Back to the Future Options

[SinN]

Hood to Floren:
Thanks. Gotta stay sharp out here, as you say.

To Holder:
Are you alright? You need to keep your eye out for these things, Micheal. Next time, I might not be such a good shot.

Shit, that was close. I better stay awake just incase there's more....What am I saying? Of course theres more. Theres always more......I wonder if Dr. Patrick saw that? ;)

[fistandantilus4....]

Dr Patrick seems impressed :D

[Callidus]

The night was dark.... even the lowlight mods didn't stop that just pushed back the darkness a way, that and the tiredness of another "night" of pseudo-sleep in the baking heat of the outback day. Then the quiet and darkness was shattered by a close by hiss and the crack of gunfire almost at the same time and it was over before Michael even registered that there was a problem.

What the hell.... what was.... oh no a snake.... going to strike? I missed it there's no way I'll survive it's poison.... unless.... detox.... how do I cast it again.... where's the formula.... I know it.... where.... but.... wait.... it hasn't struck? why not? The gunfire? Yes.... yes.... Hood shot it.... but what about the next step?

And his body froze in place.

Excellent shot. I'd only seen it as you drew. Excellent shot. I'd only seen it as you drew. Good shot.

A brown snake? Awakened? But.... but.... I don't think I'd even get a chance to cast against that.... how can I continue....

You'll continue because you have to

What? wh...who are you.... a spell? WHO'S IN MY HEAD

Relax, I'm you.... well another part of you and no you're not going crazy. Everyone's mind switches around a lot depending on situation.... Rational, Irrational, Brave, Fearful, Stupid.... Lustful.... normally those of us who aren't in charge sit back and stay silent but right now you need some Rational advice and Irrational up there isn't helping much.

Wait.... what? So who the hell are you? My insane side?

No I'm your Rational side, as you might have gathered if you slowed down, you're quite irrational at the moment and also fearful.... Understandable.... but right now you need to be calm, continue and lead the others. Now isn't the time to have a panic attack like you were having.

Are you alright? You need to keep your eye out for these things, Micheal. Next time, I might not be such a good shot.

Okay, now put your foot down before they start thinking you're completely frozen in fear

And his foot completely it's frozen step to the ground....

Good.... now calm down because you're going to have to reply soon.... goood....

I.... I'm okay.... th...thank you Hood I hadn't even seen it. Good reactions on you I see and he laughs quietly and nervously Guess I'd better keep more of an eye out on the ground while we continue.... shall we?

Good you're nearly back to your normal self.... and to think I was starting to think we had a problem with danger there....

[fistandantilus4....]

After taking in Dr Holder's reaction, Dr Patrick walks by him for a while, talking quietly. She doesn't really say much, and he doesn't really hear much of it. Mostly just small tlk to keep his mind off of what happened.

Michaels and Floren watch Holder to, but seem to decide he can handle himself after a few hundred yards, and begin paying more attention to their surroundings.
In a place like the Outback, there's really no telling if a noise like a gun shot is going to attract or deter predators.

The rest of the walk for Dr Holder is rather tense. At some point he becomes aware that Dr Patrick is acutally walking behind him rubbing hs shoulders, and Dr Michaels is pulling hte sled.

PatrickJust relax, we're almost done for today. See there? The sun is starting to lighten the horizon. Just another hour or two, then we'll get some rest.

You know, when I was in the Sahara a few years ago on a dig, our camp was attacked in the night by some raiders. The rode into the camp firing old rifles and setting things on fire. The guides said they didn't want us to be there. It was terrifying. But we got through it, and found some amazing artifacts...

Patrick continues to talk, her voice calming him somewhat. The massage helps.

So close to death....

[fistandantilus4....]

Your luck seems to hold over the next few days. Any normal range predators are discouraged before they get to close by Alexander. The water is sufficent, although plenty warm by now. The biggest problem seems to be simple exhaustion. Walking for days with little real sleep, warm water, and rations takes it's toll.

Three days after the snake attack, you've covered roughly 100 miles from the camp where the sandstorm hit. But now you're concern is less for the distance traveled, and finding another source of water. You've been lucky so far finding a few small watering holes, which has gotten you this far. Time to send out the elemental again.

The journey so far has been more tiring mentally. All around you is wilderness. Wild animals seem to care enough about your presence only to be suspicious. It's almost disconcernting that they don't seem to be afraid of you. The number of indentifiable poisonous snakes and spiders so far hasn't been quite as alarming as the number that you could not idnetify. Even Dr Floren, who is apparently quite knowledgeable about such things, has ssen many types of snakes that he doesn't recognize. Unknown snakes mean no anti-venin. Luckily no ones "discovered" an awakened funnel spider yet.

[SinN]

Summon the first earth spirit.

Hello again spirit. This will be the last task I ask you to do. I need you to, once again, find the nearest Oaisis, or some form of drinkable water, and the safest roughte to it. After this, you are free, and as i said, I will not try to bind you again, as we agreed. Thank you again for your help. So if you would, Please do as I have asked.

