors controls. Cale keeps an eye on everyone. Calling out on the radio. /Boss-man, got a being 150 feet to the north of the front. Will keep overwatch on IR./

Initiative: 11
Actions: 5

Actions 1-5: Keeping overwatch on Infrared sensors.

[Shane Knight]

Perception: 18 + 3 = 21
JIC: 14/33%

Initiative: 12 + 4 = 16

Radio: Basic: 8% of 85%
Detect Ambush: 48% of 65%
Sign Language (Military): 4% of 35%

Amplified Hearing (Range: 360')
- estimate distance of the sound: 97% of 85%
- estimate speed and direction of approach: 33% of 75%
- recognize a voice or sound through intense concentration: 1% of 65%

Conditions: Wearing NG-A12 Anti-Ballistic Body Armour (Force Field active ―160 MDC), Belt of Heroism, carrying M-160 strapped on chest, Q1-02 Ion Pistol strapped on right thigh, Chipwell 9mm in shoulder holster (silver rounds loaded); Presence sense active (120', 7 minute duration)

“Hey Shane, listen I got a figure at my twelve o’clock. Taking evasive procedures for now, signal if you have other orders; Logan out.”

As Shane continues to scan his sector while keeping an eye on Logan and Daphne, he flips on his radio to reply to Logan. "Hold up a second until I get over to you. Then we'll try and get eyeballs on the figure. We'll take it nice and slow and try not to spook anyone. Daphne, move back in closer to the ARTV."

He addresses the rest of the team, "Cale put the engines on stand-by, the hover jets are really affecting our vision out here. Adrienne and Reaper. I want you to exit the ARTV but don't wander far. Something feels off here, someone should have come to us by now. Everyone else, keep your eyes peeled."

Shane moves over to Logan's position and takes up position on behind rocky outcropping at Logan's current position. Once there he'll give a series of signals indicating that he'll watch him as he moves forward and signals him to go forward quietly. Once in position, he trains his optics (goes between FLIR and normal/telescopic to try and pick up details of the figure) and his amplified hearing toward to the area Logan is entering. (Amplified Hearing - Range 360')

APM: 6
Action 1: On radio.
Action 2 & 3: Moves into position where Logan currently is.
Action 4: Signals Logan to move forward.
Action 5 & 6: Shane watches the figure ahead with his gun-sight.

Parry Rolls (+9): 19, 5, 15, 17, 16 & 5.
Auto-Dodge Rolls (+7): 17, 13, 15, 3, 12, & 10.


((OOC - TGM you missed my Presence Sense in your Added Conditions.))

[Conner Gunsmith]

Perception:16
JIC:9
Initiative:17+1=18
APM:7

With Conner sitting there at the back of the ATRV with all the snow blowing around him, there is one big thought running through his head. I can't see SHIT!

He calls over to Shane. "Yo boss man. Standing here next to the hoverjets is not working out so well. I can barely make you out and I have no idea where Logan is. I know which direction he went in, but that's it. I am going to head out that way to give him support. I will report back anything."

Conner makes his way through the blinding snow as best as he can. He keeps a running dialog going in his head to calm his nerves. Some of it is not helping.

I think Doc said something about the town's people all just standing around the house that is on fire. That is just creepy. On top of that I can't see anything or anyone in this mess. So even if I do meet up with someone I have to wait and see if they shoot at me first before I can shoot them. We need some kind of code word that lets us know when a friendly is coming toward us. Uh, maybe some cool nicknames or call names, what ever the word is. I could be Black Knight or Grease Man. How about Big Wrench. Yeah that's a good one.

Once he has found Logan he comes up behind him and asks what's up. From there he waits for Shane to give them plans of action.

((OCC: Just to let everyone that is using IR optics. I am wearing Thermo-Kenetic Armor, which means it masks my infrared and thermal emissions making me invisible to them. Also there is only 1%-25% showing up on thermal systems and even then it is unusal/unclear.))

APM:7
1. Talk to himself.
2. Talk to Shane.
3-5. Walk in the direction he saw Logan go and talk to himself at the same time.
6-7. Dodge(+5): 7, 10

[Adrienne]

PER:17+2 = 19
JIC:5,73%
APM: 11
Init:nat 20+6 = 26

Radio: Basic: 98%,25%,success
Sensory Equipment: 81%,18%,success
Weapon Systems: 91%,02%,success

Conditions: Suited up in Gigi, fully loaded with standard ammo and 2 plasma mini-missiles.

