Back to the Future Options

[SinN]

Very well, this way then. I'll explain it to them later. Just let me know what you find, and considering how muc life is out here, make sure its something powerful and a threat before you tell me.

Hood returns to the fire and resumes his seat next to Dr. Patrick.

Tents: Force 2 and 3 wards
1st- force 2 rolled 4
2nd- force 2 rolled 5
3rd- force 2 rolled 5
4th force 2 rolled 7

[Callidus]

Sipping on his can of beer and putting his finished SoyStew pouch into the garbage container, Michael walks over to the first tent and, checking the ground before sitting, sits and start to mentally measure the tents fabric. Mapping out it's rough size first and then factoring in all the folds and creases, the fact that the fabric isn't an even flat shape. Once his mind as calculated the size and shape of the tent, he then works out how the fabric will warp in the wind and how best to coat it with the magic ward he was conjuring in his mind. Need to be flexible.... but strong.... ah.... yes.... like that.... yes that'll work and with that thought there was an almost audible click in his mind and suddenly there it was the slightly shimmering of a completed ward.

Right that's one done.... woah, it's a LOT later.... didn't think I'd been concentrating that hard.... heh, well at least it's done, but heck I'm gonna feel it tomorrow....

Standing slowly he stretches out the muscles that had locked up whilst he was sitting and noticed that most of the others had sort out they bedrolls, but Hood was similiarly concentrating on his own wards.

Ah now looks like a good time to have a look.... wonder how differ.... oooookay.... a lot different casting methodology.... interesting slightly shamanic.... but that was very hermetic in style but again different.... why would he need to be summoning? in the middle of warding.... oh he's not.... but something similiar to that.... hmmm I'll have to ask him what totem he follows.... if he has a totem of course....

And with those thought running through his head he carefully makes his way over to the first of the jeeps and again checks the ground before sitting. Okay clear your mind of the strange mystic adept and concentrate on the nice solid jeep....

.......

And with a final click the last ward snaps into place around the second jeep, accompanied by an increase to the throbbing behind his eyes. Oh man, I swear all nighters were easier at Uni.... ah well back to the land of the living time....

Standing and stretching again he really feeling the last 24 hours come crashing down and his shoulders slump. Looking around he's almost surprised to see that most of the others are up and about again. They all look far too happy for this time in the morning.... Oh wait so would I if it didn't still feel like last night....

Well, good morning everyone. The waaaa and his greeting is interrupted by a barely covered yawn rds are up, sorry about that. Any coffee about?

[SinN]

Hood Raises a cup to him.

Fresh brewed, straight from Ireland. Own special brew, great for hangovers.

He Mindlinked that last one to Micheal.

He took a moment to contact Bahumat.

Master, its the next day and we're all still alive and well. I cant shake the feeling Im being watched constantly, I know thats normal out here, but what I'm refering to is that Micheal charactor. He seems a bit too interested in me. Thank god for masking eh? Anyway, Just thought I'd let you know what's going on over here. Take care.

Alright gents and ladies, whats on the agenda for today?

[fistandantilus4....]

Dr Michaels, looking very sleeping , grunts :more driving

The drive is bumpy and filled with much grunting. The drivers are still able to find the occassional road, well out of use, and mostly over grown, since no "civilization" has been out here for the last 60 years. Sleep is hard in coming and short thanks to yet another rock in the road, followed by another, and another, and so on.

Eventually you give up on any hope of any real sleep, take a low grade stim patch, and take your turns at the wheel. Driving past a small watering whole, you thank whatever Gods you believe in that you have no need to stop, seeing the remains of a metaroo that was apparently bitten off at the ankle joint. This of course is followed by a discourre on the eating habits of the Australina Afanc from Dr Floren. Apparently they eat a lot.

The day is spent mostly in a daze of heat, old roads, and backtracking around areas that no longer have access by Jeep. Little conversation is had between jeeps, or even the passengers in your Jeep, as most of you are more than a bit surly form lack of sleep, drain, or putting up with people who are lacking in slepp or suffering from drain.

