Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"Have they left yet? Do you know if they are headed in the right direction? Maybe I should try and get in on the group so I can get to know Mr. Pundell a bit better and get a feel for how he might respond to talking to us about working this out peacefully. If it doesn't look promising, we can plan to swipe the idol tonight."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Anil: "I'll see what I can do about getting you on the expedition, but you should have a go at it first, so he doesn't know you are with me. He's going in the right quadrant of the map, but not really the right location. They haven't left yet."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter tries to get himself assigned to the trip. If asked, he says that he just likes to explore, and his last group isn't going out today.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

His "default" role is that of a horse handler, and the other handlers think he's already spent too much time going into the jungle and not enough shoveling his fair share of dung.



So the simple request fails.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

I thought Peter was reassigned Anil and no longer a horse handler.

In that case, he will do the duties assigned to him...

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

I suppose we can play in either way, with Peter either as a servant to anil or as Anil's favorite horse-handler. But if he's not a horse handler, he really has no role/excuse tagging along on Mr. Pundell's expedition. I suppose he could try to just follow along, but then he won't have an excuse for what he's doing.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

I was working under the assumption that Peter was working for Anil now, so let's go with that... Peter wouldn't want to shirk his duties.

Peter tells Anil he thinks that the idea of confronting Mr. Pundell, or having him searched would be a good idea if Anil can pull it off. Getting caught trying to steal the idol could have repercussions Anil couldn't save him from. Mr. Pundell really has no reason to share any information with Peter unless the boy was to hint at his knowledge of the site and tip their hands.

Peter silently considers if either Anil or Mr. Pundell should win this prize... Perhaps he should try and get the idol himself and go find out what this place is really about before handing it over. Perhaps this power is better lost.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

The day passes with Anil largely deep in thought about something.



Mr. Pundell's return happens in the mid afternoon. Everyone there seems quite subdued. One of this men had fallen off his horse and dislocated his shoulder during the trip. The injury is substantial, but Peter feels that the mood of the men is still somehow too somber.


Alton Stanway (The Lanky Archeologist who got him the horse job in the first place) approaches him that dinner. "Peter! how are you holding up!"


After checking about how Peter is fitting in, he moves on:
"I've noticed that Anil seems to be acting strangely. He only spends time with his inner circle of servants. Same for Mr. Pundell. And both of them got someone's limb dislocated. Could you enlighten me as to what is going on?"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"Anil, is everything okay? I know there's a lot to think about. wanna talk?"

If the injured man does not appear to have had first-aid, Peter will run over. If it appears to be still out of joint, he will volunteer that "if that big guy (pointing) pulls that way (pointing with the other arm crossed) just like this (sweeps his hands in the direction he thinks is best in an animated fashion)... you can pop it back in there!" and Peter will make the man a sling out of available materials if he doesn't have one yet.



"Hello sir! I've been doing good. Had a big-wig take a liking to me and got to do some exploring. Learning to do Karana, and teaching my new boss some. What's been going on with you?"


Peter will try a little fast talk...

"Is that weird for these guys? I haven't been hanging with them that long, but I think there's some click, or class, or political thing or something and it's silently super competitive or something. If there are two riding accidents... maybe we gotta slow it down, the terrain can be nasty."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"I've just got to reveal the talisman on Mr. Pundell. I'm trying to figure out the best way to do it. Everything comes down to that moment. How do I bring it up?"


He's had first aid.



Peter will try a little fast talk...

"Is that weird for these guys? I haven't been hanging with them that long, but I think there's some click, or class, or political thing or something and it's silently super competitive or something. If there are two riding accidents... maybe we gotta slow it down, the terrain can be nasty."[/QUOTE]


"There is certainly something between them, but it seems more intense now somehow. Something has raised the stakes. And they're both supposed to be telling the whole leadership about the results of their expeditions... I don't think that they are"


Anil tells Peter to eat dinner just outside of the leadership's tent that night, and to have his weapons ready. "This is the night"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"What are you planning exactly? Fighting Karana monsters is one thing, but I'm not going to hurt people."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"I'm planning on exposing Mr. Pundell. I'm afraid he might try something... he hasn't exactly been honest about what he knows about my birthright. With any luck, we won't need to do anything."


