Lazlo.org: Storylines for September 2010

[Cybermancer]

I think the civilians were being hustled along their way. Keep the colleteral damage down.

As for the weapons cache, I guess that depends on if people think they need more weapons? Cyber's fine as is but others may be feeling under armed.

[Cybermancer]

I suppose that depends on whether Clarity seems to want to come with the group or go with the civilians. If she seems to want to come then he can make an appropriate excuse to the soldiers.

"She's the directors niece. Says she's a psychic, like on those police shows where they... well you know what I mean. I have to humor her and that means you have to as well."

[Cybermancer]

Matt would be against any civilians tagging along unless there was some sort of tactical advantage to their presence.

[Cybermancer]

Sounds like a fine role for some goobers to me.

[Lord Z]

Raven wouldn't know how to use the heavier weapons from the cache, so he won't suggest going there. The NPC soldiers are probably satisfied with their own equipment (since they haven't seen the twenty foot tall monsters yet), and soldiers are not fond of carrying extra gear. Since they were guarding the area, I am thinking that they probably are packing flash-bang grenades but no heavier explosives.

The soldiers are men (I was using male pronouns by default), and they will not object to bringing Clarity with the. After the helicopter co-pilot's report, they will be nervous about having a civilian along, but I think they will trust the judgement of Matt in this matter as he claims to be a superior officer.

Will Boggs have any way of finding us again? We could really use the extra power. Even one gargoyle is trouble, and conceivably we could have an entire army of critters beating on us soon. Raven has never been in a situation of this much threat before, so I am asking in a purely out-of-character context.

[Garm]

Sorry I have been out of the loop our internet was out since Friday. Michael will be getting a bit agitated as the group starts uncovering more clues, he sealed a doorway to a dimension of gargoyles during his absence from the boards. He has already dealt with them a few times, and the last was alone in a realm full of them. He will be preparing some heavy combat spells and will follow Cyber's lead.

[Cybermancer]

Clarity will probably stick with Cyber throughout the scene, unless something really catches her attention or otherwise requires her to intervene (injured/dying people calling out for help will certainly lead her from main the group).

Sorry I have been out of the loop our internet was out since Friday. Michael will be getting a bit agitated as the group starts uncovering more clues, he sealed a doorway to a dimension of gargoyles during his absence from the boards. He has already dealt with them a few times, and the last was alone in a realm full of them. He will be preparing some heavy combat spells and will follow Cyber's lead.

Are we ever going to uncover that our enemies are gargoyles? Fighting an unknown enemy seems a little more along the lines of BtS.

"We fought gargoyles."
vs.
"There were these huge creatures in the dark that the military were experimenting on . . ."

But that's just my opinion. However, it would be odd if some of us had already come across gargoyles before and be unable to say so. (Has Michael T already done this adventure?)

I'd just like to point out that if I, as a real person, saw something a lot like the Gargoyles from Palladium, I would probably think, "Gargoyle" and not just because I'm a fan of Palladium. They are designed to look like what they are, creatures that exist in our mythology. So it's not entirely unrealistic to have characters encountering them for the first time, name them based on what they know from public culture.

Of course, naming them Reptoids is just as applicable. It all depends on the point of view of the person telling the story. Those who recognize them (Micheal T and Cyber) will know what they are. Whether they identify them outloud is another story. They are just as likely to be too busy trying to shut down the portal and contain the monsters to identify them. As for how they're identified when this story is told at Lazlo, that will depend on who tells that story, yes?

For example, if Cyber posts anything, it will focus on what he sees as the most important parts. Idiot sceintists and engineers who only half understand something to create hell on earth. Although he would prefer not being placed there at all.

It looks like we're avoiding the weapons cache for now then. At least we'll have a fall back point should we have to retreat.

I suppose that means the next major thing is arriving at the area around Sigma? If so, that's probably where the group will split up. Cyber will want Clarity by his side so he can protect her. His main focus will be to get to the aparatas to remove key parts. The troops will need to assualt the invaders if only to cause a distraction. I guess that leaves Raven and Micheal T to decide what they want to do. If they're feeling overly gung ho, they could participate in the assualt. Otherwise they might join Cyber as additional security. Protect him while he does what he needs to do?

Or perhaps something I haven't thought of.

[Lord Z]

Boggs returning at a climatic moment would be fun.