Thankfully the dangers of the outback seem to be a bit exagerated, as no one has died from snake bite or mana storm by the time to bunk down for the evening. No one seems much in the mood for fire side chit chat. Fresh food is brought out to brighten everyone's mood a bit. The last of the fresh stuff will be spent by tomorrow, then it's on to the reconstituted stuff or eating whatever food the land will provide us, so enjoy. says Floren. Michaels, apparently still tired, feels no need to join i nto the discussion. Patrick seems ammicable, and grateful to be out of the jeep at least. The camp is quite.

Still can't shake the feeling of being watched.

Of course, after being up for 36 or so hours and running only on the sleep you got on the plane, the feeling quickly goes away as you crash hard in your bedrolls. Perhaps tomorrow will be better.


Or not.

You awake to find your selves almost neck deep in sand. The wards on the tents have been destroyed.

Body check for both PCs

[SinN]

Body-Rolled 7

[fistandantilus4....]

Hood and Dr Holder awake finding themselves neck deep in sand, coughing out the bit that has gotten into their lungs. Holder quickly summons up an earth elemental to disperse the sand.

WHere the elemental appears however, it is not quite the mindless animated hunk of stone he is used to. He can feel the hostility from the elemental. Without a doubt, were it to go free, this spirit would attack. It is hostile and does not like being summoned. His will is sufficent however, and bends it to the task of unburying the tents.

After some minutes pass, the other doctors emerge from their tents, spitting sand. Dr Patrick seems to have caught the worstof it, and is hacking up sand furiously. Much swearing ensues.

Even though the camp was set only thirty feet wide, there is no sign of the jeeps. All around is sand, as the mana storm seems to have simply dumped fine red sand over a three kilometer area. Somewhere under all that sand are your jeeps. And your water.

Dr Floren So this is a mana storm eh? *COUGH* I think I expected more thunder and raining fire and boudlers and such. Think I might have prefered that now.

Dr Michaels begins summoning an eart elemental to assist in digging out the Jeeps and supplies.

[ Spoiler ]

4,4,4,3,4,5,5,5 = 3 net Force 5 Elem-1,4,5,2,4=1 Net = 2 services. Drain 5,5,1,4,3,3,2,6,2,2,1 =resisted

Dr patrick simply sits and hacks up sand. Apaprently she go quite a lung full and is in a lot of pain. The sand in her throat can't be helping either. Unfortuantely, the water is in the jeeps, or buried under the sand inside the tents.

Floren does bring her the bit of water he was able to get out of his canteen that isn't contaminated. Dr Michaels focuses on unbrying the Jeeps. Within 10 minutes, they are cleared, but probably undrivable. The supplies however are in good condition.

Dr Floren Once Elza's breathing better we should get walking. The sun is still down, and we want to stay out of hte heat as much as possible. Since we're low on water, we should move while the sun is low, then again after noon and in to the night. Other wise we'll burn our water to quickly.

SinN/Hood, make a survival test

[SinN]

Outdoors skill-5
Logic-6

Roll
4,5,6,6,5,4,1,1,3,4,4- 4 net successes

Cast a calm mood spell on Dr. Patrick.

Give her some time, she'll be alright.

[fistandantilus4....]

[ Spoiler ]

Survival test general knowledge really, moving in the night will definetely save water, but also have increased predator activity. Both options have negative and positive effects.

Floren Some time and some water. Check the jeeps, the water there should have been sealed up and should still be clean.

[SinN]

Alright, but I feel I must warn each of you, traveling at night will cut down on water, but we have a greater chance of being attacked by predators, and vice versa through out the day, so really its a double-edged sword. We'll discuss this once Dr. Patrick is fit to travel.

Hood goes the one of the jeeps and grabs a case of water. Brings it back and hands it to Floren.

If you need anything, let me know. And I dont want you to worry, Im going to take care of you guys out here. Its my job. Say with a smile.

Alexander, I need you, come quickly. And dont be afraid to show yourself to these people. They're good people.