"Will you at least defend me?"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"If we're attacked, of course, I'm gonna back you up. I'm just don't want to start trouble or be laying ambushes and stuff."

Peter will do as instructed and has dinner near the tent. He has his knife and a pistol and a giant mountain of fur... the last of which is a blessing, helping calm Peter's nerves.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter is sitting outside of the tent, and he notices a few other Anil loyalists, also with weapons, trying to be inconspicuous.

There is a great deal of shouting in the tent, but it doesn't seem violent... yet. You don't hear the signal, and the shouting dies down.

From what you can hear, Anil was successful, and the rest of the camp's leadership is angry and Mr. Pundell for trying to hold this back from them. Anil seems to be doing very well.

Others from the camp gather around the tent, trying to eavesdrop... something important is obviously going on. The leadership emerges with Mr. Stanway the archeolgist holding the green frog, and quite prominently. Anil looks triumphant. Mr. Pundell's face is as inscrutable as ever.

Seeing an impromptu crowd milling around the tent, One of the other expedition leaders, Colonel Holland, announces that the Karaka circle has been found, and that they thought they had a way to control it, but that they would need to clear out demons on the way. They have a plan on how to do that safely, taking down the demons one by one.

After the speech, Anil gestures for Peter to follow him, and thanks him for his role in the victory. "We did it! we have the frog. He looks like the scoundrel he is, and this victory and discovery will be credited to me!"

Several people walk up to Peter, asking for further details on what REALLY happened. They hear there was almost a fight.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter is happy to tell them the story, but omits the bits about visions and being the one to guide Anil to complete his quest. He wants to let Anil keep the glory and the image of the prodigal boy who found his birthright through determination and the hand of fate.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter is asked to stay up quite late, and has quite an effect on the "real story" circulating in camp gossip.



The next morning, a large segment of the camp is called up for instructions on assaulting the circle. The plan is to approach on horse back, identify single Karaka demons, shoot a volley into them, and then retreat to let the smoke trickle out. Four teams will be doing this, and a fifth will keep the frog and act as a command unit.



Peter is offered a spot on one of the teams, as a shooter, or as a messenger. Anil asks if Peter thinks he should be with the shooters to win more credit, or with the headquarters to keep an eye on the frog.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter isn't interested in any glory, but shooting sounds like more fun. If Anil is not on the command unit, however, that is where Peter would want to be. He doesn't want that frog out of sight of Anil or himself.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Anil and Peter are with the command unit, along with Mr. Stanway, who holds the frog), and Colonel Holland, who is directing the military aspects. Mr. Pundel is leading a team of shooters.



The day is spent organizing the attack, and stocking up provisions. Peter won't have any explicit assignments. The day after that, they will be assaulting the Karaka circle.



Everyone is very excited.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter goes with the flow, sticks close to Anil and follows his instructions.

He will try and find some time to work with Goliath on his ongoing training. He's trying to teach him the name of a few common objects to see if he can get him to fetch the right thing on command.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

The engagement with the Karaka demons is long, but after a few fumbles, consistent. Horsemen hit their marks, then gallop away. Demons move towards the noise of the shots, but the superior mobility of the horses, even in the forest, carries the day. It does take quite some time, and quite a bit of powder, which the command post is carrying. By the time Peter and Anil are approaching the circle, the demons are nothing but smoke. Peter isn't sure if the smoke he smells is them, or the smell of burnt gunpowder from all of the shooting.

The command post gets the go ahead to come to the circle. Most of the way there, Mr. Pundell's shooting party meets up with them. Spirits are high.



Colonel Holland: "I wish I could have taken a few shots at them myself! At least I'll get to see them, I suppose."


Mr. Pundell: "They'll make wonderful soldiers once controlled. On a battlefield were ground must be held, those extra minutes will prove invaluable. This is the find of the century!"


Alan Stanway: "If this frog is indeed the key."


