(IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]

[the_matrix_walker]

Originally Posted by ericthered

Peter spends a lot of his energy reserve on healing (rolled a 10, spent 4 ER). Williamson improves a lot. They take this act as perfectly normal, but are grateful none the less.

He will spend all of his reserve and he will add half his FP as well if he can continue to improve the man's condition.

Originally Posted by ericthered

Armstrong: "I never learned healing. Focused more on combat. We'll see if I made the right decision. Or maybe we won't need to. Do you have a sponsor to be trained as a Yaka yet?"

"No, I don't have a sponsor... Combat? What kind of stuff do you know? Can you show me something?"


Peter is very curious about the different applications of Yaka and any details about the practice he can glean. He asks some follow up questions about what else he's seen down with Yaka.

Originally Posted by ericthered

I think that would require a stealth roll.

Since he has his birds eye views in his photographic memory and it's dark, it's probably not worth risking exposing more secrets to try. Better to wait and do so when he is certain to not be seen. In all likelihood he will need a much higher view than Karana range will allow to put everything into perspective. Perchance another dream...

Originally Posted by ericthered

These are old ruins, rendered bare by time and wind.

Temperature is mid 40's. Its evening, and getting darker quickly.

Peter tries to make himself as comfortable a nook as he can for him and Goliath to stay as warm as possible until the men are ready to get on the move.

(40 and dropping... How many times has Goliath-cuddling saved Peter from hypothermia by now, I wonder?)

If Peter is able to sleep again, he will see if he can project his dream vision out again to improve their navigational situation or track the party hunting these guys. If he is able to move his viewpoint upwards in stages, he will try and plot as much as he can on his mental map.

[ericthered]

Originally Posted by the_matrix_walker

He will spend all of his reserve and he will add half his FP as well if he can continue to improve the man's condition.

Williamson is healed.

"No, I don't have a sponsor... Combat? What kind of stuff do you know? Can you show me something?"

Armstrong: "You know, the blade, the armor, the shield, and the voice. what do you want to see?"

Peter is very curious about the different applications of Yaka and any details about the practice he can glean. He asks some follow up questions about what else he's seen down with Yaka.

Armstrong demonstrates the blade first: the narrow sword he carries isn't useful in combat... unless its strengthened by Yaka. Peter feels the power flow out of Armstrong and into the sword as Armstrong uses it to cut a few slices off of a nearby masonry wall. At the same time, it's flowing into his coat... especially into the wires. Armstrong isn't sure how he can demonstrate the "Armor", but says its the same effect as the blade, just defensive.

The shield is an effect that creates some sort of deflective bubble around Armstrong. He has Peter throw a rock at him and it veers off to the side. The magic is again unique, but looks similar to the magic in the blade and armor.

The Voice is a mental effect. Armstrong says he doesn't want to use it because it might compromise their position, but it effects the minds of those around him. The most common ones are "Flee!", "Down!", "Listen!", "Surrender!", and "Calm!"

The effects Armstrong doesn't know are healing and "of course, the door".

Peter tries to make himself as comfortable a nook as he can for him and Goliath to stay as warm as possible until the men are ready to get on the move.

(40 and dropping... How many times has Goliath-cuddling saved Peter from hypothermia by now, I wonder?)

Peter does up in a lot of forests... though a good number of them have been warm. This is probably the coldest he's dealt with.

If Peter is able to sleep again, he will see if he can project his dream vision out again to improve their navigational situation or track the party hunting these guys. If he is able to move his viewpoint upwards in stages, he will try and plot as much as he can on his mental map.

Peter is able to do some sleeping, though his schedule is off and he doesn't dream, and only sleeps for half of it. In the morning, armstrong is cooking breakfast (hardtack) when Williamson says: "I found something in the ruins!"



He's found a collapsed stone that leads into an underground chamber. One with furnishings: specifically, a sitting room in some sort of lobby, and big double doors at one end

[the_matrix_walker]

Originally Posted by ericthered

Williamson is healed.