On the way to Sigma Station, I was thinking that we could see other signs of occupation like freshly broken trees, huge footprints, or something large passing overhead. Well, that can be fleshed out in the retelling.

Okay, so we reach the clearing and see most of the buildings leveled by an explosions with a working laser network, and a rift. We see about a dozen monsters prowling around. Raven asks, 'What are they?' A soldier answers, 'hostiles.'

Raven could attempt to rescue the engineers trapped in the shed -- and maybe get a good quote or short interview in the process. No one mentioned the survivors being held for later snacking, but Raven is a precognitive latent psi, so he might have hunch or hear some human voices that others don't.

Micheal pretty much has his choice of going anywhere, all are good options for him.

[Garm]

Do we want the group to encounter the head of Sigma? He is a mid level arcanist, 6th by the book but we can beef him up if we want to be a challenge for Boggs and Michael. He has a cat that is diabolical, maybe a demon familiar from a witch's pact?

[Lord Z]

I like how the original adventure introduced that Arcanist NPC after the climax. I would like to see him introduced into the Lazlo Society version of the world, but not yet. Come to think of it, Cybermancer is weaving a larger Minion Wars storyline, so he might have use of that character. I don't have a preference for how we change him -- nor Raul the cat.

If we are looking for challenge, Gargoyles are no small challenge. Even one is a significant threat, and we have an unspecified number here. And, there might be a Gargoyle Mage or Lord here or something new from the Hades book. Were we rolling dice in this game, I wouldn't like out chances.

[Cybermancer]

Here's an interesting thought I had.

Maybe this isn't the first time the portal has been opened?

Perhaps select members of the project (the arcanist and other specialists) have been crossing over for some time, abducting lone adults, adolescents, children, eggs...

For the Gargoyles, this isn't just an invasion. It's a rescue mission.

Somewhere under Sigma is a lab where hatched specimans have been dissected and studied. Psychics and arcanists were to be brought in to 'train' and 'educate' the hatchlings as soon as they were born. Which is soon...

Or we could stick to the original plot.

[Lord Z]

The original involved a second facility with dead bodies of supernatural critters. If we stick to 2nd edition rules, that shouldn't happen due to discorporation. Abducted gargoyle hatchlings could have interesting reprocussions for followup stories or Dyvalian involvement. I like it.

Boggsy, bwa-ha-ha-ha!

After hearing Matt's plans, Raven will say, 'I'm going to check out that shed. It looks like it's being guarded, but I think I can reach it from the bushes. Clarity, point a laser in someones eye for me.'

[Cybermancer]

Dang.

I totally forgot about that in the aftermath section until you mentioned it and I went to check. At least the eggs thing is still relatively new.

Anyway, it's possible that the (not so) good Doctor is providing a means to prevent discorporation? Or perhaps discorporation isn't a factor when you step through a technologically created Rift/Portal? All questions that don't need to be answered now... or perhaps ever.

I suppose I should figure out Matt's plans, huh?

Okay, assuming a dozen or so of these hostiles, it's probably more than even the soldiers with the group can handle (about a platoon?). So the plan is to break them down into sections. 8-10 troops per and say about four sections.

Section one will fire a bunch of rounds and then retreat, trying to draw as many of the 'hostiles' after them as possible.

Section two and three will ambush anything that goes after section one. The three sections will engage in hit and run tactics against the hostiles. They will continue to fall back, away from the Sigma station, drawing the hostiles further and further away.

Section four will escort the rescue party and provide covering fire for them.

Matt intends to shut down the portal generator things by sneaking up to them and removing critical components. He's fairly confident he can get close to them on his own. If Clarity insists on going with him, he'll allow it over some objection. If she wishes to assist Raven and the others, that will be fine too.

Sequence of events should be:

1. Everyone takes their positions.
2. Section one engages and then retreats.
3. First ambush sprung.
4. Rescue team makes their way to the prisoners.
5. Matt begins disabling the generators.
6. Hopefully sections one, two and three survive long enough to continue to draw out the hostiles as they hit and fall farther and father back.

Of course, plans don't always to as laid out.

[Cybermancer]

I'm not entirely clear, what will Clarity be asking Cyber permission for?

I think keeping the portal open is somethiong we're all behind. Personally, I'd like to see a Gargoyle Mage on the other side being responsible for keeping it open. Especially if the Garg's are looking for a little payback for past tresspasses.