Peter notices that Mr. Pundell's men aren't putting their weapons away as they move behind the men of the command post.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter will try and subtly alert Anil with a little double hand-tap on his knife and a gesturing nod that Pundell's men may be positioning.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Subtle... hmmm.

Anil: "We should maintain military readiness! Check the rear! Keep your hands on your weapons and your eyes about you!"

He puts his hand on his pistol and turns to face directly and Mr. Pundell "We never know when we'll have to fight."

Mr. Pundell smiles "Relax. We've got all of them. we can put away our weapons. I have no fears."

His men drop their manuevers and put their weapons away. Colonel Holland seems oblivious to what was going on.

Mr. Stanway seems to be watching the manuevering though.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"So what's the plan now? Anil takes the idol in there and tries to whip up a proper soldier? How many people can use karana here? We might need to control the extra smoke from coming together itself!"

Peter keeps an eye on Mr. Pundell... the man is not to be trusted!

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Colonel Holland: "We want a neutral party to summon the soldier, and a smoke-pulling expert. That's why Avinash was chosen to pull the creature into being, and why Mr. Stanway holds the talisman."

Mr. Pundell looks at Peter, seeming to notice him for the first time.

The group continues onward. Colonel Holland moves forward with speed, and is annoyed as rest of the group moves forward more slowly, as they are all keeping eyes on each other. The Colonel berates them "Can't you keep up with an old man!"

Mr. Stanway: "We're on horseback! your age has nothing to do with it!"

They make it to the circle without incident. There is nothing but fine ash in the center of the circle.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter chats with Anil as they approach, and gives Goliath a treat he saved from his rations.

"I'd think these guys would make better workers than soldiers if you can get them to do stuff. One wound and they bleed out all their smoke before too long. Maybe you can make lumberjacks or an obedient bull that can pull a plow and never get tired."

"Do you want me to do anything?"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Anil: "Lumberjacks don't win wars. It would be wonderful if the strongest and best workers triumphed, but this world is ruled by whoever can field the strongest army. My princely state will need these soldiers, as will the English. Perhaps this will change the fate of the great game"

Col Holland: "It would be wonderful if we could all beat our swords into plowshares, now wouldn't it. We'll need to find out just how expendable these soldiers are. Each demon that bleeds out smoke is a man who isn't bleeding blood. And Anil is right about the great game: we can hold off the Russians with this army."

Mr. Pundell: "Anil, who is that boy with you? I don't recognize him. How do you know him?"

OCC: Anil will respond mostly as you desire, or you can answer yourself.

"Watch for things to go wrong."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"We've met... I tried talking to you a few times, but you're usually pretty focused and didn't really seem to have time for me. I joined the expedition late and kinda became Anil's companion."

Peter would usually be very concerned about people looking into his story, but he's not really worried about it now. He is assuming that with everyone at the site, that this is likely his last day on this world.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Mr. Pundell: "How late did you show up? Who is your father?"


Mr. Pundell intentionally stands next to Peter as they form up to watch. Everyone has hands on their weapons. Avinash takes the talisman, and a couple of fairly branches are placed in the pit. A match is dropped on them, and the sticks burst into flame, giving off a heavy smoke.



The Frog in Avinash's hands glows, and the smoke billows and turns as he forms a Green demon with wide shoulders and a long snout. The semicircle watching all has their weapons raised.



"What do you wish, Master...." the demon bows on one knee. The smoke continues to billow and form, though more slowly and trailing off.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter keeps an eye on the trailing smoke, making sure it is not gathering anywhere and forming another construct.

"I joined up not too long ago... I'm making my own way, my dad's name isn't going to mean anything to you."

Peter repositions himself to get some breathing space from Mr. Pundell.
"Hey, can I make one? I want to make a helper!"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Avinash is taking the smoke and forming a second demon, and it looks like that's as much smoke as they have.

Mr. Pundell scowls. "A runaway? hmm". Peter shuts down any further inquiries and moves away.

Mr. Pundell: "Shall we let each person who wants to make one take a turn? I personally have a desire to try my hand."

Mr. Stanway: "Give some orders to it first. Make sure this works! Have one kill the other."