To Alexander:
Thank you again My friend. You are doing well in what I have asked. Please continue to do so.

[fistandantilus4....]

Spirit Search power for Hood

[ Spoiler ]

Threshold, as listed before, +random roll for distance. Threshold = 13
First service+ Edge 5,5,1,5,6(2), 3,6(4),6(6,1)+ Edge 4 5,1,3,5 = 9 successes
Second test +edge5,5,4,3,5,6(2)5,6(5)+edge 1,6(2),6(4),2=9

18 successes vs threshold 13 = success

The spirit reports success and begins leading the group towards water. After walking for another 7 kilometers, you reach a watering hole. It's appx 50 feet across, nestled away in a small rock canyon protecting it from the suns worst. It's in good shape, with actual GREEN scrub grass and reeds growing thick around it. Plenty of animal tracks show this to be a commonly used watering hole.

[Callidus]

Over the course of the following hours, Dr. Patrick's words flowed over Michael's mind slowly eroding the numb wall and bringing him solidly back to the present.

And laying a gentle hand on her shoulder Thank you Elza, that helped more than you'd know. Guess all the practice, drills and dig sites with lots of guard around really doesn't prepare you at all for the real thing.

------

As the search for water has the group following Hood's spirit and bore fruit in a large watering hole....

Well that's a sizeable water source.... looks to be regularly used too.... and that suggests.... frak it.... predators....

Looks like you're getting on better with the spirits here Hood. and smiling he continues A good big watering hole, looks well used too so I'd guess it's safe....r to drink. Glad we've got the water purifiers though.... Any idea if there's likely to be predators in there though? Unfortunately I don't really have any way of telling other than waving an arm about, but I'm pretty sure that would be a bad idea.

[fistandantilus4....]

Floren: Crocs, afancs, and snakes would be the biggest worry. We also won't want to sleep here. Other predators will come here in the evening and early morning, looking for prey doing the same.



Roll Outdoors (G)/tracking SinN

[SinN]

Outdoors skill-4
Logic-6
Ill make two rolls, one with logic and one without, cause i cant remember if i roll it with logic or just striaght outdoors.
First roll:
2,4,5,6,6,3,5,4,4,3,6
Second roll:
5,5,2,3

To Micheal:
I can only hope, Mike my friend. I can only hope. It would be quite an honor if a spirit from the outback took a liking to me. But I guess I cant take all the credit. An old friend once told me that you should always keep your word to a spirit. Becuase you will never know what they're capable of. I geuss that goes double out here.

I guess I should have considered that with O'Malley. I wonder what mischief he's up to now a days?

[fistandantilus4....]

There are indeed tracks indictive of very large crocodile-ish feet, and areas where they have laid out. Likely afanc. Plural. You don't see any at the moment, but they can stay under water for a good amount of time. At a guess, you'd say a mated pair.

[Callidus]

Michael's expression goes a little far away as though his reading a book in front of him that no-one else can see and occasionally nodding to himself.

Hmmm.... predator's and little way to spot them as they are ambushers.... wish I had learnt that Detect Life spell.... wait a minute.... technical drawings and presentations.... realistic models.... why not an illusion of a prey creature? Say that might just work....

And then his focus snaps back to the group as he speaks.

I'm not certain if it'll work right, or that it's a good way of spotting anything in the water as they might not go for it, but I should be able to create a decent illusion of a prey creature or three and wander them over to have a drink.... although I'm not sure what would be normal around here, I'd guess cows aren't one of them....

[fistandantilus4....]

Floren: Not a bad idea, except if we want to draw them out, we'll need to put some ripples in the water. Although are you sure drawing out crocs is what we want to do? There might be a way to get tot he water without having to go at it with some afanc.

Michaels We have three capable mages here. We should be able to do it. But that doesn't mean that there isn't any danger. It may work to draw them out, if , indeed as John says, that's what we want to do. But we should have more of a plan after that. Unless someone can think of a way to steal the water.

Floren:Of course, if we do kill something, then we'd at least have something else to eat besides ration bars.

Patrick:I'm pretty handy with a rifle. I could provide some extra cover fire.

[Callidus]

Well a method of refilling our water supply without interfering with them would be preferable. While we're confident in our abilities not tangling with Afancs and risking injuries should be a back up plan I just thought I'd mention it as it might draw them away from us if needed and smiles to the group Although I'm sure we can come up with a better plan.

[fistandantilus4....]

Patrick smiles I should hope so. We are a bunch of scientists

[SinN]

Micheal's on to something there. But before I decide to draw out an afanc....Wait? Isnt afanc Havoks favorite meal? Maybe I can ask him how he draws them out, if he does at all....Ill ask him later. Ok, time to see if our old croc buddies are around.
Cast a detect life spell. Aim specificly for bushes and other spots in the water where one could easily hide. More along the lines of where the tracks lead to.