I haven't thought of too many wrenches yet but let's see what I can pull out of the top of my head.
- If Cyber does go about disabling machinery on his own, doesn't mean he'll be left alone.
- A snackable with stolkholm sydrome? (Why is that the second thing that's the top of my head?)
- Upon seeing Clarity do some healing, some Garg (perhaps a female that has lost an egg) thinks, "Useful. I'll keep that one as a pet."
- Upon seeing Raven, some Garg (perhaps a male that has lost a mate) thinks, "Pretty. I'll keep that one as a pet."
- Upon seeing Micheal T do some magic, some Garg (perhaps a mage with something to prove) thinks, "DUEL!"
- Upon seeing Cyber tinkering, some Garg (perhaps having missed their lunch) thinks, "Yummy!"
- Upon seeing what is happening to all his comrads (perhaps after returning from helping the civilians) Dr. Boggs thinks, "To heck with this. Where did I put that flask?"
- Upon seeing Dr. Boggs taking a swig, some Garg (perhaps a like mind) thinks, "Good idea!"
- The base self destruct begins a count down...
- Perhaps the only way to shut down the Rift for good is to cross over to the other side.

Some of these ideas are obviously more serious than others.

[Cybermancer]

:lol:
"Mr. Bird asked if I could point a laser in someones eye for him. Can I?"

Wait, I thought we wanted the portal closed?

But anyway, good ideas . . .

"Only tonight and only if they have tails."

From an outside meta-game perspective we want the portal to remain open to make it more interesting for our poor characters.

And also from a meta-game perspective we also want for our poor characters to find a way to close the portal again.

Our poor characters would just as soon the portal never opened to begin with.

[Cybermancer]

Gotcha, Cybe.

Maybe Clarity can help if Cybermancer turns off the machinery, yet the portal is magically kept open.

Tell me more.

[Cybermancer]

Gotcha, Cybe.

Maybe Clarity can help if Cybermancer turns off the machinery, yet the portal is magically kept open.

Tell me more.

Oh, I just had an idea: Doctor Whatshisface and the Gargoyle mage are working together for some reason (Doc What has the eggs, G Mage wants back?), and neither of them have the P.P.E. to pull off a portal by themselves. But with the right technology, it can be done. Perhaps a betrayal is in the works (by one or both of them), and something happens that neither expected? (Just tossing out random ideas until I can get a cohesive one that actually sticks.)

In a move that later has repercussions--both emotionally and physically--Cybermancer and Clarity force the portal closed at the requisite but inopportune time ("sacrificing" the one for the good of the many). Something to add to the horror.

I like this idea, although it requires a character to be sacrificed. Although perhaps only temporarily.

How's this, then? Cyber crosses over to shut it down from that side (using the scraps he's been pulling out of the machinery on this side). Clarity, Boggs and Micheal T have to also force it closed from their side.

Cyber is a good candidate because he has the means to escape if needs be. It also lets him avoid an uncomfortable breifing later. Finally, it can segway nicely into another plot as it explains why he wasn't present in the dimension during a little temporal mishap. But more on that much later.

[Cybermancer]

Well, the way I see it, the Gargoyle Mage (or any of the Gargoyles) are already villians. So turning them into a villian hardly seems necessary. Just because in this one instance they may have something close to resembling a just provocation doesn't change the fact that they are evil pit spawned monstrosities that plan to conquer and destroy the world. It's just they're possibly postponing that until after they get their eggs back.

Further appearances of a specific Gargoyle Mage working behind the scenes needs no more motivation than, "This world would be easy to conquer. These individuals could be a small problem."

And I'm not sure if everyone would feel bad about closing the portal before the eggs get back. We are after all, talking about sub-demons here. Sub-demons who would like nothing better than to turn the world into a reflection of their own. As sympathetic villians go, they're really not very high on any list.

Honestly, if I were in that situation, closing the portal at all costs would be my only concern. If some monster eggs didn't make it back to the nest, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. I might be concerned if said monster eggs remained in the hands of the Sigma people but not from guilt but from wondering what evil they were planning to enact with them. Nor do I think that would be an evil or even a particularily selfish stance.

I do think that sacrificing something could make for some awesome roleplaying, I can't buy into hand wringing over hades spawned demons overly much. So it's not that I don't like the idea of closing the portal being a big dramatic moment with moral and physical consequences, it's just I have to feel motivated to care about what is being lost, you know what I mean?