How bad was the injury?

(( Peter is understandably proud of himself...))

Originally Posted by ericthered

Armstrong: "You know, the blade, the armor, the shield, and the voice. what do you want to see?"

Armstrong demonstrates the blade first: the narrow sword he carries isn't useful in combat... unless its strengthened by Yaka. Peter feels the power flow out of Armstrong and into the sword as Armstrong uses it to cut a few slices off of a nearby masonry wall. At the same time, it's flowing into his coat... especially into the wires. Armstrong isn't sure how he can demonstrate the "Armor", but says its the same effect as the blade, just defensive.

The shield is an effect that creates some sort of deflective bubble around Armstrong. He has Peter throw a rock at him and it veers off to the side. The magic is again unique, but looks similar to the magic in the blade and armor.

The Voice is a mental effect. Armstrong says he doesn't want to use it because it might compromise their position, but it effects the minds of those around him. The most common ones are "Flee!", "Down!", "Listen!", "Surrender!", and "Calm!"

The effects Armstrong doesn't know are healing and "of course, the door".

"Oh cool! You'll show me? Thanks!"

"So you need the sword and the wire-jacket for blade and armor. Do you need to carry something for the shield or voice?"

"So the voice is really loud?"

"I want to give it a try! Can you explain it again and throw something?"


Peter will try and replicate the shield technique... and the others in the unlikely event Armstrong let's him play with his stuff.

Originally Posted by ericthered

He's found a collapsed stone that leads into an underground chamber. One with furnishings: specifically, a sitting room in some sort of lobby, and big double doors at one end

"Can we check it out for resources, or do we have to get moving and cover some ground? We're not the only ones in these ruins."


If they examine the chamber, Peter will scrounge as best he can and be on the lookout for better clothing and useful tools... And any maps that might help them navigate if they are behind a hotel desk or something...

But he is very concerned about them being tracked, so he wants to give these guys increased awareness of the threat and not waste a lot of time.

[ericthered]

Originally Posted by the_matrix_walker

How bad was the injury?

(( Peter is understandably proud of himself...))

A hole from a pretty large bullet: Peter isn't that familiar with bullet wounds.*


*From a gurps perspective, he was 0 HP (pass out from exertion) and 1/3 HP (full move).

"So you need the sword and the wire-jacket for blade and armor. Do you need to carry something for the shield or voice?"

"sword and armor will work with any metal. I have a knife you can use. Its about channeling energy though the metal"

"So the voice is really loud?"

Sort of. Its physically loud, but it also is mentally loud... other yaka can "hear" it from a ways off.

"I want to give it a try! Can you explain it again and throw something?"

Peter will try and replicate the shield technique... and the others in the unlikely event Armstrong let's him play with his stuff.

Armstrong: "We'll start by seeing if you can feel the Yaka. Do you feel that?* Ok, now push back!"


*its a push from the shield.



Williamson throws a small rock at peter. It wobbles as it passes through, but hits him in the chest with a small thud (no damage, its small). Armstrong says that's really good, and to correct the push in a few ways...


They also get him putting energy into the knife. It stiffens, and appears brighter. Doing that is easier than the shield. The knife becomes much sharper and much stronger, and Peter can stick it into nearby rocks*.


*add 1d6 damage and (3) armor divisor

"Can we check it out for resources, or do we have to get moving and cover some ground? We're not the only ones in these ruins."

Williamson: "Its probably worth checking out. Armstrong is still cooking."
Armstrong: "make it snappy!"

If they examine the chamber, Peter will scrounge as best he can and be on the lookout for better clothing and useful tools... And any maps that might help them navigate if they are behind a hotel desk or something...

The place looks like some sort of lobby or waiting area, but there is no map. The furniture is upholstered, if Peter wants to bring some of that cloth. There are also silver fittings on the wall holding some sort of crystals.



Williamson: "Help me with the door!"
The way he says it is like an order.


It opens to a hall with other doors and halls, and other silver fittings and crystals. Its dark in here, but Williamson has lit a lantern.