[fistandantilus4....]

The form of a tall angelic figure, complete with white wings and robes apperas out of thin air next to Hood. The Ange goes to the jeep and starts cleaning out canteens and refilling them with fresh water ,and handing them out.

Floren I think we're competent enough to handle any predators with the three of us, and any magical aid that Micahel can lend. Evan's trained in magical combat, I've got my Ares pats his side arm.

Evan Michaels I'd tned to agree with Dr Floren, but I think the decision should be our guides.

[Callidus]

Seeing the elemental so hostile nearly made him lose his concentration, but Michael snaps his focus back and forces it to grudgingly do his bidding. Man oh man they're nasty out here.... I'd heard the spirits were unfriendly but that's just nasty.... Hope everyone's okay....

Seeing Dr.Patrick in so much pain was hard to endure but Michael knew healing her at this point was pointless until all the sand, although a series of small heals should help out some.

Seeing the angelic figure appear and it obviously being friendly made Michael feel a bit better. Hmmm bound spirit.... looks more like an ally though, and that would make Hood an initiate I believe.... interesting

Starting the first of the series of heals on Dr. Patrick also cheered him up more and offset a lot of the worry about the now foot treck across the outback.

Normally I'd suggest summoning a spirit to aid our movement but they seem very hostile out here so I'm not sure how much I'd trust it to help. The decision on travel definately should be Hood's as he's our guide here. And I for one am glad your experience is here.

[SinN]

First of all, you're aries isnt going to do shit against a 500 pound wendigo as it tears your face off. Its true that we're capable enough to defend ourselves...to a point. But if its quite alright with you Mr. Adventerous, I'd like to avoid puttin everyone else in danger, with a fight. Micheal, see what you can do to reset some wards on our jeeps. I'll be there to aid you shortly. Mr. Adventerous, stay with Dr. Patrick until she feels ready to travel. Alexander will be round to her to heal any wounds or pain she may be suffering from. Also, check yourselves for any snake, or scorpian bites. Evan, see what you can do about the jeeps, if they're completely un-drivable then we travel on foot. Also, try to aid anyone else tha you can. Ill begin some armor spells, and a quick look around the area for any lingering predators.

Turns to Alexander.

Alexander? Please do what you can to aid everyone, healing, and comforting as such. Then when you're finished, do a quick search around the premisises and see what you can find about an Oaisis. Also, check for any dangers. Do you feel comfortable doing so? Or would you like for me to send Greiver?

This post has been edited by SinN: Feb 24 2007, 08:41 PM

[Callidus]

As he looks up while maintaining the current heal spell, Michael nods Roughly how long til we leave? Just so I know how strong to make them.... Actually scrub that I'll make the wards small, should give us warning and some protection, I'll beef them up later if the jeeps still work

Glad Hood's taking charge out here 'cos I'm out of my depth at the moment.... project planning yes.... wierd magical items yes.... four foot of sand trying to drown us.... sort of yes.... surviving in a desert? no....

If anyone thinks they have been stung or biten let me know and I should be able to remove the poison

And with a check of himself and Elza he heads over to the nearest of the jeeps and starts the long warding process again.

The size of the cube is.....

[fistandantilus4....]

Dr Michaels : Checks out the jeeps and tires the ignition. The try to rev a few times but don't start. That's a null on the jeeps. I don't ahve enough experience to know exactly what the issue is, but it's a good bet the sands clogged up something.

Dr Floren to Hood :Listen ,"Hood", I aprreciate that you've been out here before and that you think you have some concept of what we're up against. But the facts are that 1: a wendigo can appear pretty much anywhere in the world, but are by no means common[i/] in Australia, because they're big hairy shaggy beasts that require living humans to feast on. If you haven't noticed, we're in a desrt , that doesn't exaclty go over real well for something shaggy, and there aren't a lot of people around for dining on.