Another way this could be accomplished, story wise is with an NPC. If everyone is needed on this side to close the Rift down, who delivers the eggs to the other side? Or maybe some surviving soldiers cross over to kill/distract the mage on the other side and the portal has to be closed on them. No chance to get back, doomed to die horribly on an alien world for a world that will never know of their sacrifice. And only our characters to tell anyone of their tale. Something like that would be more likely to move me emotionally.

Another possibilty we haven't discussed yet is having to work with the Evil Doctor What's his Face in order to close the portal. And only after the fact do we learn about the eggs. Then the heroes can feel various shades of dirty. Especially if soldiers were also sacrificed so this bastard could do whatever evil he (or she?) has planned.

[Cybermancer]

What if the campers with Boggs don't escape? A small hunting pack of Gargoyles catch up to them, swoop in and nab a half dozen of these innocent people. Yes Boggs would try to stop them but I can't see anybody stopping a half dozen of the critters single handed, particularly if they're being clever.

Boggs chases them back to find (whatever's happening at Sigma) but the campers have already been taken through the gateway. There there's the awful moral decision to make, leave the gate open and try to save all those people or close the gate and prevent a Gargoyle invasion?

Not that I don't like the other suggestions but this way saving the world 'could' require sacrificing innocent lives, unlike anyone who's a part of Sigma.

It's actually a pretty good idea.

[Lord Z]

I like Bogg's delinquent also. If attacked by multiple gargoyles, there isn't much Boggs could do. Boggs might already know that Gargoyles are psychic, and they each have the power of Detect Magic. Against a single target, he might be okay, but multiple targets would would be a problem. If he casts magic even sublty during the ambush, he will be exposing himself as a prime target. The escorting soldiers will of course light up a Gargoyle, but it won't help much.

I didn't think we had nearly this many soldiers with us. I would to try rolling out the conflict between the platoon and the Gargs to see how well they do. I don't think that this many humans could get close enough for a sneak attack, even upwind. I'll give the Gargs a Perception Roll.

Perhaps the Gargs are already distracted by something. There could be a brawl when we arrive, much like the one Erin Tarn witnesses.No other options come to my mind at the moment. One thing that definitely should be happening is another Garg arriving through the portal while we watch. The story needs confirmation of the idea that shutting down the portal is a priority.

I don't have. A problem with a Gargoyle Mage being involved so long as there is only one. According to the Triax and NGR book, only 1:20,000 or so Gargoyles is a mage. Micheal has already been through the scenario of going through a portal to face Gargs on the other side, so he might be experiencing some de ja vi. He should be able to recognize which Garg is the mage.

Here is another idea that occurred to me. Maybe the reason the portal won't close is because one of generators was carried over to the other side. These gargoyles might be working with a gremlin who is responsible. The mechanical answer for why the portal won't close would be more in line with Cyber's expertise. Maybe we would like the show down with a Gar-Mage scenario better, but I am throwing this out as an option.

Another

[Cybermancer]

Before we get too excited about killing off the poor soldiers enmasse, I would like to point out a few things.

The typical soldier will be six foot tall, give or take a few inches.

A Gurgoyle can get to be 12 foot tall, give or take a couple of feet.

A Gargoyle is ten to TWENTY feet tall. They have a wing span of up to 18 feet and can weigh up to a ton.

The soldiers will be wearing 'digital' camoflage that is designed to be harder to focus on.

The gargoyles and gurgoyles are a solid color which forms a silhouette. A silhouette is a shape. Shapes are easier to see than broken patterns such as camoflage.

The gargoyles and gurgoyles both have nightvision.

Odds are extremely good that the soldeirs will as well.

Gargoyles and Gurgoyles have superior day vision which is not a factor at night.

So who has the sneaking and hiding advantage here?

[Cybermancer]

Ultimately, the battle between the soldiers and the Gargs is unimportant as it will be happening in the background. I'm just pointing out that when it comes to being seen, the Gargs are at a huge disadvantage in this case despite their visual capablities. They're looking for targets much smaller than themselves, who are wearing clothing specifically designed to defeat detection by vision. The range of their vision is cut down by it being night time (drops from two miles to 3000ft for Gargs and 2000ft for Gurgs). They are hampered yet again by being in the woods and therefore only being able to see as far as the next tree.

