[CCrusaders] Bert says, "Log on."
[CCrusaders] Peri says, "So Cuddlepaws' death took me by surprise, I have to admit"
[CCrusaders] Peri says, "Thankfully she's a comic book character"
[CCrusaders] Peri says, "And a cat! Nine lives"
[Crows-Nest] Peri says, "Okay I'm done scaring future Tale reading this transcript"
[CCrusaders] Peri says, "So we were in combat at the top of the right afaik"
Peri displays the initiative: Melificent(6) Astrid/Eben(5) Wanda(3) Jacob(2) Medusae Guardians(1) Cultists(-2)
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Except here."
[CCrusaders] Eben | https://jamboard.google.com/d/1mJjH723jMTrW8PrjyZwNicervMvafzrMbBcTJP1K6nM/viewer
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "We are! Is everyone ready?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob and the birds are totally ready
GM says, "The last time we saw our heroes, they were in the middle of a dark shadow ritual being carried out by Astrid and the rest of the Disciples of Darkness, along with her protege, Melificent."
GM says, "There, they had found a pet carrier holding none other than Cuddlepaws herself. But while trying to rescue her, Wanda found her body under Astrid's control! And Eben has disappeared into a shadow portal."
GM exclaims, "Will the heroes be able to rescue CP and stop the ritual before Crownsford is turned into a suburb of the shadow dimension, and the Disciples of Shadow have all the shadow power they could ever want at their fingertips? Let's find out in this exciting chapter of the CROWNSFORD CRUSADERS!"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "https://jamboard.google.com/d/1mJjH723jMTrW8PrjyZwNicervMvafzrMbBcTJP1K6nM/viewer?f=0"
GM advances the initiative: MELIFICENT(6) Astrid/Eben(5) Wanda(3) Jacob(2) Medusae Guardians(1) Cultists(-2)
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Does anyone have any questions or need to be reminded of anything before we start?"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Mel's cat's name. Again ;-)"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Fluffy!"
[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "I think?"
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "I was close!"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "I believe that's correct."
[CCrusaders] Peri says, "Herr Floofen"
Peri sets her current fate point total to 1.
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Also, for me:"
Melificent raises her hands up toward the sky. The clouds darken, thunder rumbles, and flashes of restrained lightning briefly illuminate the night.
[CCrusaders] Eben | In the shadow realm, the chalk circles and painted runes are glowing brightly.
[CCrusaders] Eben | The torches surrounding the cement altar also take on an ethereal nature, as if some of them were more than just flames.
GM rolls Fantastic (6) + 4dF: 0 +1 0 -1 | Fantastic (6)
[CCrusaders] Eben | They don't look like normal flames that could be extinguished easily. But three of them five are glowing more brightly than the other two, which are noticeably dimmer.
[CCrusaders] GM says, "She just did a Create Advantage to add two more free invokes to her stormclouds (success with style)."
Melificent says, "The Disciples of Shadow are a family, and this family comes first!"
GM advances the initiative: Melificent(6) ASTRID/EBEN(5) Wanda(3) Jacob(2) Medusae Guardians(1) Cultists(-2)
[Crows-Nest] Peri says, "hey! that's a trademarked aspect"
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Also I forgot to rename myself haha"
[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Eben), "Did you just update that aspect on the sheet?"
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "I did!"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(it had been fully tagged and was in the middle)"
GM exclaims, "Astrid!"
[Crows-Nest] Wanda asks (of GM), "Um. Astrid is you?"
Astrid reaches out one hand and draws back the other, as if she were drawing a bow. When she releases it, a shadow arrow appears and flies toward Jacob!
Jacob eep
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Yes, and it took me a moment to type :)"
GM rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 +1 -1 +1 | Epic (7)
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "no worries ^^"
Jacob dodges.. maybe...
Jacob rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: 0 -1 -1 +1 | Average (1)
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "........."
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "That would be six shifts of stress. How will you handle that?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Is this it? Our first TPK?"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "You can tag a bunch of things, including your bird flock."
[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Did FP refresh, or are we technically in the same scene?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "So it wouldn' have?"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(saying it distracted her, perhaps?)"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "I'll let you refresh."
Jacob sets her current fate point total to 3.
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Ok, one sec. Will probably reroll, plus let's see."
[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Can you dodge with Lore?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "your advanced knowledge of ballistics..."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "You only rolled a -1, so taking a +2 is usually better."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Probably, yeah. Can spend one FP to do that, but I need to tag something, probably the birds, to refoll"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "With Lore"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I think the birds are so attuned to me that they try to help, so tagging one of those invokes, and using Lore to dodge because I've read about that"
Jacob spends a fate point, leaving her with 2.
Jacob rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 +1 +1 +1 | Epic (7)
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Wow."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Yay"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "That's a tie! So Astrid will only get a boost. Do you want to narrate how that happened?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Typing"
(From Jacob) Time seems to stop for a moment, as Jacob looks between the shadow arrow and the seagulls, suddenly remembering something he learned in a book about birds, and it almost seems as if he flies out the way.
GM says, "And the shadow arrow strikes the pavement behind him, shattering into nothing."
GM displays the initiative: Melificent(6) ASTRID/EBEN(5) Wanda(3) Jacob(2) Medusae Guardians(1) Cultists(-2)
GM exclaims, "Eben!"
Eben, in mid-air, puts on his industrial-strength oven mitts (whose existence was established in scene []), then as he flies near the concrete block altar, grabs one of the more dimly-glowing torches and attempts to yank it out of its holder!
Jacob lands on his feet and mutters something rude in Astrid's direction.
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "That checks out. You brought them back for chain breaking."
GM says (to Eben), "Ooh, interesting. You feel the shadow energy throbbing in it as you grab a hold of it."
GM says (to Eben), "It'll be a +2 Physique overcome to get it free, but I'm also going to tag some things."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "OK, straight physique for now:"
Eben rolls Good (3) + 4dF: +1 0 +1 -1 | Great (4)
GM says, "First, your Extra Shadow Shocked consequence which is recovering, but I believe is still present? Because the shadows are strong against you."