Anivash gives commands to the demons, having them do some basic things, swing blades, and fire a gun at a target. Then he orders one to chop off the head of the other.

The condemned demon scowls at Avinash and the others and grimaces, but kneels and placed his head down to be severed. "I'd rather fight him that die like this..."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"Wait-a-minute! Wait! Wait!" Peter interrupts!

"You'd rather fight? You have a preference? Do you want other stuff? Were you just born, or did you exist before he pulled you out of the smoke?"

Peter turns to Anil "This guy seems way more self-aware than I was expecting."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

The demon looks at Avinash and raises his eyebrows, and Avinash shrugs.

The demon answers, still on the ground: "I was created to fight. Not to die like pig about to be eaten. I crave the glory and purpose of combat for my Lord Avinash. Who seems to be taking orders from you, for some reason. I do not know why. He has us at his command. You must be powerful indeed, or he must be timid"

"I was just created. I existed before. Philosophy bores me. I am made to kill! Let me have a chance to triumph!"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter will try and analyze the magics as they are occurring. He examines the frog as it's in use to better understand the way this all works.

"He probably just thinks I'm asking good questions. Got a name? Can you tell me about your existence before?

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

ah, yes, the special sense... I forgot to describe that to you.



When Avinash forms the demon from smoke, the stone circle provides an enourmous boost of power, but the frog seems to change and twist the magic to give it structure. This seems to all be driven by patterns in the metal inlaid in the frog: its quite complex. It also seems to be effecting or effected by the mind of Avinash. Perhaps you'd figure out more of this effect if more than one person formed a Karata here. The resulting Karana demon seems to have an imprinted shape of the magics from the frog and Avinash's mind.



"Each birth is a new name. I do not have one yet. I remember dimly. Combat. My Lord. This circle."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"So these are some kind of spirits that are recycled... so funky!"

Peter considers what he might make if given the chance. He watches the magics closely if any more Karana are made here to increase his insight.

He thinks of those who have guided and taught him and of the secrets of this place and ponders making some kind of a teacher. He wonders if he can uncouple the creation from servitude, or strengthen its connection to the pool of knowledge and consciousness. He's eager to see more made and figure out if he can better understand the moving parts and possibilities with this magic.

The translucent winged form of Senarich (his Rider) flits through his mind... he wonders if he could make something that could merge with a person to share the knowledge and power of this magic in a similar way.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Mr. Pundell makes a quiet scoff. Peter unsure if its at the concept or the word "Funky"


That won't happen until the Demon is executed or not. Does Peter raise any further objections?


I'll come back to this after the demon dies or not.


Perhaps... Both the Riders and Karana magic seem to use mind projection of some sort, but that seems to be the limit of their similarities... Peter should be able to identify that effect in the future. Though the mind of a rider, of a person, and of a Karana seem to be all very different things.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter offers no more objections but says to the creature...

"Sorry you're not getting the end you want... If you can remember this when you get another 'life', tell us!"

And Peter takes a few steps back to get out of the way.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

The Creature puts its head back down.



"Hail my Lord Avinash... You hold more power in your hand then all of these people put together."


The blade swings down, and smoke pours out of the demon's head and neck.



Colonel Holland: "That was enlightening. We shall have each karana uses who wishes try forming their own. Each head of the expedition may sponsor a user in turn. I believe Mr. Pundell wishes to form one of these Karaka soldiers... as a sponsor of this expedition, it is his right to go first"


Mr. Stanway starts as though to say something about that, but seems to take it back.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter quiets down and scratches Goliath's ears. He tries to tune in and analyze the magic as best he can as the creature is killed, and as Mr. Pundell forms a warrior.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Avinash hands the stone to Mr. Pundell, and the mystic forces connecting the frog to avinash and the remaining demon change, alter, and warp, and the demon rushes toward's Mr. Pundell with a roar of rage. Avinash orders "Halt!", but the demon doesn't slow.



Mr. Pundell raises his pistol and shoots a smoking hole in the demon, but that won't immediately stop it. Anil is frozen in place, watching. Mr. Stanway reaches for an oversized knife on his belt. Several of those armed with riffles aim their guns, but they aren't shooting... perhaps they can't get a good shot.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter's weapons are stowed, so he impulsively throws himself at the creature, trying to knock it to the ground to hopefully "smoke out" before it can cause any harm. (attempting to run and slam...)