Worse, their heads will be in or above the foilage. Where as their kneecaps on down will be at human level vision. The Gargs don't have any enhanced senses beyond their vision, which as I have pointed out is basically neutralized. They have to close to melee range to be effective at all. And while they close, the soldiers will be hosing them with their rifles.

What the soldiers need to hit and defeat the AR of a Gurgoyle is the same as if they were shooting at armored soldiers. Gargoyles are tougher than that but not hugely. Concentrated fire will bring them down and will be easy because they're the size of walking buildings. Grenades are explosive so defeat AR out of the box as would claymores if the soldiers happen to have any.

The horror factor of the Gurg's is no worse than going into battle for the first time. Gargs are a bit more intimidating than that but from the position of an ambush, you have the moment you need to collect yourself.

I actually see it going down something like this:

Decoy soldiers fire some rounds and run.
Gargs give chase and catch one or two, killing them.
Gargs run into ambush.
One or two Gargs or Gurgs fall before closing into melee.
One or two soldiers die.
Soldiers fall back.
One or two more are killed during the chase.
The Gargs and Gurgs run into a new fire zone.
This cycle will repeat until the soldiers are either all dead or run out of bullets and then are hunted down and killed.

It's a battle of attrition they can't win.

But that's fine so long as it buys time enough for the real heroes to do what they got to do.

Now, onto more important matters.

A distraction for the Gargs when the heroes arrive would help tremedously. Perhaps the Gargoyle mage arrives with some troops. A generator is handed over to him or her and then it slips back to the other side? And of course, the gremlin is along, perhaps sitting on the generator.

That can be a big oh crap moment for Cyber.

Also, if the Garg speaks, is there anyone present that could understand it?

And two things for more long term planning.

One, I would definitely like to use the Mad Doc/Witch guy for future Minion War scenerios.

And second, a thought occurred to me.

Had the portal been allowed to remain open a little longer, and say a few thousand of these things made it through, they would wreak unholy havoc before inevitably being dispatched by the military. But before they went down, they would cause so many casualties and so much damage that it would be utterly impossible to cover up.

A well meaning individual reading about these adventures on Lazlo might get it into their head to try and cause just such a thing to occur. Maybe with help from some faction or another. It would fall to those from Lazlo to stop them before hundreds or thousands of people were killed.

Or perhaps the Court of Tarot will move first and have reason to berate members of the Lazlo Society for foolishly wanting to expose the supernatural?

[Cybermancer]

I like the idea of Cyber of having to drag Clarity back to the 'real' world. While he might be tempted to rescue the civies on his own, he wouldn't want to keep Clarity there any longer than absolutely necessary.

Would he be choosing her over a number of others? Certainly.

Is that the 'right' decision? Debatable.

Is it the selfish decision? Yup.

Is it what he would choose? Definitely.

Seems like we are leaning towards a consensus about the climax, which is good considering how long this has been going back and forth.

Perhaps now we should start discussing who should write what parts of the story?

Although there is still the aftermath to completely hash out.

I have from the beginning had an exit strategy for Cyber. I don't really want him directly interacting with the mop up crew or Dr. Dude. So he's going to slip away towards the end. If Boggsy or Clarity want to come with him, they're certainly welcome to. If they do, I'll discuss the details with you two via PM. I know that Cyber would want Clarity to slip away with him and I suspect that the good Doctor Boggs might appreciate a quiet exit as well. If anyone else would just as soon avoid the unpleasantness to follow, let me know.

There will be no record other than eye-witness accounts that he was there. Even the SUV will be gone before the government types get to it.

Oh, and in answer to your question at the end of your last post, Petite Elf girl, I've always interpreted understands as being one way. In some cases, it may mean that the creature can also speak all languages but not necessarily that those listening will understand. Just my take on it.

[Garm]

Michael has an earring that has tongues on it he could activate to understand the creature. He would also offer the chance to teleport out with him to a safe room at one of his homes. Let me know how much I should let Michael off his leash. A 12 th level mage can be pretty nasty at a nexus point.

[Cybermancer]

Michael has an earring that has tongues on it he could activate to understand the creature. He would also offer the chance to teleport out with him to a safe room at one of his homes. Let me know how much I should let Michael off his leash. A 12 th level mage can be pretty nasty at a nexus point.