GM says, "And second, One of the more brightly lit torches flares up, throwing everything into a kaleidescope of colors that make it difficult for you to concentrate."
GM asks, "That makes it 6 opposition -- do you counter that?"
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "I feel like I would like to succeed at a cost!"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Excellent! Do you think being temporarily blinded by the light for your next turn is a fair cost?"
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Sure!"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Typing:"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "And, perhaps entirely coincidentally, another one of the boxes for that Mysterious Countdown on the aspects sheet has been greyed out."
Eben, flying at the torch, feels drawn into its shadow-purple glare. Gritting his teeth, he reaches behind it, to where he knows it's attached to the concrete altar, and uses his momentum and an opportune *twist* to pull it off! But the glare from the torch glows more brightly before it goes out, Eben watching helplessly, and when it finally goes out, all Eben can see is the afterglow of the flickering flames, the shapes twisting into figures reminding him of past defeats and lost friends. Which doesn't help as he crashes to the ground. He rolls back to a standing position, but realizes that for now, all he can see is the constant shifting flickering of the now-extinguished torch.
Eben advances the initiative: Melificent(6) Astrid/Eben(5) WANDA(3) Jacob(2) Medusae Guardians(1) Cultists(-2)
GM exclaims, "And as for the rest of you: you see one of the torches attached to the altar twist and somehow come loose from it!"
Astrid says, "What is this? What's happening?"
GM exclaims, "Wanda!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Right!"
GM says (to Wanda), "Your mind is free, but your body is presently under Astrid's control."
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "There's a barrier between Cuddlepaws and the cultists, right?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Can I melt the cat carrier open so that Cuddles can make a run for it?"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Yes! Overcome vs. +2!"
Wanda rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 -1 -1 +1 | Superb (5)
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "With style!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "So I could force movement"
GM says, "Success with style! Do you have forced movement as-- ha ha."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "So it says 'up to two zones' in the description"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Yes! With Forced Movement, you can get CP entirely out of the scene if you want."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I'll do that! RPing..."
(From Wanda) A line of flame runs from one of Wanda's legs to the cat carrier, and the front bars melt at a terrifying speed! Wanda's flames then form a tunnel that shows Cuddles the quickest way out and shields her from being intercepted by cultists on the way
Wanda exclaims, "Go, Cuddles, go!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "That's my RP, I'll let the GM continue/advance"
GM exclaims, "And with cat-like speed and agility, Cuddlepaws is up and over the fence, and on her way home!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Woo!"
GM advances the initiative: Melificent(6) Astrid/Eben(5) Wanda(3) JACOB(2) Medusae Guardians(1) Cultists(-2)
Astrid says, "Nooooo! You meddling fools! You're ruining everything!"
GM exclaims, "Jacob!"
[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Ok, so if the seagulls try to move into Astrid/Meleficient's zone, I presume the guardian in their zone will attack, yeah?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Alternatively, they might just go into one of the other zones and dive bomb some more cultists there, and maybe that will be less of an attack from guardians?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "It'll use their special ability to completely block them from moving from the SE zone to the center zone."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Ah ha"
[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "But they could probably travel north?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Yup."
Jacob requests that the flock move into the NE zone and attack the cultists there.
Jacob rolls Legendary (8) + 4dF: -1 +1 -1 0 | Epic (7)
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(As I try to find the notes where I put the Cultists' stats...)"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "I can't, so I'll assume they have +1!"
GM rolls Average (1) + 4dF: +1 0 +1 -1 | Fair (2)
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Aw, yiss"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Four in each quadrant, with two stress each, so that takes out two and a half of them!"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Neat."
Jacob advances the initiative: Melificent(6) Astrid/Eben(5) Wanda(3) Jacob(2) MEDUSAE GUARDIANS(1) Cultists(-2)
GM says, "And the Guardian nearest Wanda will attack her with its great stone fists."
GM rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 0 -1 +1 | Fantastic (6)
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Technically, if you take out half a cultist, depending on which half they're out stone cold"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Left."
GM exclaims (at Wanda), "And between being Shadow Poisoned and a bit Fried, you're going to find this one hard to take!"
Wanda rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 +1 0 0 | Superb (5)
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Using both of those free tags.)"
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Eep, so 5-3=2 stress"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Oh, and I forgot it had a boost against you from last round."
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "So it tags that too!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "So 4 stress total then"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(-3? Not -2?)"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Oh you're right"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "So you have five stress to absorb."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Hm, I only have a moderate and a 4-stress left"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "What to do..."
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Any free tags you can use?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Oh no."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "There's a lot of stuff to tag, yeah."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I could tag the steel beams."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Which makes that 3 stress (or a reroll)"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Sounds good. They're in the next zone over, so you'll have to come up with a good way for them to apply."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Oh dear"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "The Construction Materials are in your zone."
[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "We've still got a free tag on 1 of those 6 aspects, so tag the construction materials again because they're in your zone?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Timing"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(and can also be tagged)"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Oh I can tag those again? I missed that"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I'll do that then, thanks friends ^^"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Everyone can tag all of them once, and because of Jacob, we can tag one twice."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Yay-cob"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "And this'll be the second tag for that one, I believe."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Yep"
[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Wanda), "Do you want to narrate out the construction materials help you?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(And I assume you're taking stress rather than a consequence?)"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I do! (unless you already have an idea)"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Go for it."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "and yep, ticking that 4 box"
GM says, "Meanwhile, apparently the idea that there's some connection between Jacob and those pesky birds has filtered throw those stony heads, and the other three Medusae Guardians each start hurling stones at Jacob."
Wanda kicks a pulley which wraps itself around the rock monster's arm, slowing its blow as she tries to dodge! But gets hit by debris like shrapnel, sadly
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Oof"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Three separate attacks. And I'm tagging all of the 'Armed' aspects and incorporating them into the initial rolls."
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 -1 0 +1 | Superb (5)
GM rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 0 0 +1 | Fair (2)
GM rolls Mediocre (0) + 4dF: +1 +1 -1 -1 | Mediocre (0)
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Those will be three separate defenses."