2: We don't know eaclty how much ground we're going ot have to cover, since we can't acces the GPS at the moment, since the sand killed it. But since we were looking at a 3-4 day Jeep ride, going approximately 200 miles a day, we're still looing at another 200-400 miles, either way we choose to go. We've got [i]maybe 50 galoons of what. That's 400 lbs of water we'll have to carry, which means we're each carryong 100 lbs, since Dr Patrick is in no condition to be carrying 100 lbs of water, even if she could. That'll generate a lot of sweat, forcing us to lighten our load anyawys by drinking it. At best we're going to be carrying 50 lbs of water each, meaning about 10 gallons a piece. We'll probably consume an average of 3 gallons a day, which means within three days, we'll be having to find water. If we can cover 35 miles a day, which would be an excellent pace, we're looking at a week out here. Minimum.

We all knew the paracritters would be a danger we;d likely face coming out here. But that's something we have some measure of control over. We have less control over getting more water. So before you try to get smart with me, remember that there's a reason I have Doctor before my name, and that this isn't my first field trip. Do the math next time ,and waste less time on trying to make your self look good.

At that, Dr Floren starts organising the remaining water supplies, taking inventory of waht you've got left, cleaning canteens, etc.

Dr Patrick looks shocked and says ntohing . Dr michaels simply looks girm and looks at Hood, first, then to Dr Holder, as if he's waiting for a decision.

Dr Holder, you commlink beeps a moment later

Text From Evan Michaels SinN, no readin spoiler

[ Spoiler ]

These two are likely to puff their chests all day, convinced that each of them is right. In truth, they both are, but we need a decision. Dr patrick will stand by you, as will I. You are in charge of this expedition. We're going to need a decision.

[SinN]

Listen here, you god damn pompus jack ass. I dont care whats in front of your name. As it appears to me, all you want to do, is start shooting up a storm and swing from some trees becuase you've let yourself believe in the reputation that obviuisly preceives you. I agree, we're are in a bad situation and you believe that becuase you've been on a few feild trips, it makes you qualified to run out in this desert trying to impress anyone who gives a damn. I DO have a concept of what we're up against. And I've already prepared for such an occasion. Alexander is out searching for a safe, or safest way to travel, also an oiasis to head for.
And before you thought you'd try to compare dick sizes with me to impress poor Dr. Patrick over there, I was attempting to contact someone, to inform them of our situation, so that maybe we can get some help. Everyone else seems to be serving some sort of purpose around here, so I'd apreciate it, if you wouldnt think you're in charge all the time, and actually do something. Micheal here is the one who's been put in charge....of all of us. Including you Mr. Adventerous...excuse me, Dr. Adventerous. Now if theres nothing else you want to be an asshole about, Im gonna get to work on helping everyone else who needs it.
Mindlink to Dr. Floren
Feel free to lend a hand.

Contact to Bahumut:
Master, it appears the manastorm you warned me about caught us pretty badly. The wards myself and Micheal set up saved our lives. But our jeeps are out of commission and that Dr. Floren decides that other then being of any help hes going to compare dick sizes with everyone. We got about 200-400 miles of a walk with only about 50 gallons of water. I dont know a create water spell, and I doubt Micheal does either. I've got Alexander searching for an Oaisis, but any additional help with that search and whatever other info you can get me would be greatly appreciated.

Smiles at Micheal
Alright Micheal, what do you say we put our heads together and figure out a solution to our problem here. Shouldnt be too hard with some real live Doctors here. With the exception of some of course.

This post has been edited by SinN: Feb 25 2007, 09:38 AM

[Callidus]

Text back to Dr.Michaels

[ Spoiler ]

And to think I was hoping for a nice drive through the Outback with some nice wildlife spotting *8-> Time to calm things down again.

Looking up from his tending of Elza he puts on a sterner face And to think I thought there wouldn't be so much man management out here, sigh

Alright that's enough both of you, don't make a bad situation worse by breaking this group into factions just when we need to be a cohesive team. Right, we need both of you to be working together on this so we all get to Dr. Wood's encampment, so night travel will be more dangerous due to wildlife but use less water than day travel?