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

There is a massive difference is size between the two of you... but ok.



Brawling-11 vs 8 is a hit! He either chooses not to dodge or fails his dodge roll. Relative velocity is 7. The demon rolls 1d6+1 damage, Peter will be rolling 1d-1. Do you want me to make those rolls?

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Ah, to be impulsive and overconfident... Hopefully, Peter will learn from this painful experience...

Please feel free to make to rolls! Peter gets a +1 for brawling I believe.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Not with a single point in brawling he doesn't...


The Demon takes 1 damage, Peter takes 5 (major wound), and he falls down to the side of the demon. The demon strikes at Mr. Pundell, who takes the blow, but doesn't go down. Mr. Holland steps in with his sword, slashing down the creature's skin, and Mr. Stanway attacks with his knife. The moment of crisis is broken, and by the time Peter has cleared his wits, the demon is mere smoke.


The group is (mostly politely) arguing over making more of the Karaka creatures... it has become apparent that everyone making just a few is a bad idea. Mr. Pundell still has a firm grip on the jade frog. Mr. Stanway and Colonel Holland both want to go back to camp to discuss properly, and its looking like the group might agree to that.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

((Oops, got some of those rules wrong and that went even worse than I thought it would, lol. Hopefully, the act of bravery makes an impression anyway.))

Peter tries to wrap his bruised ribs (Can you give yourself any kind of first aid?) and limps long after them back to camp...

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

First Aid for yourself is... possible, at a penalty, I think, but not necessary in this situation. Peter's ribs are tied up tight, and he finds he can move almost as well as before.



(TL 5 first aid roll is 1d6-2... and you got four points back).



The argument suddenly goes quiet, and about a quarter of the men are pointing guns at the rest of them, especially the leadership. Mr. Pundell is demanding that the rest of the heads of the group put down their weapons and that no one else move. He's still holding the Frog, and standing close to the dying embers in the circle.



Mr. Pundell: "Lets do this civilly. I'll happily buy out your shares in this expedition... you'll all make a handsome profit. But this is, and always was... MY expedition, and MY hunt."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"He wants to buy out the investors AFTER the win, but before the payout?" he mutters to Anil. "Seems legit." He adds sarcastically. He takes a step back and glances for the best route if he wants to flee for cover, but he doesn't pull a weapon for fear of provoking Mr, Pundell and his henchmen.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Anil Mutters: "and at Gunpoint."


Peter is within 5 yards of the center of the stone circle, and there is no cover until the bush at its edge, 11 yards away at its closest.


Mr. Pundell is having some of the people bring vegetation to burn from the jungle so he can summon some demons.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter tries a desperation move and creates a karana creature of his own, in the hopes that even if he is not in control, it will behave as the other 'demon' did and attack the holder of the totem since he was not the creator. He shapes it into a copy of "insector", only larger if there is enough smoke available.

If there is not enough smoke remaining from the fire, Peter will wait until the first fresh bundle goes into the fire.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

ok, that's clever... it wouldn't work for an ordinary Karana user... but Peter isn't ordinary when it comes to magic. The distance makes it tricky... but with a roll of 9, he makes it!



He feels the smoke fighting about what the form should be... but is easily able to disconnect the creature from the frog. Will he let the demon form like it wants?

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Oh, let's see what it does... Peter will start by trying to make his big Insector, but if the smoke fights him, he'll let it take its desired form... Once the commotion starts, Peter will give Anil a tug to get him to follow if he wants as he breaks for cover and draws a pistol.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter is correct that the demon will immediately get into a fight with the other demons: It is summoned with a Deep Brown skin and massive horns on its head. The existing demons (one before hand and one just summoned at the same time) immediately jump on it.



Mr. Pundell shouts, and his men are momentarily distracted.



Anil goes with Peter, and the two of them run for the edge of the circle.


Anil has no weapons, but Peter has managed to keep his.