Jacob rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 +1 +1 +1 | Great (4)
Jacob rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: 0 0 0 0 | Fair (2)
Jacob rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 0 0 +1 | Fair (2)
[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "one stress?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "And for the second one, let's tag Acid Splashed."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Unles syou're tagging more"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Which MG is that, out of curiositY? :)"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Because it's difficult to move with those acid burns from the old spellbook."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "So I can tag something useful in response"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "MG?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Oh, Guardian."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Medusae Guardian"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "First was the NE one, then the NW one, thn the SW one."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "And the tag brings those attacks up to 5, 4 and 0 respectively."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(This is also my way of cleaning up some of the aspects cluttering up the sheet :) )"
Jacob will dodge behind the charred remains, such as they are, of the fence to avoid the second hit
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Ha"
[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Jacob), "So you're turning the second one into a tie, so they just get a boost?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Yeah, I guess so"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"
GM advances the initiative: Melificent(6) Astrid/Eben(5) Wanda(3) Jacob(2) Medusae Guardians(1) CULTISTS(-2)
[CCrusaders] Jacob absorbs the stress from the first hit
GM says, "The cultists continue their chanting, and some of them begin to segue into the next phase, which seems to involve some kind of representational dance."
GM advances the initiative: END OF ROUND
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "dance monkeys dance"
Melificent says, "The Beast is gone! Is the ritual lost?"
Astrid says, "No, not yet. There still a way..."
Jacob calls "YES! Give up now, and we won't hurt you."
Melificent looks uncertain, but she apparently trusts Astrid. And Wanda seems to be the biggest problem here, so she calls down lightning against her from the clouds!
GM rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 -1 +1 0 | Great (4)
Wanda rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 +1 +1 0 | Legendary (8)
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Let's tag some things!"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "First, both tags on the stormclouds, of course."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Second, the piles of construction materials, which get in your way and make it difficult for you to dodge."
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "And finally, the steel beams in the adjacent zone! You would think they'd act as a lightning rod to draw the lightning away from you, but instead, it's almost like she's some using them to aim, as the bolt almost ricochets off of them toward you!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "That is very badass I have to admit"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "That brings her attack up to a 12!"
[CCrusaders] Jacob nail bites.
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Well, I literally only have a Moderate consequence left, so I'd have to tag two things to avoid taking damage, or just let it stand"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Yeah"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "My inclination would be to take the moderate."
[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "That takes her out, doesn't it?"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Ooh, something else I can tag next time!"
[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Or not?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "No, but it means any extra stress will either be me taken out, or taking an Extreme Consequence"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "No, you still absorb it, you just can't take anything else."
[CCrusaders] GM says (to Jacob), "No, she only gets taken out if she takes stress that she *can't* absorb somehow."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "A ha"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I take the Consequence! But only because the narration was so cool"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Woo!"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "What will you call it?"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "If anyone wants to escape the fighty things into the shadow zone, my portal's still open."
[Setting the zoned flag.]
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "'Heavy Metal Album Covered'"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Hee."
GM advances the initiative: MELIFICENT(6) Astrid/Eben(5) Wanda(3) Jacob(2) Medusae Guardians(1) Cultists(-2)
GM advances the initiative: Melificent(6) ASTRID/EBEN(5) Wanda(3) Jacob(2) Medusae Guardians(1) Cultists(-2)
Astrid says, "It's a shame that you've taken the specially prepared Beast that we had planned to use for the ritual."
Astrid sighs.
Astrid says, "But I suppose the blood of a maiden will do just as well."
Melificent says, "Wait. What?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "nooooo"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Ha"
GM says, "And shadowy tendrils reach up out of the altar to bind around Melificent's legs, arms, and even her mouth."
GM displays the initiative: Melificent(6) ASTRID/EBEN(5) Wanda(3) Jacob(2) Medusae Guardians(1) Cultists(-2)
GM exclaims, "Eben!"
GM exclaims, "You are, until the end of this turn, blinded!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Much like justice"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I was about to ask if I could see what was going on, but I guess the answer is no ;-)"
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Can I hear?"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "You can!"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "OK, so I know what's going on, just can't see it."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "And you may even be able to hear a muffled 'mff! Mrmmph!' in Melissa's voice."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "thinking, thinking..."
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "I can't just open a portal under Mel, because they'll hold her up, no?"
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Next season: Eben gets Super Senses from a homemade hearing aid"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "I'd let you do an opposed check against Astrid's shadow powers, but you'd still need to succeed wth style for forced movement."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "And it'd be more difficult because of the blindness."
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "OK, straw poll: try to move Mel out of the way, or be tricky and move Astrid?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Astrid might be more powerful in the shadow realm"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Agreed"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Yeah, I was just going to move her around in the real world."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Because yes ;-)"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Oh, then it's back to being a juicy dilemma"
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Spiderman bridge scene!"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Hee."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I think I have to try to save Mel."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Yeah that's in character"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK! That's an Overcome with Shoot!"
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Right!"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "So, just a normal +4. Also, I would like to tag Cement Altar to counteract my blindness, since Jacob's description was so vivid that I can still imagine exactly how it looks."
Eben rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 -1 -1 -1 | Average (1)
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Ow!"
GM rolls Fantastic (6) + 4dF: +1 0 0 +1 | Legendary (8)
[CCrusaders] GM says, "That's her defense."
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Would you like to narrate how that turns out?"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Well, I'm tagging Adopted or Not, you're All My Kids to re-roll, at least."
Eben spends a fate point, leaving them with 1.
Eben rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 -1 +1 +1 | Great (4)
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "That's closer!"
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Was Runic Comprehension mine?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "I *think* it was Jacob's? But I honestly can't remember what it's from."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Probably mine"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I studied some runes here crownsford-4-3-2.html"
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Even if not, let's say Jacob shared his information with me, letting me understand how the altar works, and therefore where the shadow arms are coming from, letting me spam the surface with portals, cutting them off one by one. If that's OK with Jacob?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Sure"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Aha, yeah, the ones on the stone in the sewer."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(How could I forget? That was just this afternoon!)"
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Leaving me at a tie?"
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "And I'd need 3 more for a forced movement?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "A tie would get you a success (at creating the portal in the right place) with a minor cost."