First, as water seems to be by far our biggest problem at the moment we'll have to go with night travel and we'll all need to be keeping a good eye out for dangers. Anyone not got lowlight modifications on glasses, contacts etc?

Second, if we can't transport all our water, and trust me I don't fancy lugging 100lbs of water around, can we fashion a sled or panier like the native americans used? That would allow us to drag the water a lot easier than carrying it, especially if we jerry rig one of the jeep's spare wheels as the ground contact.

Third, anyone know how to fix the jeeps? I'd suggest having a look inside something easy to open such as the carboretta and see if it got filled with sand, because if it did then the pistons are likely full too and we can't fix that.

Fourth, if the jeep's engines aren't full of sand, let's get the sat uplink dish setup and see if we can get a how-to off the matrix to aid fixing them, or at least see if it's possible.

I don't want to be dictorial, but we've got to pull together and work as a team or this will be a whole lot harder than it needs to be.

Right I'll start looking at getting a sled sorted, whoever thinks they're best mechanically could you look at the jeeps, Dr. Patrick can you try to get the Sat Uplink going and get a message to Dr. Woods that we'll be delayed a bit due to the mana storm and get the automotive guide. Dr. Floren can you help me with the sled unless you're looking at the jeeps, and Dr. Michaels and Hood can you help getting the jeeps and/or our supplies sorted so we know what we need to take, and what can be left.

Right let's get a move on people while it's still cool.

Man, I hope that sounds better than it did in my head or this is going to turn into a real kindergarten fight....

This post has been edited by Callidus: Feb 25 2007, 02:27 PM

[fistandantilus4....]

Floren starts in on the engies first, and finds that they are indeed full of sand. He apparently is the only one with an auto motive repair skill. After confirming the damage and the over haul needed, he moves over to Dr Holder to prepare the sled.

As he passes by Hood I'm a trained survivalist specialist. And I have no need to impress Dr Patrick you idiot, I'm gay. walks off muttering something about Hood being almost enough to make him want to switch teams again.

Patrick works on the sat uplink while Dr Michaels helps get the gear together. Micahels takes a moment to pat Dr Holder on the shoulder Good work doctor. Well spoken.

After about a half hour, Dr Patrick chimes up
I've got sat link up. Shall we call Dr Woods? I've got GPS too by the way.

To Hood

[ Spoiler ]

[COLOR=aquamarine]Do what you can out there. My role must be kept to a minimum. If needed, I can send a spirit to direct to water, but only if you've used your other options.

As to Dr Floren, how did he size up? *mental grin*

[SinN]

Thank you master, Ill already have Alexander on that, if anything should happen to him then Ill hold you to that. Oh, and as for Dr. Floren, a little heads up would have been apreciated.

Smiles and nod his head. Hood, now relizing he let his Irish temper get the better of him, he quietly help Dr. Micheals gets the supplies sorted and organised and sorts the useless from the useful. After this, he begins to help Dr. Floren and Dr. Holder with the sled.
As he walks past Micheal he mentions:
Good speech Micheal. Its good to see you taking charge. Let me know when I can assist you.

As he's working, he calls out to Alexander
Have you found anything yet?

[Callidus]

Nodding his thanks to Dr. Michaels as he passes, Michael continues to aid Dr.Floren in building the sled.

To Dr.Patrick If you could call him or leave him a message to let him know that our jeeps were broken by a mana storm and we're proceeding on foot that would be great. Oh and can you please find out how much further we have to go on the GPS? And if the map has any oasis' marked?

Then he nods to Hood as well Well if your ally spirit? can find us a safe route and/or oasis' that would be very helpful. So supplies sorted?

Better try and keep Dr.Floren and Hood appart for a bit so they can cool down

[fistandantilus4....]

Alexander to Hood: Nothing yet. It's difficult to search in this terrain, especially with the back ground count and left over energy from the storm. I have to look physically, which is much harder. I will keep looking. Honestly I don't know how humans do it, walking around seeing only the physical plane all day.