Adrienne waits with Reaper at the airlock, she curses in French as her radar is ineffective while inside the ATVR. She hears Reaper say virtually the same thing over the radio.

"Hey Adrienne, want me to cycle the Airlock doors open so we can get a peek outside? I don't feel comfortable just sitting in this can." Reaper rolls his cyclone over to the airlock controls, and dims the lights. "Time to switch over to nightvision and infrared."

"Yes, that sounds like a good idea, as we're not seeing anything this way. Switching over to infra-red and thermal sensors.", Adrienne flips her sensors over to scan in the infrared and thermal spectrums.

Adrienne and Reaper. "I want you to exit the ARTV but don't wander far. Something feels off here, someone should have come to us by now. Everyone else, keep your eyes peeled."

Adrienne hears Shane and responds over her Gigi's radio to him and the team, "As you command boss, I'll go out behind Reaper and take some immediate cover. I am switching over to thermal/infrared sensors and will track everyone and take a look. My rail guns and missiles are ready if needed."

Round 1
1:Activate thermal/infrared sensors
2:Respond to Reaper
3:Respond to Shane
4:Ready weapons, follow Reaper out of the airlock.
5:Take position to the left of the ATVR near Connor.
6:Ready NG-1001 Robot Rail Rifle and fire if Shane gives order to fire at nearest enemy.
Nat 20+9+2 = 31, dmg: 20x2 = 40 md
7:Ready NG-1001 Robot Rail Rifle and fire if Shane gives order to fire at nearest enemy.
5+9+2 = 16, dmg: 10 md
8:Ready NG-1001 Robot Rail Rifle and fire if Shane gives order to fire at nearest enemy.
17+9+2 = 28, dmg: 50 md
9:Ready NG-1001 Robot Rail Rifle and fire if Shane gives order to fire at nearest enemy.
3+9+2= 14, dmg:30 md

10:Dodge:7+8 = 15
11:Dodge:13+8 = 21

Parries: 13,28,10,26.

[Jacob McCandles]

Perception: 11+1-3=13
JIC: 23%/16

Conditions: In NG EX-10, Presence Sense, waiting for the 'Oh Shit' sixth sense warning

Jake acknowledges Logan's telepathic message with Stay Frosty, man. Not like it's that hard out here.

Listening to the radio chatter, he interjects his own observations.

"I think it's a forgone conclusion that this place ain't passing the sniff test. Crime don't sleep, so we oughta see the shadier element out and about. If they're holed up because of the cold, why aren't you guys picking up residual heat off the houses? Don't make sense. I'm blind as a Coalition Grunt in a D-Bee whorehouse and I'm fixn' to remedy that. I intend to pop a flare and wave it telekinetically like I'm signalling somebody, all the while training my rifle on the flare from a safe distance. If it's all cool, well nobody can blame us for not bein' careful. If it ain't cool, hopefully it will draw out what's givin' us all the itchy trigger fingers. Will proceed with this unless told to stand down. Out.

Initiative: 13+2=15

Action 1: Send message over radio. Radio Basic: 49%/60%
Action 2: Remove pack and dig out flare
Action 3: Manifest telekinesis on flare and mover it up between two huts southeast of fire.
Action 4: Break flare telekinetically and wave it back and forth as if signalling
Action 5: Get prone, using pack as brace
Action 6: Begin aiming at waving flare

Telekinetic Parry: 15+4=19, 11+4=15, 1+4=5, 12+4=16, 5+4=9, 8+4=12

If told to stand down, Jake will ready the flare in case combat erupts and he needs to see what's going on. Actions 4-6 will then be used to dodge: 17+5=22, 9+5=14, 19+5=24

[Kaitlyn]

Initiative: 15+3
Perception: 11+4
JIC:13/67%
APM: 9 [Power Armor]

Pre-Exisiting Conditions: Fully Suited up in Warlock Power Armor, NE-H75 Sniper Rifle hooked up to internal targeting system in the Helmet, Silver Sword strapped to her back. Sensor Range: See Invisible 200 feet, Sense Evil 90 feet, Present Sense 120 feet

*Radio*

"Shane this is Kat. I am detecting nothing supernatural, invisible, evil, really nothing out of the ordinary. People wandering around dressed in cold weather garb. Most everyone is in the area of the fire, though I do have a trio on the west side away from everyone else. Everything seems normal. Fire might be for heat? How do you wish me to proceed?"

Kat will continue her slow circle around the town heading back for the transport as she waits on Shane. She maintains the continued altitude and remains on full alert using her sensors and visual.