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Would she also be free of the shadow tendrils?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Right."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Hmm."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "That's a good question."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Let's say yes."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "OK, given that Mel gets to go before Astrid, that seems interesting enough."
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Any idea for a minor cost?"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "How about you can't use your movement to leave this zone?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Which you might not have wanted to anyway.)"
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "I'll take it!"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "OK, narrating:"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Woo! And remember, you get your sight back at the end of this."
Eben's blue portal suddenly appears on the surface of the altar (in the real world), severing one of the shadow tentacles that bound Melificent! Then it dematerializes, reappearing at another spot, severing another one! Astrid tries desperately to reassert her control over the tentacles, but in the end, a blue portal is open right below Mel, with her free, and the orange one still where it was, near one of her guardians to the SW!
GM advances the initiative: Melificent(6) Astrid/Eben(5) WANDA(3) Jacob(2) Medusae Guardians(1) Cultists(-2)
GM exclaims, "Wanda!"
Eben, who had been doing all this from the shadow realm with his eyes closed, envisioning the altar and the runes, relaxes and opens his eyes again, satisfied.
[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "How do I break free of the body control?"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Are you trying to completely break free, or just physically overpower it for a turn?"
GM says (to Eben), "And you might notice that one of the torches that was burning more brightly is now dimmer."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "For a turn might be enough"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Physique Overcome, vs. +2!"
Wanda rolls Good (3) + 4dF: 0 0 0 +1 | Great (4)
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "You succeed! You can, with great difficulty, act of your own volition for the moment!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "So I can't go directly to the center zone without being blocked, right?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Right. Not unless you somehow get rid of that Guardian in the way."
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "The Medusae might not be blocking you any more?"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I guess not."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Well. That was their last order, at least."
[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "So I could launch myself up and then use the flames from my body to guide myself in an arc above the destination zone, with the goal of letting gravity do the work of making me land on Astrid?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "(one possible plan)"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "That definitely sounds cool enough for me to let you try! I'd call it two Overcomes, though."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Another plan: Meteor Strike the Guardian, but the debris could kill everyone so nope"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to GM), "First plan then ^^"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Althletics to get up into the air; Provoke to steer yourself with flame.)"
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "OK!"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Vs. +2 and then +4."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Athletics first:"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Respectively.)"
Wanda rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 +1 0 0 | Superb (5)
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Success with style!"
Wanda rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 +1 0 +1 | Fantastic (6)
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "And success again! Astrid won't want to be collided with, so she's going to try to dodge that second one!"
GM rolls Fantastic (6) + 4dF: 0 0 +1 -1 | Fantastic (6)
[CCrusaders] GM says, "And since she's on her own altar, she's going to tag it to succeed at evading you."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Unless you tag something as well?)"
[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Can I tag the boost from my Athletics success (my legs are in a good position) and then spend an fp on something?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "To counter that"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Yes!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I'll tag Apprentice Polymath (I recalculated my fall to compensate for Astrid's mvoement)"
Wanda spends a fate point, leaving her with 0.
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Describe your blasting!"
Wanda strains against the paralysis, and her recently hardened exoskeleton creaks, but she flares up red hot and becomes part fireball, actually turning parts of herself into flame that she then controls with her fire powers! So she's able to leap up into the air, high above the guardian. Then, calculating her trajectory and compensating for drag, etc, she strategically flares off flames from her body to guide her fall in a downward arc, adjusting on the fly so as to crash down like a Meteor on top of Astrid.
Wanda telepathically THIS ENDS NOW
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "RP done"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Also she would have taken 2 stress from the heat (Astrid)"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "And she takes two physical stress from contact with the flamespider?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Yep"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "So, everyone else is being directly useful, and I'm just like "gonna keep taking out cultists" unless someone has a better plan :)"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "It stops them from coming to Astrid's aid"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I figure no cultists, no ritual"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "That seems good to me, actually."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "All right then"
Astrid frantically tries to get away from Wanda, but she's too slow. Only *after* she's knocked to the ground do you see her suddenly disappear in a *poof* of shadow.
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Oh no"
[CCrusaders] GM says (to Wanda), "Hey, since you're sitting on top of her, do you think you would be brought with her, or no? (Your choice.)"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I'd be brought with her, I think, it's a grapple practically"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Plus, it's a fun superhero fight trope"
GM says (to Jacob), "You see Astrid *and* Wanda disappear in a poof of shadow."
GM says (to Wanda), "You feel a *lurch*, and the world feels like it tips sideways as you stumble and roll off of Astrid onto the altar."
GM says (to Wanda), "You're apparently still on the altar, but suddenly everything else seems more shadowy and distant, like when you were in the shadow realm."
GM exclaims, "And hey, there's Eben!"
Wanda says, "Grandpa! Brought you a friend"
Eben exclaims, "Oh, wow, portal-less shadow transferrence!"
GM says (to Eben), "And from *your* perspective, Astrid and Wanda -- who previously looked shadowy and distant -- suddenly seem very much *real* and *present* where you are."
GM advances the initiative: Melificent(6) Astrid/Eben(5) Wanda(3) JACOB(2) Medusae Guardians(1) Cultists(-2)
GM exclaims, "Jacob!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Oh no he's all alon :("
Jacob mutters, "Oh great." But out loud, he shouts, "Look! Your leader has turned on her friend AND deserted y'all. Stand down, or face the birds." (provoking the cultists, maybe? with a FP to use lore instead)
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Alone, even"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Unless that's dumb, in which case, he says it and attacks anyway :)"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Just as long as I'm not elon."
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Ooh. So, an Overcome, and what are you trying to get them to do?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I was gonna say that! (alon/elon)"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to Eben), "haha"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "turn tail and leave"
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Stop this endless culting!"
Jacob spends a fate point, leaving her with 1.
Jacob rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 -1 0 +1 | Great (4)
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Hmm. That seems like more than you could do with one action..."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Oh"
[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Well, sow doubt and mistrust?"