I say have some fun and flex your muscles a bit. This was a call for the more powerful characters to come and strut their stuff, after all.

[Lord Z]

Agreed! Feel free, Garm, to introduce any other threats you would enjoy seeing Micheal pummel. The same goes for everyone. Anything from Hades could come through that window. The same goes for the rest of you guys. I'm still going to roll the firefight; I might bring in more and more Gargoyles until the soldiers are overwhelmed.

Here is the timeline we have hammered out, I think:
0 minutes: Our characters arrive and observe Gurgoyles, a Gremlin.
1 minute later: Another Gargoyle arrives and starts a brawl. Matt issues his orders.
2 minutes after arrival: Soldiers split into 4 squads, everyone moves.
5 minutes: Squad Alpha attacks the largest concentration of Gurgoyles. Matt & Clarity move towards the first generator. Can Micheal make them invisible or chameleon or something as they will be the most out in the open?
6 minutes: Squads Gamma & Delta get jumped by Gargs prowling the woods. What is Micheal doing all this time?
7 minutes: Raven reaches the shed with Squad Beta, soldiers hold whatever opposition appears. Matt & Clairty move on to generator 2.
8 minutes: firefight continues. Raven tries to free the survivors in the shed.
9 minutes: Gargoyle hunting party returns from the raid against Bogg's group and go back to Hades with captives. Matt & Clarity go to Generator 3.
10 minutes: Firefight continues. Matt & Clarity face some opposition, whatever they can handle quickly.
12 minutes: Gargoyle Mage and his/her personal guard arrive. Raven finally gets into the shed. If Matt or Clarity was wounded, they fall back to cover in order to heal.
13 minutes: Gargoyle Mage and Gremlin leave with the fifth generator. Fresh Gargoyles stay behind to reinforce.
14 minutes: Soldiers if any are left, the firefight continues. Matt eliminates the fourth generator, but the rift still won't close. Raven fights a Gargoylite or another Gremlin. The hostages from the shed run but are picked off by Gargoyles dropping from the sky.
15 minutes: Matt and Clarity follow through the rift. The soldiers are about out of ammo now anyway. They are overwhelmed and run. Raven gets pinned down in the shed.
15 minutes: Boggs arrives and somehow ends the fight, saving at least Raven and anyone else huddled around him. Matt & Clarity accomplish whatever they can in Hades.
16 minutes: Matt dimensionally teleports himself and Clairty back to Earth.
17 minutes: Military arrives with gunships and chase away lingering monsters, capture Raven & anyone else left alive. Boggs & Micheal can magically escape, possibly thinking that Raven is dead.

Please revise!

It seems like Raven is going to be a guest of military. He will post on Lazlo after he is released. Feel free to start the story before him though since it is completely feasible that he will still be hidden away. When I do start posting Raven's p.o.v. on the .org, someone please jump in and correct him. He is prone to exagerations, and he won't witness the entire battle.

So why is Raven being released? Is he sprung by someone else? Is he secretly carrying a spy-microchip? Does Raul intervene and allow the story to be told in order to aid himself (and maybe aiding Dyval by exposing the Gargs). Suggestions? I would like at least some idea of what Cyber plans to do with the character so I don't contradict that.

[Cybermancer]

The time line looks pretty good to me, Lord Z.

As for who springs Raven, Cyber will be putting pressure from his end to have him released almost right away. Raven may never know who was pushing to have him released though. And they could still hold him and try to intimidate him for as long as the law would allow. Anyone know off hand how long someone can be held in the States without being charged?

Or something else if you prefer, just tossing out an option.

As for Raul, I don't have a distinct plan for him yet. Just a thought that I would like to use him. So do what you want with the boy and I'll be sure not to contradict you.

I have to say, this whole thing has been rather entertaining. I've run though this adventure a few times as a player and as a GM but every time it turns out a bit differently. This time was no exception. Everyone added something to the story, many things I personally found new, different and interesting additions. I'm really looking forward to see how it all gets written up.

[Lord Z]

Heh, heh, fingers sewn.

I was originally intending the timeline to actually represent the approximate time which passes, but I am not married to the idea. Is twenty minutes too short? I doubt that the soldiers' ammo more than a couple of minutes of heavy fighting, but plenty could happen between micro-battles. Maybe it takes Cyber longer than that to safely disarm each generator.

Revise! Fill in some blanks!