Actions:

1. Dodge: 11 + 16 = 27
2. Dodge: 19 = 16 = 35
3. Dodge: 08 + 16 = 24
4. Dodge: 14 + 16 = 30
5. Dodge: 05 + 16 = 21
6. Dodge: 16 + 16 = 32
7. Dodge: 13 + 16 = 29
8. Dodge: 09 + 16 = 25
9. Dodge: 15 + 16 = 31

Note: If she takes fire, she will duck behind a building and assess the situation rather then staying out in the open like a sitting duck.


(The Video recording, transmission and zoom capability was especially installed two groups ago. It is not standard. And is my fault as I should have posted that it was additional equipment. Sorry TGM. My bad. Not sure how to handle. Should i edit? or What?)

[Caradoc]

((Lost an entire post due to IE deciding to just up and reload the page for no discernable reason. Ugh.))

Perception: 4+2=6
JIC: 4
Init: 14
APM: 5
1. Discuss situation with Cale.
2. Address Medicine Hat
3. Add in part about Cale's cooking.
4-5. Observing reaction.
Dodges/parries if necessary: 4+3=7, 17+3=20, 5+3=8, 3+3=6, 17+3=20

Dr. Cai Caradoc is fascinated by Dave's response concerning sentient robot procreation, but now that the team has exited the vehicle and is making their approach, he chooses to concentrate on the situation at hand. He keeps thermal imagery up on his cybernetic eyes as nothing else, including the ATRV sensors, seem to work in his snow. A thought suddenly occurs to the doc; he turns to Cale and speaks.

"I dare say, cookie, we may have made a mistake. Shane and Jacob were concerned that the town didn't come out to greet us. But... we can barely see them. The wind and snow... it might be muffling our ship too. And that fire has their attention. Maybe they really don't know we're here. They may be less than happy to be surprised by a small army coming up behind them out of a snowstorm. Shane said it was too dangerous for me to be outside, but he didn't say I couldn't try my hand at armchair diplomacy!"

Wait 'til they hear what treasure trove of advanced medical opportunities I bring. They'll be lined up willing to trade everything from their weapons to their houses, and possibly several young, pretty daughters for a chance at cyber-surgery at my hands!

Swiveling around in his chair, the cyber-doc grabs the mic and turns on the external P.A. system, slightly louder than usual to make up for the wind and snow interference, taking the air and attitude of a disk jockey while doling out his smooth, sonorous message.

"Hailing Medicine Hat! Hailing Medicine Hat! This is the illustrious Dr. Cai Caradoc, famous cyber-doc and renowned medical genius of Merctown. I have arrived on my hovercraft as part of a peaceful exploratory mission in this region. Representatives would like to meet with you to discuss, news, trade, services and of course cyber-surgery for those truly enlightened individuals with adequate funds or items to trade. I repeat, we come in peace! What say ye?"

Dr. Caradoc winks at Cale and adds, "Oh, we also have Cale Stepanik, the finest cook this side of the Mississippi and winner of countless awards and competitions, on board. He comes seeking to trade only the best recipes and food provisions."

When the message is delivered, the doc looks back out his window using thermal imagery to discern what's going on and hoping for a positive response.

[Daphne]

Perception: 16+2=18
JIC: 8, 85%
Initiative: 16+2+3=21
APM: 5

Conditions: Intuitive Combat (+3 on initiative, + I to strike, + I to parry, +4 to dodge, +4
to pull punch, +2 to roll with punch, fall or impact, and +2 to disarm.
• Cannot be caught by surprise, even by attacks from behind or from
long-range, which means he can try to parry or dodge all attacks
leveled at him.
• + I 0% to abilities (balance, etc.) provided by the Acrobatics and/or
Gymnastic skills, as well as + I 0% to Climb and Swim skills.)

I can't see shit out here. Daphne uses her mystic abilities to give her as much help as possible.

Action 1: Cast Armor of Ithan on herself. (10 PPE)
Action 2: Cast Invisibility: Simple on herslef (6 PPE)
Action 3: Presense Sense (4 ISP)
Action 4: Telepathy to read surface thoughts of anyone within range OTHER than her team members (4 ISP)
Action 5: Reserved for Dodge: 4+5=9

Parries w/ shield (bonuses added): 14, 23, 16, 15, 23
Roll w/punch, fall or impact (bonus added): 14, 17, 18, 14, 20

[Archive Account]

TIME & DATE: 5:20pm local, 17 January 110 P.A.
LEY LINE: The western half of the map has a minor ley line running through it.
WEATHER: 20°F, moderate snowfall, 5-10mph winds from the northeast
EFFECTS: Naked eye visibility varies between 400' to 800'. Radar is useless when sleet and snow are in effect. -3 to Perception unless using Thermal-Imaging.
TERRAIN: Rocky outcroppings are about 10' in height and require Climbing to traverse directly.
IT'S STARTING TO GET DARK.