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "It could be a mental attack?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "...but you could probably get them to stop doing the ritual for this turn."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "That works, too"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Like, do X mental stress and some of them leave?"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "That would also work!"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Hmmmm"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Too many options"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Heh."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Everyone stop for one turn, or a few of them stop permanently."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I'm not sure what stopping for a turn buys us"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Unless they lose traction on the ritual"
[CCrusaders] Jacob meta-games :D
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I think either would be helpful."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "OOC, I'll tell you that if they go for a turn without *any* of them doing the ritual, and they don't have something appropriate they can tag to make up for it, then it'll end."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(That includes Astrid and/or Mel.)"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Interesting."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "In fact, IC I'll say that Jacob suspects that, with his high Lore."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Ok, let's try that then (stopping for a turn)"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Anyway, I rolled a 4"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Oh yeah!"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Combat that however you need to"
GM rolls Average (1) + 4dF: -1 -1 0 0 | Poor (-1)
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "And you succeeded with style!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "The cultists chose... poorly (-1)"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Hee"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Do you want to narrate your success with style?)"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I did my narration, they're youre cultists"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "your"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Ha ha."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "But I imagine they're like "yeah! what he said!" and they stop their silly dancing"
GM says, "The cultists all turn to look at Jacob. Then to the altar, where Melificent is standing. They seem confused, uncertain how to proceed."
GM advances the initiative: Melificent(6) Astrid/Eben(5) Wanda(3) Jacob(2) MEDUSAE GUARDIANS(1) Cultists(-2)
GM says, "But the Medusae Guardians still have their orders! Unfortunately, there's only one person left to attack."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Welp"
GM exclaims, "And he's pretty far away. But they'll do their best, grabbing anything heavy they can find and hurling it toward him!"
[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Style on an overcome comes with a boost?"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Yes!"
GM says, "The NW Guardian still has a boost against Jacob. The SE one is next to the Excavated Pit, which has unearthed plenty of decent stones."
GM says, "The SW one is next to a bulldozer, which is too big to throw, but it does rip the shovel off the front of it. Abd the one in the NE just starts ripping off pieces of the fence."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "So each one is tagging something! And I'll include all of those in their rolls."
GM rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 0 +1 0 | Fair (2)
GM rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: 0 -1 -1 +1 | Average (1)
GM rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: 0 0 -1 -1 | Mediocre (0)
GM rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 -1 +1 -1 | Mediocre (0)
Jacob rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: +1 -1 +1 0 | Good (3)
Jacob rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: +1 +1 0 0 | Great (4)
Jacob rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: 0 0 -1 +1 | Fair (2)
Jacob rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 +1 0 -1 | Average (1)
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Four ranged attacks, as everything in the construction yard is suddenly raining down on you!"
Jacob dodge dodge dodge dodge.
Wanda Thanks for super sight, he'll see them coming
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "except here"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "whoops"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Woo! Not a single hit?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "also wooo!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Honestly Jacob is the coolest"
Jacob tada!
GM exclaims, "Rocks, wood, and then suddenly the severed front end of an entire bulldozen crash into the sidewalk around you, but you emerge completely unscathed!"
GM advances the initiative: Melificent(6) Astrid/Eben(5) Wanda(3) Jacob(2) Medusae Guardians(1) CULTISTS(-2)
GM says, "The cultists aren't sure how to proceed. It seems like the torches are beginning to dim. But then..."
GM exclaims, "Wanda and Eben see another one of the brighter torches flare up!"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Oh dang"
GM says, "It seems to be lending its strength to the others. It's now dimmed as well, but the ritual is still intact... so far."
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "And another one of the ticked boxes in the Mysterious Countdown is greyed out!"
GM advances the initiative: END OF ROUND
GM advances the initiative: MELIFICENT(6) Astrid/Eben(5) Wanda(3) Jacob(2) Medusae Guardians(1) Cultists(-2)
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Please, Mel, redeem yourself"
Melificent says, "What is this? Is it just me now? Am I in charge...?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "It's Always An Option"
Melificent says, "What's the good of being in charge if everything is just falling apart?"
Melificent slumps down on the altar, her head in her arms. And the Medusae Guardians surrounding her crumble into loose rocks.
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Woooo!"
GM advances the initiative: Melificent(6) ASTRID/EBEN(5) Wanda(3) Jacob(2) Medusae Guardians(1) Cultists(-2)
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "(And also a bit awww)"
Astrid gets to her feet, and turns to face Eben with an expression of pure poison on her face.
Astrid says, "*You*. *You're* the one behind all of this, aren't you?"
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "A withering look, would you say"
Eben asks, "I mean, I thought you were?"
GM exclaims, "A sword with a blade made of sharpened shadow suddenly appears in her hand!"
Astrid says, "You're in *my* domain now. ANd you're not going to stand in my way any longer!"
GM exclaims (at Eben), "And she attacks you with the sword!"
GM rolls Legendary+3 (+11) + 4dF: -1 +1 0 0 | Legendary+3 (11)
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "So this is a weird question:"
[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "can I help Eben defend actively using Influence against Astrid to slow her hand?"
Eben considers escaping through a portal, but sees how beat up Wanda is, and decides to stay. He does try to dodge, though.
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I think it's probably not allowed and I'm thinking of a different RPG"
Eben rolls Good (3) + 4dF: +1 +1 0 +1 | Fantastic (6)
[CCrusaders] GM says, "I think that if you tried to defend him, you'd be putting yourself into her path if you failed."
[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "But I'm not able to move?"
[CCrusaders] Eben says (to Wanda), "My total stress right now is a '1' and that's it. Let me take this."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Oh then it's all good haha"
GM says, "To make things more interesting, let's actually spend one of my fate points."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "If that's... Oh, OK."
GM says, "Tagging Extra Shadow Shocked -- which means you'll actually get this FP at the end of the scene."
GM says, "Because you are particularly suscepticle to shadow magic at the moment."
[CCrusaders] Eben labels the fate point 'To Use In 2024'.
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "hahaha"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Hee."
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "So, 7 stress?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Which makes it seven stress, unless you tag anything."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(And I'm done tagging, so you can narrate at will.)"
GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 2.
GM gives a fate point to Eben (queued up for the next scene).
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I'll take a 3 and a Moderate."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "And narrating:"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "And what will your Moderate be called? (When you're done.)"