[Lord Z]

Oh yes, the police can hold a suspect for 24 hours without charges. The military, however, can hold a prisoner for years without charges. Until a recent Supreme Court decision, the military was holding prisoners indefinitely. It doesn't happen often, and I suspect that the military was waiting for that expected ruling specifically, but it does happen.

[Sir Neil]

How many soldiers do we have? Did we say already? How about 12? Their functional gear consists of standard M-16 assault rifles, pistols (don't know what model would be appropriate), survival knives, and combat fatigues. Any explosives?

I can speak to this. Standard military police loadout includes M-4 carbine w/210 rounds, M-9 Beretta pistols w/45 rounds, Gerber Multitool, night vision monocle, and armor vest. Individuals might have bayonets or a grenade. If it was a military police squad (as opposed to, say, infantry), four of the soldiers would have light machine guns (SAWs) instead of carbines and about half would have infrared laser sights. The sergeants may or may not have underbarrel grenade launchers, depending on how seriously the commander takes the danger. You might have heard complaints about the camo pattern, but they work awesome in the dark, even/especially against nightvision.

The cache would be useful for additional ammo and grenades, but is unlikely to have more useful weapons. I mean, we totally have .50 caliber machineguns and automatic grenade cannons, but unless it's mounted on an armored car, they're useless in a running gunfight.

I can't imagine trying to say "Hostiles" except during a formal investigation. Those things in the woods would simply be giants. With a better look, maybe giant "gargoyles" or "lizard men".

[Lord Z]

Thank you a bunch, Sir N. This is very useful information. I like using the term 'giants,' and I think we'll work that in also.

[Sir Neil]

Glad to help. If I can think of other useful information while I'm out here "livin' the dream", I'll post it up.

[Lord Z]

We still need to fill in a lot of blanks concerning what different characters were doing.

[Lord Z]

By the way, the fight did not go well for the soldiers. I divided the platoon into four squads of six soldiers each. Each squad encountered 1D6 monsters. I predicted that ammo would be a major factor, but the firefight did not even last that long. Squad Alpha survived their ambush of some Gurgoyles but they were beaten black and blue as a result. Squads Beta and Delta fought Gargoyles and were taken out in Melee Round 4. Squad Gamma lasted until melee round number 5 before breaking and runnig, but it didn't do them any good. I even gave the soldiers some benefits like ignoring Horror Factors and instantly killing a target on the roll of a natural 20.

Monsters: 5 Gurgoyles discorporated, no Gargoyles
Soldiers: 21 dead

[Cybermancer]

It occurred to me today that the Distraction for Clarity and Cyber could come in the form of a Gremlin (not THE Gremlin but A Gremlin). Cyber could notice that just behind them where they had just disabled one of the generators there was a gremlin fixing what he had done. I think, all things considered, Cyber would lose his ever loving mind on it.

Cyber looks over his shoulder, sees the bugger. It looks up from what it's doing. Their eyes lock.

"Scree?"

"You!"

"Scree!"

Followed by a chase around the generators worthy of Benny Hill.

"I thought you were supposed to break things, you little..."

"Screeeeeeeeee!"

Eventually Cyber would pin it on the ground and start choking it. "This is for Every. Single. Time. One. Of. You. Has. Messed. With. MEEEE!!!"

"SCREEEE!"

Somehow, I picture Clarity pulling Cyber off the thing, although he would bind it somehow first.

Also, it should be wearing jean work overalls and a baseball cap.

[Lord Z]

Run with it, C-Dog!

[Sir Neil]

By the way, the fight did not go well for the soldiers.

Huh. I figured the 120 s.d.c. from their armor and -10 to dodge gunfire would make up for it.

A note on nomenclature. A platoon is made of three or four squads of 10-12 soldiers each. MP squads are divided into 3-soldier teams, each with a sergeant and a machine gunner. Platoons and squads are numbered, teams are alphabetized in each squad. For instance, I'm [squad] 4 Bravo's team leader.

[Cybermancer]

By the way, the fight did not go well for the soldiers.

Huh. I figured the 120 s.d.c. from their armor and -10 to dodge gunfire would make up for it.

Don't get me started.

[Cybermancer]

Well, I'm ready to start writing Cyber's POV on this. I'll post anything I write here to be reviewed by everyone before posting it on ls.org to ensure it doesn't go contrary to how others see things happening.