Patrick after a few minutes Looks like he didn't have his link up at the moment, but I was able to get a message through. Looks like we have about 180 miles to go. No maps as far as settlements or water taht are within 50 years recent, but we do at least have topographical maps which should be accurate.

Hood

[ Spoiler ]

Bahamut "A heads up"? You're a big boy, don't tell me I have to tell you to play nice in the sand box.
A local spirit summoned will have better luck than Alexander. It will know the terrain. Perhaps an earth spirit or spirit of beast.

[SinN]

To Micheal:
Supplies sorted and ready. Alexander is having a hard time looking for an Oaisis now. He has to stick to the physical plane becuase its so busy on the astral out here. Witth the backround count and mana storm we just encounterd, it's like searching for a paper plate, and a glass of milk in a snowstorm. Hes searching though. I think I may summon an earth or spirit of beast to help us out. It'll know the terrain better than us, and Alexander. I know the spirits are hostile out here, but I figure if i just summon one that isnt too strong, we can handle it, especially together, eh Mike?

To Patrick:
Good work, at least now, we got some kind of map to follow. This way we're not running around in the desert taking stabs in the dark as to where to go. Im impressed you got a signal out here.

Using 2 Conjuring Fetish (Adds 4 dice to my roll each. Force 4. 1 left)
Conjuring a Force 4 spirit of earth
Roll: 2, 5, 6, 4, 3, 3, 5, 6, 2, 2, 53, 4, 1, 5= 6 net success's
Binding: 6, 6, 3, 2, 1, 1, 5, 6, 5, 4, 5, 1, 3, 5, 6= 8 net success's

[Callidus]

To Dr. Patrick: Well a topographical map will help, we might be able to spot more likely water sources from it and plot a safer course.

[fistandantilus4....]

SinN, summoing resistance test:

summoing - 1,4,4,2 = no successes/ 0 drain
Binding (Spirit uses edge. They really don't like to be bound out here)

4,4,2,2,5,5,3,1 + Edge 4 -5,2,1,3 = 3 net successes. Resist Drain 6. Check magic rating to see if it's physical since your magician's way.

Remember that summoing and binding a force 4 takes 4 hours

[SinN]

Have 17 dice to roll, im gonna buy 4 successes. Drain resisted

The earth spirit raises next to Hood.

Alexander, come back. Thank you for your help, friend.

Turns his attention to the Earth Spirit.

Please fair spirit, I am aware of your strength, and I know that I am troubleing and angering you right now. Please show us a safe roughte to an Oasis and civalazation. Once your services are done, I will not attempt to re-bind you, you will be free, as long as you swear now that you will not harm us once this is done. Do we have a deal then?

This post has been edited by SinN: Feb 26 2007, 01:13 AM

[fistandantilus4....]

As you don't speak elemental tongues, you dont' really know if it agrees or not. THe spirits anger seems at a low boil though, so that may be a good indicator.

[ Spoiler ]

Color changed to Red in Spoiler tags because Gold hurts the eyes.

Spirit Search power extended test: Magic + Intuition = 8 dice
Search extended test , requires 5 successes, interval time 10 minutes
modifiers - Target distance is a positive modifer equal to kilometers distance
Target is anon living object or place = +5

Rolling to see distance in kilometers to water 3D6 = 8

Total threshold - base 5 + 5 for "place" +8 for distance = 18

Spirit will use one point of edge in exchange for one additional service

Roll 1:5,2,2,1,1,2,6(rr5) + edge 4 = 6(rr4)4,4,3 = 4 successes
Roll 2:5,5,6(rr6,3),6(rr3),3,4,4,2 +edge 4 = 5,3,3,2 = 6 successes
Roll3: 6,1,1,2,5,2,4,3,3 = 1 success Edge 5,5,3,3 = 4 sucecesses
Roll 4: 5,3,2,2,3,2,6(rr2)6(rr5) +edge 4 -6(rr5)1,2,4 = 6 successses

Extended search test result = 18. Water found 8 kilometers away
Services Used 5