They are spotted, of course, but no one had their weapon trained on them.


Colonel Holland shouts "Attack!", and some of the men jump forward for the guns of Mr. Pundell's men. Colonel Holland rushes Mr. Pundell, who is holding the frog and looking to direct his men as another demon forms in the smoke.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Knowing he's the better shot, Peter hands the gun to Anil.

"Stay" He shouts to Goliath, ordering him to stay out of the clearing with Anil as he turns around and charges at Mr. Pundell, hoping that while engaged in the struggle with Col. Halland is distraction enough to give peter a chance to wrest the frog from Pundell's grip!

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter makes his way through the melee. A few shots ring out. Peter isn't sure if they were aimed at him or at someone else, or even if they're aimed at all.

Before Peter can make it to Mr. Pundell, Colonel Holland goes down, presumably shot. Mr. Pundell looks at the fight going against his men, who are badly outnumbered and weren't able to leverage having their weapons ready... and who don't really seem to have their heart in it. Peter's Demon is still tying up two of Mr. Pundell's. A third demon has formed, but that doesn't seem to comfort Mr. Pundell.

He turns and runs towards the forest.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

If Peter thinks he can make it up to Mr. Pundell, he will try to do a diving grab for the man's legs and try and bring him to the ground. (I think that would be a leg grapple.)

((It's up to you, but I suspect that Goliath would likely not obey the stay command if Peter is grappling with someone, and would be prone to trying to help.))

If he does not think he can get to the man, he will head closer to the circle and make another Karana, but his time, he will try and maintain control and make an 'Insector' hoping to maintain control.

If one of the existing Karana is destroyed, he will try and recapture that smoke instead of that of the firepit, as when he has done so previously, the Karana seemed to be stronger from the second-hand circle smoke from that of a normal fire, but not leave him fighting for control.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter runs into the forest after Mr. Pundell... the man is about as fast as he is, but Peter's probably better at jungle craft... He hears Goliath bark as he heads into the trees (call for your dog if you want his strength or nose)

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter will not pursue the man into the treeline. Tripping him in view of the others who can lend a hand is one thing, trying to face him 1 on 1 in the jungle is quite another and Peter would have to be far more desperate than he is to invite Goliath into such a dangerous encounter.

Peter turns for the firepit instead and concentrates on scattering the smoke to prevent more free-range Karana from forming as he approaches to snuff out the flame.

"Mr. Pundell has fled," Peter says to his followers, "Surrender now, and perhaps you can earn forgiveness!"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Mr. Pundell escapes into the brush.



The smoke is powerful, and it tries to form demons... but Peter can sense they are no longer being influenced by the Jade Frog... these ones will be "wild" and brutish.



He can slow them but not stop them.



Mr. Pundell's supporters are outnumbered and subdued, and Peter is joined by many others who stomp out and smother the blaze. Avinash waves a gun barrel in the smoke as it twists, and that prevents anything from forming.



About a quarter of the men are under arrest for turning on their fellows. Three men have been shot, one of which is Colonel Holland. Holland is alive, at least for now, but loosing a lot of blood.



Anil and Mr. Stanway are beginning to give orders, and take stock of the situation.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter will rush over to Col Holland and attempt to give him first aid.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

OCC: rolled an 11 vs skill 12, healed 4 points of damage ... which is not enough to go positive ... but it will stop the bleeding.

Peter tries to stop the bleeding, and is mostly successful. The man seems like he will live... as long as the wound doesn't get infected, reopen and start bleeding, and assuming the man gets plenty of rest, food, and water. He'll be out of action for a few weeks though. Colonel Holland mumbles something about a boy and a traitor.

Anil comes up to Peter, rather agitated: "He got away with the frog! We should track him down before he gets to far! The circle is useless without the talisman! Can your Dog track!?"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"When he wants to! I'll see if I can get him to cooperate."

"GOLIATH, COME!" Peter calls out to the dog. "We can follow the trail and see if we can find him, but if Goliath is confused, we may need to get something with Mr. Pundell's scent for him to follow."