[fistandantilus4....]

Michaels:I don't suppose that we have any hoses from the jeep, or anything similar? We could just suction the water out to our containers that way.

Patrick:Or perhaps some sort of pole? The weight would be heavy once a container was full of water, so we'd need something strong. Maybe one of the shafts holding the wheel in place on the sled? Then tie that off to one of the containers?

Floren If there is something dangerous in there, we'll have to be careful using any method, in case it gets provoked. We should be ready for anything.

[Callidus]

Hmm, I could create a physical barrier to cordon off part of the pool.... water will be able to pass through but anything larger than that shouldn't.... or as a plate just above the water line.... say an inch or two which should stop anything large getting out to attack us but not stop it breathing.... unfortuneately both kind of rely on the Afancs.... or whatever else might be in there.... not being within the cordon, plus the area will probably be quite small.... say a 6m by 6m wall type barrier, and it'll will likely fatigue me a bit, but shouldn't be too bad.... a headache probably.... and shrugs his shoulders about that worry.

Oh and either could well provoke them as the barrier is usually visible

[fistandantilus4....]

Patrick:Michael, you're babbling. She smiles reassuringly.

E. Michaels That might help, if we can give our selves a corridor, or even better, a "U" to gather the water in . That way, even if something does attack, we'll have time to get back, use some spells.

I've got a particularily nasty lightning bolt spell I've been studying on. I'd rather not have to use it if I don't have to, but it would certainly help with anything in the water.

[SinN]

A Lightning bolt may not be the best idea Dr. Micheals. Im no Scientist, but I do know lightning travels pretty lightly through out water. Lets say you cast it, it hits the water, and we wake up every other critter in there with some nasty shocks and NOT having a good day. If at all possible, I'd like to keep whatevers sleepin in dreamland. Though it is a good plan. They'll make the V, and myself, and Dr. Micheals will be ready with some spells, preferably a manabolt of sorts. And Floren can be ready with his gun for some extra firepower. Anyone disagree?

[fistandantilus4....]

Michaels: I was considering using the lightning bolt more as defensive measure. It would kill everything in the pool most likely.

Patrick The ecosystem out here is rather fragile. But .... I suppose this isn't my decision. We may have to be more aware of what's going to happen to us. Michael? She looks at Dr Holder.

[Callidus]

To Dr. Patrick and with a slightly embrassed smile Sorry it happens from time to time. As for a plan I'll try to form a U with the barrier spell and if anything comes out to investigate we can deal with it then. I have a stunbolt or ball spell in case we get swarmed, plus it shouldn't wreck the ecosystem around here too much, although I'm not sure how effective it will be while holding the barrier.

Hood did your detection spell tell you where in the pool the dangerous critters are? I'd prefer to keep the barrier between us and them if possible.

Also who fancy filling the jugs? Oh and something like a hankerchief or sock over the entry should stop small fish and so on getting in, although will slow the filling.

[SinN]

Well, the thing about a detect life spell, it detects all sorts of life, the water....well its another form of life. Thats why you can look through it astrally. I can try to cast one again, either on or around the water. Either way, the barrior spell will hold of just about anything, but not everything. Would you like me to assist you in that Micheal, or are you comfortable enough to handle it yourself?

[fistandantilus4....]

Floren: I should be able to fill the jugs. Why don't we tie a rope to both of them. We've got enough from the sled, so I can go forward, and Elza can start pulling them back if we get attacked. That leaves you two indicates Hood and Dr Michaels to cover me with magic if anything goes wrong, and Michael can hold up the barrier. That work for everyone?

Dr Michaels Fine by me. but I suggest we hurry this up. The day is getting along and we're losing day light, and wasing in this heat.

[Callidus]

Okay, let's get this done then. I'll put up the barrier it will be about a 6 metre radius but visible so try to stay close until it's up

And advancing towards the pool a bit so he gets within about 5 metres Michael looks around and makes sure everyone's fairly close and then starts his calculations.

Okay.... Focus.... Just like the drills.... The wall will be imprevious.... allow 4.23 holes per square millimetre of radius 1.37x10-23 metres to allow water and air to pass through.... It must resist pressures up to....

....and as my will and calculations demand it will be

And with a slight sound of out rushing air and what almost appears to be a customary pop a shimmering globe-like barrier appears cordining off a section of the pool. And Michael sways a bit as the tail end of the spell whips against his mind more than he had expected.

Ouch! Frak! That hurt more than I was hoping.... no.... concentrate.... hold it.... don't let go just 'cos it hit you with some drain....

Looking about and seeing the looks as he sways he grits his teeth a bit and then speaks

Okay.... I'm fine.... Barrier's up. Hopefully should be clear, but watch yourselves as I while it keeps stuff out it would stop anything already in here/

This post has been edited by Callidus: Mar 17 2007, 01:35 AM