Eben grimly dodges, a bit distracted by the science behind materializing a sword out of shadow-stuff, but with enough self-preservation still intact to try to avoid the pointy end. He moves like the wind, slipping past attack after attack--but Melificent is relentless, and Eben ends up winded, with a nasty gash on his side.
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "'Shadow Gash'"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "s/Melificent/Astrid"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Whoops, yes."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "'You're all my kids, except you, I just disowned you'."
GM displays the initiative: Melificent(6) ASTRID/EBEN(5) Wanda(3) Jacob(2) Medusae Guardians(1) Cultists(-2)
GM exclaims, "Eben!"
Eben then takes advantage of a pause in the onslaught to dodge past Astrid and attempt to yank the final brightly-glowing torch from the altar!
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Deceive?"
GM says (to Eben), "Sounds good! Which she'll oppose with Empathy."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I am sure Astrid has a ton of Empathy; it's what makes her what she is."
Eben rolls Good (3) + 4dF: +1 0 +1 -1 | Great (4)
GM rolls Good (3) + 4dF: -1 -1 -1 +1 | Average (1)
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Hee."
GM exclaims, "Spending two fate points!"
GM says, "First, to tag the Altar itself, because this is the thing she's been focused on all night."
GM says, "Second, to tag her own trouble: Can't Let Things Drop. Because she doesn't want to lose this."
GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 1.
GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 0.
GM says, "And, let's also tag that Shadow Gash Eben just got."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "We did it! We drained all of the GM's fp"
GM says, "Bringing her roll to a 7."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Ha ha."
Eben spends a fate point on 'The Red Menace Is Still Out There... and We Play Bridge On Thursdays', because he knows how villains think.
Eben spends a fate point, leaving them with 0.
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "And can I tag jacob's Confused Cultists boost, saying that their sudden stopping meant that Astrid was bereft of some of the power she was expecting?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Works for me"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "I mean, that is *literally* true, but in the sense that that's why there's only one bright torch left rather than two."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "But, oh, alright."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Yay"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "In which case, Astrid is going to tag the last torch itself!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Maybe she also senses a lack of funky moves on the dance floor"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Which flares as you try to grab it!"
Eben exclaims, "Aaaaahhh!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Success at a cost? or not"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Yeah, success at a cost seems perfect."
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Next season: Eben builds himself a cool prosthetic arm"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Would it be too extreme of a cost to suggest that it permanently brands Eben's face with a scar shaped like Astrid's rune?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(I'm open to other alternatives that you think would be more interesting.)"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I mean, a cool scar sounds like an advantage instead of a cost ;-)"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Ha ha."
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Then if you like it, let's go with it!"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "But something with unforseen consequences in the future seems good, too."
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Narrate how you completely destroy this ritual!"
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "OK! Narrating!"
Eben seeminly comes at Astrid with his bare fists, and Astrid laughs. "Fool! I have a swor--" and just at that moment, Eben dodges around her and goes for the final glowing torch! Astrid screams and throws her sword, which reaches Eben just as he reaches the flame. The torch flares, and the sword dissolves as it strikes Eben in the back of his head, and it bursts through his face as the torch burns him, shadow energies pouring through each other in a flury of exploding energies. With the last of his strength, Eben yanks the torch from the altar, and he twists to fall to the ground, Wanda sees Astrid's rune burned into Eben's face, in the last light of the final torches, which then collapse, leaving everyone in darkness.
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Wow"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Metal."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Wo"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Woo"
GM says, "And in that complete and utter darkness that surrounds you in the shadow realm, you hear a sound like flapping wings, receding into the sky. <Astrid has conceded!>"
Wanda gasps for breath for a moment.
GM says (to Jacob), "In the real world: the glowing runes surrounding the altar in the middle of the construction site wink out, and you feel a tension that you hadn't realized was in the air dissipate."
Eben says, "Wanda? Are you OK? Let's get out of here."
Wanda says, "I think a fly could hurt me, that's how bad it is"
Wanda says, "Whew"
Wanda gets back onto her eight shaky legs.
Eben wearily opens a portal to the real world, and steps out onto the altar, where he sees Melificent.
[Crows-Nest] (from GM) Suddenly, from out of nowhere, Flybert appears!
Eben sits down next to her, and puts his arm around her.
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "nooooo"
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "not the Living Flesh Eater"
Melificent says, "What are you doing?"
Eben asks (of Melificent), "Sorry about that, kid. It's really hard to know who to trust, isn't it?"
Melificent says, "I'm not trusting anyone anymore."
Jacob says, "Except Fluffy. He misses you."
Jacob does not realize how weird that sounds.
Eben says, "That seems like an appropriate emotional response, given everything that's happened. But if you ever want a spot in the Crusaders, we'll be here."
Melificent says, "Now you're trying to use my cat to manipulate me into being *your* pawn, too?"
Eben laughs a tired laugh.
Eben says, "Kid, we couldn't make you do anything; we could barely get close enough to talk to you last time. If Astrid hadn't turned on you, we'd probably be, I dunno, shadow something now."
Wanda says, "Yeah, I'm going to be feeling that lightning bolt burn for months"
Wanda says, "That was pretty cool though"
Eben says, "We're just saying your old friends miss you, and your cat misses you. Your family is terrible, but maybe they miss you in their own messed-up way? Somehow? I can hope, at least."
Melificent says, "Yeah, I guess. Back to my old life."
Wanda says, "No. After everything, nothing's ever the same"
Eben laughs. "Somehow, I don't think you're going back to your old life. You've changed; the world's changed; you're older now, in more ways than one.
Wanda says, "And what you do with that... is up to you now."
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "She's 18, right?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "16, IIRC."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "But maybe she spent 2 years in the Shadow Realm? Who knows"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Heh."
Melificent says, "So what would *you* do after something like this?"
Eben says, "Oh, man. Was I 16, at some point? I guess I must have been."
Melificent says, "I could try to take over the cult, now that Astrid's left. Maybe try to make it better."
Wanda says, "I feel like Astrid will be back."
Melificent says, "Yeah, you're probably right."