"I didn't want to chase him into the woods on my own, and Col. Holland was bleeding out..." Peter gestures towards the pool of blood as he speaks. "Sorry I let him get away... you should send for more bodies to guard the circle so he can't come back and make demons. Now that the circle is found, maybe even move the camp closer to keep fresh eyes on it until the frog can be recovered."

Peter leads Goliath to the path Mr Pundell was taking "let's find that mean old man and get that frog!" and tries to track where he may have gone. He will also reach out with his sense of magic, and see if he can feel the pull of the frog.

((Peter's Per is 14, Tracking default of 9... Hopefully Goliath's is better))

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Anil nods at Peter's suggestions.



"Yes, we have half of the prize here, its probably the easier of the two to guard. We should move the rest of the camp here... and possibly send away the men who sided with Mr. Pundell."


Peter has trouble sensing the frog when its this far away (however far that is) and not actively being used.



Goliath is better at tracking... But He's not sure which scent Peter wants him to follow.Mr. Pundell seems to have dropped one of his pistols though... Goliath is able to follow that scent.


Anil says most of the group need to stay and secure the prisoners and circle, and get word to the camp before Mr. Pundell gets there...


"How many men do you actually NEED to chase him down?"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"Goliath and I can track him... I think two well-armed guys to help me bring him back is best, but I might be able to do it with one if that's all we can spare. "

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Take orders from his father and hopefully finish his education in command successfully, and acquire a court of solid advisors?


I don't know if you've noticed, but he believes some odd things about Peter that make him a bit more malleable to Peter's influence than to the influence of others.



"I can spare two men. Rahman! Nabi!"


He gives some orders in the local language.



"Nabi understands english. Go get that talisman!"


Goliath follows the scent through the trees, with three people following close behind him. Then he suddenly stops and points his nose to the other side of a tree...


Mr. Pundel is slowly walking. The three of you are all down 2 FP from following your quarry at a brisk pace.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter wordlessly mouths "He's there" and gestures for the others to move up to flank Mr. Pundell...

(If I may, I'd like to say that Peter retrieved the pistol back from Anil before going to track their quarry, and if not he will be armed with the bow. Peter aims for the man's leg until noticed)

Once Mr. Pundell sees that he is pursued, Peter will say "Give it up Pundell, you're outnumbered, let's go back to camp and figure this out."

If Mr. Pudell does anything that does not point to surrender, Peter will attempt to shoot the man in the leg

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Mr. Pundell stops moving, and turns around, looking at the three men with weapons on him. The Frog is still in his hand.

"Who are you anyways? What gives you such loyalty to that son of a pig?"

After a response:

"I've worked hard for this. I dug through ancient records. I endured ridicule. I paid a fortune to get this talisman, and another fortune to fund this expedition. And they want to take it from me over some old legend."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"I'm just trying to do the most good for the most people. You're making decisions and trying to back them up with guns. It seems like a bad idea to give someone the kind of power this Karana circle gives ya' if that's your go-to method for dealing with a disagreement."

After his last comment:

"Sorry, but that's just over my pay-grade. Maybe you can still make your case, just not over the barrel of a gun. Drop the idol and step away and start heading back to the circle. If you run, or get farther than 20 feet or closer than 10 feet of us, we're gonna shoot you. I'm no killer, so I'll be shooting for your legs, but I can't speak for the others."

If Pundell complies, Peter will circle around and retrieve the frog.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"Let me go with my property, and it will be your paygrade! I'll give you enough to make you rich! Thousands of pounds! I'll make you a new man. Never work another day in your life."


"They are the ones who brought out the weapons first! That boy had a gun on his belt when he had them frisk me and steal the frog!"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"I'm not interested in a payoff, but I'm willing to argue that you deserve something for tracking down the talisman, but we are going to all go discuss it like civilized people. In the spirit of that, you can hold on to the frog, but you're coming with us."

Peter makes a hand gesture to Goliath, the one he uses to get Goliath to growl and look aggressive while remaining at Peter's side...

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Mr. Pundell turns to run, and Peter fires, striking him in the leg for 1d6+1 = 6 damage. He tries to take a few more steps, but the leg won't work and he goes down.