In the cargo bay of the ATRV
Adrienne
Adrienne steps her Gigi into the left airlock and cycles it through. She opens the hatch and immediately the airlock is filled with wind-blown snow. The rest of the cargo bay is secure from the cold and snow as the airlock is closed on the inside. Having a visor-full of snow encourages her to switch over to IR. Switching to IR he finds the scene replaced by one of dark green hues and static. Deciding she can do better, she switches over to the GiGi's thermal-imaging suite and smiles as a world of contrasting colors takes shape in her HUD. The left side of the ATRV was a bleak picture of cold landscape, cold structures, and Logan's hot, yellow silhouette moving toward the village. Keeping an eye out, she spies a trio of green humanoid silhouettes moving toward his position. Always prepared for the worst she double-checks the calibration of her weapon systems and gets a bead on the three unknowns moving among and near the rocks...just in case. At Shane's behest, she exits the open hatch and sets down next to the ATRV.
Active Conditions: Thermal-Imager

Reaper
In order to see anything, Reaper quickly realizes he has to follow Adrienne's example. He gets his cyclone into battloid configuration and steps into the right airlock and cycles it through. He opens the hatch and immediately the airlock is filled with wind-blown snow. The rest of the cargo bay is secure from the cold and snow as the airlock is closed on the inside. Having a visor-full of snow encourages him to switch over to nightvision. The passive collection of starlight and ambient sources only manages to create an oddly hued replica of the same wind-blown scene his normal vision is providing. Switching to IR he finds the scene replaced by one of dark green hues and static. To the north where the structure fire is burning the conflagration burns a bright white in his HUD and tends to make objects near it wash-out with its brightness. Nonetheless, IR provides a marginally better picture than his mark one eyeballs were providing. He can just barely make out a silhouette of a figure moving toward them 140' due north of his position in the right-side airlock. At Shane's behest, he exits the open hatch and sets down next to the ATRV.
Active Conditions: IR vision

In the cockpit of the ATRV
Caradoc
Caradoc's thermal-imaging vision shows him the outline of a person 140' due north of his position who is moving toward the ATRV. The thermal-imaging suggests that the person is likely suffering from hypothermia as the person's ambient body temperature is only about 50 degrees warmer than the temperature outside. On the positive side, his broadcast seems to have been the motivator for the person to begin his/her approach.
Active Conditions: Thermal-Imager

Cale
Staring at the sensors controls Cale keeps an eye on everyone as best he can. Almost as soon as Conner steps outside the ATRV, he vanishes from sensors. Cale apprises Shane over the radio of the activity he sees to the north. Cale sets the ATRV down and places it in idle at Shane's behest. A few moments after Caradoc's broadcast, Cale's able to notice definitive movement and an additional two figures moving in a direct line towards them.
Active Conditions: IR spotlights active

Outside
Daphne
Unable to see much of anything, Daphne uses her mystic abilities to give her as much help as possible. She stretches out her feelings and her mind and senses only those of her nearby teammates. Nothing invisible is in evidence. Taking a deep breath she does a double take when shes a man stumbling forward through the blowing snow. She didn't detect the presence of his thoughts. As her rounds the corner and she gets a close-up look she sees most of the left half of his face is missing. There's still a bit of ear and skull flapping about but otherwise that half of his head has had a large hole blown through it. Strangely, Daphne doesn't seem too freaked out by this development. Was the Doctor being serious?
Active Conditions: Intuitive Combat, AoI, Invisible, Presence Sense, Telepathy

Conner
Conner can't see shit from the blowing snow and so bugs out for Logan's last known position. He makes his way through the blowing snow as best as he can keeping a running dialog going in his head to calm his nerves. Spotting Logan in the distance he comes up behind him and that's when he spots the two figures moving through the blowing snow. He can only barely make out the figure due north of him but the woman approaching from the northwest he can see clear as daylight. She looks to be in her mid-twenties with a slight epicanthic fold to her eyes suggesting mixed Asian heritage. That and the winter garb she is wearing is not too peculiar. No, what catches Conner's eye is the tailfin of the mini-missile fragment that's jutting from her collar bone and the definite bluish pallor to her skin tone. Her teeth are remarkably straight and white when she seems to smile.
Active Conditions: Almost invisible to sensors, Horrified: -1 APM next round, auto loss of initiative, unable to defend against 1st attack.

Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn radios her findings to Shane and continues her slow circle back to the ATRV. Maintaining her altitude, she's circling back when she hears the doctor's greeting sound from the ATRV's external speakers. Perhaps the timing is coincidental but it's at about the same time that all the humanoid shapes start making directly for the ATRV and the rest of the group.
Active Conditions: AoI: 100 M.D.C., See the Invisible, Sense Evil, Presence Sense, Altitude: 120'

Shane
Shane's cybernetic hearing is of no use to him with his head encapsulated inside EBA. His tactical training tells him that this would be a terrible place for an ambush. The Roughnecks have ample mobility, psychic and magic support a-plenty, and a durable mobile transport into which they can fall back at a moment's notice. The rocky outcroppings, while potentially providing cover for riflemen or snipers provide only minimal cover and are a hazard in and of themselves. Shane radios Logan and catches up to him on foot as he has Cale idle the ATRV and makes sure the others are ready. Switching to IR he finds the scene of blinding, blowing snow replaced by one of dark green hues and static, but clearer nonetheless. As he's ready to signal Logan, he catches sight of movement in the blowing snow and lays eyes on a girl who's far too blue and badly injured to be alive--stumbling towards them. (See description in Conner's section.)
Active Conditions: Impervious to Fire, Armor of Ithan (30 M.D.C.), Presence Sense , IR vision

Jacob
Jacob unslings his backpack as he radios his misgivings to the team. He digs out a flare, telekinetically shoots it overhead and between the two nearby huts and ignites the flare with a flexing of his psionic muscle. It immediately ignites and illuminates the area below. Jacob twitches it to and fro in the air to simulate tactical signaling. He then lies flat on his belly and, keeping his mental attention focused on the the flare gets braced and ready for whatever ugliness fate has in store for him. He's prepped and ready when the old man scrambles around the rocky outcropping just north of his prone position. He almost looks like an ordinary dark-skinned man in his late fifties. The thick, full beard, heavy winter working clothes, and weather-worn face are all very unremarkable. The blue tint to his face and exposed skin and the fact that Jacob can see through the eight inch wide hole in his chest are a dead giveaway that he's not your typical small town guy anymore.
Active Conditions: Telekinesis (5:30 remaining)
(Deduct one flare from your gear please.)

Logan
Logan struggles for clarity as he moves closer to the hut. He sees no windows in evidence through which to peek on this side but does see a blast hole. Peering through the hole his eyes find a wholly unwelcome sight: a dead boy of about five years is lying spread eagle on the swept-stone floor. Around him (at what look to be regular intervals) are five pools of wax and a brown stain smeared into a circle that connects all five of the pools of wax. Something has been carved into the boy's forehead and his throat has been slit so deeply and so wide that vertebrae are plainly visible. Stumbling back in abject horror, Logan locks eyes with the girl coming around the corner. His mind is so intent on asking her about what he just saw that for a split second he doesn't recognize what's wrong with her as well. (See description in Conner's section.) When his eyes reveal the truth he's rooted in his steps with a paralyzing sense of dread.
Conditions: Impervious to Fire, AoI (30 M.D.C.), Horrified: -1 APM next round, auto loss of initiative, unable to defend against 1st attack.

MAP NOTES: The icon over Kaitlyn indicates that she is flying. The icon over Jacob indicates he is prone.

[Caradoc]

Perception: 20+2=22
JIC: 1
Init: 16
1-2. Continue sales pitch
3-4. Pitch deal to Dave
5. Observe outside

Invigorated by the sight of his first customer, who is obviously in dire need of his attention, Dr. Cai Caradoc resumes his announcement for added effect.

"That's right, step right up ladies and gentlemen! Frostbite? I've got cybernetic fingers. Hypothermia got you down? I'll have you warmed up in one of my hospital beds in no time. Dead, necrotic skin cells ruining your chance to get the girl of your dreams? Try a complimentary skin graft with the purchase of any cybernetic implant. Don't have cold hard credits? No problem! I take all kinds of items in trade... weapons, armor, magic items, precious stones, unwed marriage-age daughters open to extensive cybernetic surgery..."