Eben says, "Finish high school, because some people care about that. Work on your abilities. Maybe get a job in security? Those guardians would be great bouncers. And I dunno, maybe farmers would pay you to water their crops? Who knows."
Melificent says, "A rent-a-cop?"
Eben exclaims, "There ar worse first jobs!"
Wanda says, "Just as long as you're giving yourself space and time to learn what you love"
Melificent says, "Second job."
Eben asks, "Oh? What was your first?"
Melificent says, "Unless you think I shouldn't put 'magical intern' on my resume."
Wanda says, "I feel like Astrid would not be in the mood to write you a reference"
Wanda says, "Somehow"
Melificent says, "Good point."
Eben says, "Definitely put that on your resume, it'll be hilarious. And put me down as a reference, if you want."
Melificent says, "Yeah? OK."
Eben says, "And come over for dinner on Wednesdays. Or Thursdays, if you want to learn Bridge."
[Crows-Nest] Wanda asks, "Is it almost Christmas in-game?"
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "I forgot"
[Crows-Nest] Eben exclaims, "Oh, right!"
GM says, "You notice that Melificent has stopped crying. Her makeup is still a total mess, of course, but at least the reason you can see that is because she's able to actually look you in the faces now."
[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "It is!"
[Crows-Nest] Jacob asks, "Did she have some interst in the quasi-whatever? based on her notes/books/whatever?"
Wanda says (to Melificent), "One thing."
Melificent says, "Dinner? With you?"
Wanda says, "It's Christmas"
Wanda says, "And your family sucks so"
[Crows-Nest] GM says (to Jacob), "Yes! (The Quaesitores Perditarm.)"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Specifically, her the Medusae were one of the lost races that the Quaesitores were interested in."
Eben says (to Mel), "Yeah! You'll meet all kinds of people. And my wife's cooking is *amazing*."
Jacob finally speaks up, "If you come by for dinner, we can chat about the Quaesitores..."
Melificent says, "Are you... are you inviting me to your house for Christmas?"
Eben says, "Oh, good lord, it's almost Christmas. Yes! Yes I am. We'd be honored to have you show up."
Melissa says, "My parents always throw a big party on Christmas. Tones of important people are invited. It's a really important 'networking' thing."
Melissa says, "I bet they probably wouldn't even notice if I sneaked away and skipped it."
Jacob wasn't gonna be the one to say it.
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "(that they would't notice her missing)"
Melissa says, "OK, it's a deal."
Wanda says, "Bring the snow this time instead of lightning"
Melissa actually smiles at that.
Eben grins.
Eben exclaims, "Oh, right!"
Jacob shuffles awkwardly, "Hey, and tell Henry I'm sorry, ok?
Eben pulls Melissa's laptop and phone out of his bag.
Eben says, "Here you are! Thanks for letting us borrow them."
Melissa says, "Oh, thanks!"
Melissa says, "You didn't poke around in them, did you?"
Melissa says (to Jacob), "I can tell him, but you know that birds don't really understand English, right?"
Eben says, "We did! We had to track you down. I tried to text you about it, but Astrid stole your phone, I think."
Jacob says, "You would be surprised."
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "And with that, should we end this scene?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Yes!"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "We should a) check on CP and see that she made it home and b) go get medical treatment, in some order"
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Sure. I suppose the cultists disperse and/or are arrested?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "That too, and also I kinda want one more RP scene at least (stuff on my mind)"
[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "Yeah, given that you've been focused on Melissa, I imagine they've had time to wander away."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Except the ones trapped in the pit."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Also, I'm inviting Dr. Nichols for Christmas, too."
GM says, "You all eventually manage to locate Cuddlepaws, after a bit of a search."
Wanda says, "Cuddles! *hugs*"
Wanda says, "I'm so sorry, I spent so much time superheroing I lost track of you..."
Eben *scritch scritch scritch*
Jacob forgot about the ones in the pit, unless anyone else remembered them.
[CCrusaders] Jacob wakes up three days later, "Oh shit."
GM says, "She's hanging out in Wanda's bedroom, in the closet, acting as if nothing has happened and she has no idea what everyone is so fussed about."
Wanda says, "Awww yay"
Wanda says, "Also nobody sneeze on me, I'm this close to passing out"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Yeah, I think I called up the police to clean up the site and arrest the remaining cultists."
GM says, "And you do all manage to get yourselves to a doctor eventually, and get patched up. So all your consequences are now Recovering, so you should rename them to reflect that."
Jacob will have a one-on-one later with CP (don't need to RP, just that he will)
GM says, "And they'll completely go away after an appropriate amount of time into the next arc."
Wanda finds a moment to talk with Eben and Jacob.
Eben asks (of Wanda), "What's up?"
Wanda says, "So everything that's happened..."
Wanda says (to Eben), "I've had time to think, to go over what I'm trying to do with my life"
Wanda asks, "Do you know what my personal greatest moment was, recently?"
[Crows-Nest] Jacob asks, "Wanda is running away to join the circus?"
Eben says, "To you? Tell us. I can't pick just one."
Eben grins.
Wanda says, "It wasn't setting fire to things or beating up bad guys, it was when I helped build that robot body for that kid, when I helped him find his way back home. That was pure will,that was ingenuity and empathy that did the trick, not me jumping over buildings or turning into a fireball."
Eben nods. "That was indeed pretty awesome."
Wanda says, "Yeah, absolutely. And if there's anything I've learnt from being a Crownsford Crusader, it's that I need to keep myself grounded. Keep myself from becoming another Empress, or even just another Supremo who looks down on everyone."
Eben grins and you catch the tiniest glint of a tear in the corner of his eye, just above the still-recovering scar.
Wanda says, "And if there's anything I've learnt from you and Jacob, it's that being a superhero isn't about superpowers."
Wanda says, "It's about unlimited compassion and curiosity combined."
Wanda says, "And... I think that while the Meteor might soar through the skies once more someday when she's needed..."
Eben says, "Oh, I thought you were going to say science, but those are good too."
Eben grins and you know he's kidding.