[Natasha]

It's contrary to how I see things happening.

[Cybermancer]

It's contrary to how I see things happening.

I haven't posted anything yet, Natasha.

[Natasha]

It's contrary to how I see things happening.

I haven't posted anything yet, Natasha.

Ever feel like you can't win?

[Cybermancer]

There are days...

[Lord Z]

Sir Neil, thank you again for the insight.

Concerning the fight, the Gargoyles never tried to dodge. They engaged every human soldier they found by closing the distance, clawing and biting at melee range, and stayed there until that soldier ceased to exist. I admit that I overlooked the soldiers' armor. Since this group was on a reacon-guard duty patrol, they were lightly equiped (but I did give them flash-banf grenades). Even if I had remembered, I don't think I would have applied that armor SDC. Bullet-proof jackets just don't seem relevant when a giant is tearing your head from your shoulders. I did give the soldiers a chance to roll with impact as a FREE action; that is the main reason they lasted as long as they did.

So, a platoon has thirty to forty-eight soldiers? I didn't know that, but I originally suggested finding "about a dozen soldiers" in the woods. The twenty-four that I used was a retroactive upgrade. This is my fault for using the wrong terminology.

[Lord Z]

I guess we can start the .org posts now. I would still like to know what the mages were doing, but perhaps they can fill in those blanks themselves on the .org side. I take it that Matt and Clarity's adventure beyond the looking glass is a surprise we wil have to read about later, hmm?

[Garm]

I am thinking up some stuff for Michael to do I will keep it mostly involving him alone, any interaction with the group will be ran by the involed first. With the gargoyles he will be focused on stopping them.

[Sir Neil]

Since this group was on a reacon-guard duty patrol, they were lightly equiped (but I did give them flash-banf grenades).

Heh. The equipment I listed (4 light machine guns and 4 grenade launchers for 12 soldiers) WAS a lightly equiped unit. When we roll out to deliver school supplies to the local kids we additonally have at least four armored cars with thousands of rounds of ammo, medium machine guns, and shotguns. Under different rules of engagement, we'd have heavy machine guns instead, and maybe anti-tank missiles.

That's just how military police take care of business.

I did give the soldiers a chance to roll with impact as a FREE action; that is the main reason they lasted as long as they did.

Don't forget auto-parry, too. But fair is fair -- the gargoyles get their AR and SDC despite FMJ rounds, the soldiers should get THEIR AR and SDC despite HULK SMASH. The AR is only 12, so on a decent roll the giant still flattens them. On lousy rolls (glancing blows) the giant's strike is dispersed/absorbed by the armor.

So, a platoon has thirty to forty-eight soldiers? I didn't know that, but I originally suggested finding "about a dozen soldiers" in the woods. The twenty-four that I used was a retroactive upgrade. This is my fault for using the wrong terminology.

No biggy. A squad would be patrolling together, and so a dozen soldiers is perfectly reasonable. I just wanted to give you the correct terminology. Most likely you'd have another squad from the platoon on QRF (quick reaction force), the third squad patrolling the base, and the fourth chillaxin.

*evil GM smile* For plausible deniability, they could be National Guard troops on their two week annual training. If Sigma Station is careful about which areas they can access, this could provide them with a ready security force that doesn't stay long enough or have the emotional investment to dig into their secrets. The players could mind read any of them to no useful effect.

[Lord Z]

Okay, if I find time, I'll try re-rolling the combat using standard rules and more gear for the soldiers. I don't think it will make a significant difference, but I am a little curious now.

[Cybermancer]

Okay, if I find time, I'll try re-rolling the combat using standard rules and more gear for the soldiers. I don't think it will make a significant difference, but I am a little curious now.

I really wouldn't worry too much about it. The soldiers are part of the background narrative. And the Palladium rules don't really simulate this sort of thing effectively anyway. It's a system that was made for swords and sorcery and then had modern combat bolted on as an after thought. What's more, it's difficult (as well as time consuming) for one person to simulate something like this because of individual bias. It's not something that can really be overcome as it is often invisible to ourselves.

So far as the story goes all we really need to move forward is to know that the soldiers did their job of drawing the Gargs away, took down a few and then died.

If you're still just curious however, then by all means go forward.

I can certainly offer a lot of advice and point out some things to consider if that's your intent.

[Lord Z]

No, I was kidding myself. I don't have nearly enough time for it right now.