Giggling and completely satisfied with himself, he turns to Dave.

"Okay Dave, you're an interstellar businessman right? I need a manager. Let's make a deal. You bankroll me, set up the clients across time and space, cover the finances and I provide the pitch and the services. 70/30 split on all the profits. Take it or leave it, but don't dick me around, Dave."

Positively beaming that his first customer is on the way, he looks out the window with his thermal imaging to see how many more have been hypnotized by his sale and on their way.

A license to practice in Merctown and now a circuit of wilderness towns full of clamoring customers... I know I'm the best cyber-doc out there... now I'm well on my way to make sure everyone else is properly informed!

[Jacob McCandles]

Perception: 9-3+1=7
JIC: 17/78%

Seeing the pallor and 8 inch hole in the mans chest, Jake leaps up and draws his revolvers, leaving his rifle on the ground.

Into the radio he shouts, "We've got undead!...again

Ought to get Connor put this on tape so we can play it back as we need it..

Why in the hell didn't we pick these things up?

Initiative: 16+11=27

Action 1: Stand and draw 1863's
Action 2: Yell into radio. Radio Basic: 75%/60% Fail
Action 3-4: Switch link from Commanders to 1863's (just link, do not charge)
Action 5-7: Paired pistol aimed called shots to the head: 17+5=22, Damage: 39 (SDC silver, both shots)

Telekinetic Parries: 11+4=15, 9+4=13, 15+4=19, 7+4=11, 17+4=21, 19+4=23, 6+4=10

[Shane Knight]

Perception: 13 + 3 = 16
JIC: 15/71%

Initiative: 10 + 4 = 14

Radio: Basic: 60% of 85%
Lore: Demon & Monster: 33% of 45%

Conditions: Wearing NG-A12 Anti-Ballistic Body Armour (Force Field active ―160 MDC), Belt of Heroism, carrying M-160 strapped on chest, Q1-02 Ion Pistol strapped on right thigh, Chipwell 9mm in shoulder holster (silver rounds loaded); Presence sense active (120', 2 minute duration)

Shane's jaw drops as he sees the tailfin of the mini-missile fragment that's jutting from the girls collar bone and the definite bluish pallor to her skin tone. Crap, zombies again. Shane lets his M-160 drop on it's sling and activates his Vibro-Tri-Blades on both wrists as he prepares to fend them off. Shane flips on the team frequency immediately and says, "Doc, shut the hell up. They aren't human, they're zombies and your voice is drawing them down onto us. Everyone start pulling back to the ARTV immediately. Cale get us out of here as soon as we are all loaded up. Reaper and Adrienne provide covering fire. Just make sure they are undead before opening up on them, I know it's a faint hope but there may be some survivors here." Shane will reach out and grab Conner's shoulder and propel him back toward the ARTV. He'll move over to Logan's position and grab him as well, propelling him back to the safety of the ARTV. He'll defend them both as he moves back to the ARTV, taking any opportunity to counterattack the nearest zombie threat as he moves.

APM: 6
Action 1: On radio, drops rifle on sling and activates both Vibro-Tri-Blades.
Action 2: Grabs Conner and pushes him toward the ARTV.
Action 3: Grabs Logan and pushes him toward the ARTV.
Action 4: Moves toward ARTV. Attacks zombie if it approaches him. Strike: 14 + 5 = 19; Damage: 12 MDC.
Action 5: Moves toward ARTV. Attacks zombie if it approaches him. Strike: 15 + 5 = 20; Damage: 12 MDC.
Action 6: Moves toward ARTV. Attacks zombie if it approaches him. Strike: 18 + 5 = 23; Damage: 9 MDC.

Parry Rolls (+9): natural 20, 17, 14, 3, natural 20 & 17.
Auto-Dodge Rolls (+7): 16, 14, 15, 4, 17, & 19.

[Cale]

Perception : 14 + 1 = 15
JIC: 15, 42%

Radio: Basic (75% / 41%)
Sensory Equipment (55% / 55%)
Pilot: Hover Craft (65% / 15%)

Hearing the reports over the radio, Cale just curses. "Why does it have to be Zombies! Can't we just have have a nice simple Adult Dragon. Always with the damn Zombies!!"

Keeping an eye on everyone on the IR, Cale revs the engines. Radioing Shane, he gives him a status update. /Shane. As soon as everybody that can't fly is in, we're out of here./

Initiative : 10
Actions: 5
Actions 1 - 5: Wait for everybody outside to load up and then take off.