Wanda says, "Hehe, that includes science and you know it... But yeah, I need to be just Wanda Webb for a little while. I need to hit the books instead of hitting criminals. I need to make new connections, find like-minded people with which to build a better world tomorrow. I need to go out there, see this world I call my home, if I'm to truly belong."
Wanda says, "Because if I don't, I think I'll end up burning out, one way or another. No pun intended. *beat* Okay, maybe just a little... but I got that from you, Grandpa."
Wanda says, "Because if I don't, I think I'll end up burning out, one way or another. No pun intended. *beat* Okay, maybe just a little... but I got that from you, Grandpa."
Eben asks, "Thumbs up emoji! That's what you kids say now, right?"
Wanda rolls four of her eight eyes
Wanda says, "I love you Grandpa"
Eben says, "Love you too, Wanda."
Jacob just kind of stands there awkwardly.
Wanda says, "And that brings me to the last part - Jacob, this is for you too --I want both of you to know that you are and will always be amazing people. You were the first Crusaders for a reason. Grandpa, I worried about you so much, but if anything you've become stronger with age than I could ever be."
Eben says, "And we love you too, Jacob! You were amazing; those birds are fantastic."
Jacob awws.
Wanda says (to Jacob), "Jacob, you're the coolest guy I know, and your mind is second to none, I should know since I'm a telepath after all."
Jacob laughs, but also stay out of my mind, ok?
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(I assume this scene is going to end with a group hug.)"
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "I think it is!"
Wanda says, "I'm going to be focusing on my studies, on a possible internship that might take me away for a bit. But I feel good about it now."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "brb"
[Crows-Nest] (from GM) Jacob says, "birb"
Wanda offers both of them a multilimbed hug
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "my thought exactly"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "I'll wait for Jacob to get back before moving on to the next scene."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "It's only fair ^^"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "back"
GM says, "A FEW WEEKS LATER:"
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "In time for the hug!"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Whoops, should I wait?)"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Nah it's okay"
GM exclaims, "All of the extended family and many friends are gathered together at the Morris house for a very special occasion: Christmas morning!"
GM says, "The house is brightly decorated, and you can smell the dinner that Frances has been working on baking in the oven."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "We're not going to use Grapple rules for hugging"
GM says, "Most of the presents have already been distributed, and the living room is littered with wrapping paper and toys. But you notice three more colorful packages tucked away underneath the tree. The tags say that they're for Eben, Wanda and Jacob, but they don't say whom they're from."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Oooh"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Santa remembered us!"
GM says, "Melissa is here, of course. And she and Jacob have been trading information about the Quaesitores."
[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "Also eyeliner"
Wanda excitedly unwraps her present with her mandibles
GM says, "She's downgraded her gothy style slightly from 'life is pain and I hate the world' to just 'yeah, so I like the color black; you got a problem with that?'."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Hee/yay"
GM says, "Dr. Nichols has been trying to pester her with questions about the shadow realm, but Eben has been able to mostly fend him off."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Eben's pronounds"
GM says (to Wanda), "Inside, you find a hand-made orrery. Specifically, a model of Jupiter and its moons. Including Ganymede."
Wanda says, "Oooh, cool"
Eben opens his present.
GM exclaims (at Eben), "Yours is a FantaTech FT-79 Pocket, the latest model of portable 3D printer!"
Jacob carefully unwraps his present, preserving the paper for later.
GM says (to Jacob), "You're now holding a rare and remarkably well-preserved medieval volume of mythology and lore that you've never read before."
Eben exclaims, "Oho!"
GM says, "And inside each of those packages is a note that just reads: 'Thanks. -Nick'"
Jacob almost swears outloud, in an excited manner, but remembers where he is.
GM exclaims, "And with that, you all get a Major Milestone!"
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "w00t!"
GM exclaims, "Congratulations!"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Woo!"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(That's a skill point and a point of refresh.)"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Thanks"
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Question!"
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Do we have to maintain a pyramid at every addition of a skill point?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Yes, more or less. You can't have more skills at a higher level than a lower one."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "But you can have the same number."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Or can I take my 5 / 4 4 / 3 3 3 / 2 2 2 / 1 1 1 1/ and add one and drop the lowest to make 5 5 / 4 4 / 3 3 3 / 2 2 2 / 1 1 1"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "It takes a skill point to move something from 4 to 5, to move something from 3 to 4, etc."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Wait, no: 5 5 / 4 4 / 3 3 / 2 2 2 / 1 1 1"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "So if you spend two skill points at once, you can move one from 3 to 5."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "So, two points to move a 3 straight to a 5, when I couldn't spend 1 to make it a 4."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Right."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Teensy post credits incoming"
(From Wanda) Cuddlepaws has found her way to the kitchen, and is staring intently at a cupboard up on the counter, the way cats do.
(From Wanda) There is a rattling sound, and a spectral hand reaches out from the closed cupboard door, flickering in and out from translucent monochrome to vaguely solid.
(From Wanda) As the hand reaches down towards a plate of cookies, the head becomes partially visible through the wood, still mostly translucent. Carefully, the ghost of what appears to be a girl picks up a cookie and tries to bite into it... only for the cookie to go flying out of her hand and crumble to pieces against the wall. She sighs exasperatedly
(From Wanda) 'Well, I'm still dead. But at least this is... progress? Kinda?'
Wanda says, "\end of post credit scene"
GM exclaims, "And that wraps up this session, scenario, and arc!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Wooohoooo"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "This was so cool"
GM exclaims, "I hope you all had fun and are looking forward to the next future adventure of the CROWNSFORD CRUSADERS!"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Yay"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Thank you so much for this"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I love it so much"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "You're very welcome! And thank you all for playing!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "and you guys are so much to play with too"
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Yay!"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Also, I didn't get the Wanda post-credits scene."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "The cookie thing? That's my next character (at least for the next arc)"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at Eben), "It looks like, just as Wanda is semi-retiring, a new character is being introduced!"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Oh! OK, then."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Also, I feel bad for CP."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "You know that Frances is going to blame her for knocking that cookie on the floor."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Apparently all this shadow cult nonsense has allowed at least one stubborn ghost to become something more -- haha aww poor Cuddls"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "So in two weeks, we're starting Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Yep!"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Excellent."