Peter takes the frog, and the two men support Mr. Pundell on the way back to the circle. The four of them return to a bit of whooping and hollering.


What does Peter do with the Frog?

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter is carrying the frog and goes straight to Col Holland to check on his bandages and condition. With Anil, Holland, and Stanway all in earshot, he asks.

"Who gets it?" and he holds up the frog.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

The three look at each other.

Mr. Stanway: "I suppose it depends on if we want to raise the army now or if we wish to present the frog to the viceroy"

Anil: "We will need soldiers to prove our find. Someone will need to have the demons created, and once that is done, it will be onerous to choose someone new. This circle rightfully belongs to my family, but you have done a great service in helping us discover it. My father will happily buy out the shares in the expedition for five times what you paid. Until that debt is formally registered, Mr. Stanway may guard the frog. Is everyone agreed?"

Colonel Holland: "That... is something the investors must decide. But I agree that Mr. Stanway should guard the key to the circle until the negotiations are worked out, with the worker of the demons being designated as Anil, who found the circle."

They agree, and Peter hands Mr. Stanway the frog.


There is a lot of work still to do. Peter is still injured, and he's something of a hero for his role in all of this, so if he wants to rest his injuries, he is welcome to. The heads of the expedition hurriedly move the camp much closer to the circle, and send a message for more people to come.

A barricade is constructed around the firepit, to ensure that no wood and no flame occurs within it.


Peter is awarded 7 points for completing this adventure.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter gestures and calls Anil's attention over to a nice spot with a view of the firepit... "You can put me and Goliaths statue there." he says jokingly with a wink. but then winces a bit at the pain in his ribs from the gesture.

"Juskiddin! But I'm beat, I think I'm going to go lay down. Hey... now that this is real, just promise me you'll try to do the most good for the most people, will ya?"

Peter goes and lies down to rest his weary bones. He concentrates and repeats familiar images in his mind as he lies there, trying to dream of home...

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Anil: "I don't intend to start any wars. I might finish them... but that's my father's call for the next few years. I think you've saved my kingdom. These next few years will be a crazy ride."

Anil: "Wait, are you leaving soon?"

Go ahead and roll against the dreaming default...

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"I think so. It feels like it. I think I've done about all I can here." Peter drops his chin and looks at anil As if peering over the top of the rims of imaginary glasses and in a joking-sarcastic tone asks "Why, is there something else you need?" with a smile.

Once he says it out loud, Peter thinks to prepare a bit, and before he goes to lie down, he eats a big meal with lots of carbs and goes back for seconds and drinks lots of water. If he's going to be waking up in the wilderness again, he realizes it's best to be well hydrated and have a very full belly.


((Dreaming Roll was 4+4+1, A failure by 1!))

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter wakes up in an empty field. Its miserably cold, and he's naked, except for the comfort of fine dog fur on one side. No, its not a field... its a lawn. His own front lawn, at home. Or so it seems to be. His ribs ache with pain, his wrappings gone. His fingers are fridgid. Its late at night, with an overcast sky.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter runs up and grabs the key from under the matt and gets through the door as quickly as possible. If he sees no one immediately, he runs up the stairs shouting "Mom! Dad! I'm back!" and into his room to grab some clothes.

He pulls on some clothing that's a bit small for his height now, and if his parents have not arrived, he heads into their room.

"Mom! Dad!"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

As he runs, a piercing pain shoots through his ribs... the wrapping is gone*.

His father appears in the hall, still tall and somewhat sleepy.

"Peter? is that you?" He flips the light on. "Peter! it can't be! Where did you go!" He shouts for Peter's Mother "He's back! wake up!"

He rushes forward to hug Peter.

*the HP recovered from the binding are gone again... though any first aid roll with bandages should get them back.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"Oh, Dad!" Peter exclaims as he moves to his father, a hand on his bruised ribs as he goes down the hall. He embraces him and starts to cry. "I kept waking up in the weirdest places, and all I wanted to do was get home. Now I'm here and you're never going to believe me."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

His mother rushes out of the room as well.


Dad: "Tell me, We'll make it right... are you hurt?"