Williamson : "We might be able to loose them in here. Turn around and have the Yaka face them in close combat."

But he is very concerned about them being tracked, so he wants to give these guys increased awareness of the threat and not waste a lot of time.

so is he going to encourage them to move on?

[the_matrix_walker]

Peter will practice the techniques and see what he can get the hang of.

He tries to see if he can sense the energy flow well enough to make any comparisons to the way other "magic" he's performed feels and flows.

Peter will ask if he can hold on to the knife for a while, it may be useful while exploring or if they get into trouble.

When Williamson starts giving orders, Peter follows them. No need to ruffle his feathers.

If there are no better options, he will collect fabric from whatever source to better keep himself covered and warm, but he will wait for the way out so he doesn't waste time on a less optimal source. If the furniture has zippered covers that could be used as a bag, he will take them to store other potential finds.

He examines the crystals and silver fittings... Are they light fixtures? If he charges up his knife and slices one off the wall, is there wiring?

Peter considers how long it might take to pull out enough wire to run through an outfit to make his own armor... He also keeps an eye out for a larger length of metal he might be able to use for a longer 'Sword'... he silently wishes for a car antenna...

"Could they have Yaka of their own? Turtling up and relying on Armstrong's protection sounds like a bad bet against a superior force who might have the ability to call for backup. If they decide to babysit and wait outside, they win. They can complete their mission sitting here, but we sure can't. Now that you're in better shape, I think we should try and cover as much ground as possible."

Peter thinks a quick foray while Armstrong finishes prepping breakfast is fine but he questions any decision to waste more time than is necessary. The soldiers at Fort Roberts need their help!

[ericthered]

Originally Posted by the_matrix_walker

Peter will practice the techniques and see what he can get the hang of.

He tries to see if he can sense the energy flow well enough to make any comparisons to the way other "magic" he's performed feels and flows.

The flows are perhaps most similar to the "solid smoke" effect of Karana, but they're only using about half of that... the half not connected to the mental connection or the form, just the part about moving smoke and making it solid. It seems to be a lot more efficient though.



The blade is the easiest to practice. Peter has access to it as long as he's not actively using other magic.



The shield is harder... maintaining it is 1 ER per minute and he doesn't have the full deflection effect. He gets -1 to hit him on ranged attacks per yard of distance, maximum 5 yards.

Peter will ask if he can hold on to the knife for a while, it may be useful while exploring or if they get into trouble.

Armstrong thinks its a good idea.

He examines the crystals and silver fittings... Are they light fixtures? If he charges up his knife and slices one off the wall, is there wiring?

They are positioned like light fixtures, but have no wiring.

Peter considers how long it might take to pull out enough wire to run through an outfit to make his own armor... He also keeps an eye out for a larger length of metal he might be able to use for a longer 'Sword'... he silently wishes for a car antenna...

given that there is no wire... a long time indeed. He might be able to slice some of the silver just right to make some sort of knife he can use though. he can get 12 inches of metal from them.

When Williamson starts giving orders, Peter follows them. No need to ruffle his feathers.

If there are no better options, he will collect fabric from whatever source to better keep himself covered and warm, but he will wait for the way out so he doesn't waste time on a less optimal source. If the furniture has zippered covers that could be used as a bag, he will take them to store other potential finds.

They don't go very far in (see below), so Peter cuts a bunch of upholstery material. There are no zippers, and he has to cut the fabric off. Armstrong suggests cutting/tearing up one to tie the others with.

"Could they have Yaka of their own? Turtling up and relying on Armstrong's protection sounds like a bad bet against a superior force who might have the ability to call for backup. If they decide to babysit and wait outside, they win. They can complete their mission sitting here, but we sure can't. Now that you're in better shape, I think we should try and cover as much ground as possible."

Williamson: "Yes, they could have their own Yaka. I suppose we don't know these ruins well enough to pull off that trick... and out mission is time sensitive."

Peter thinks a quick foray while Armstrong finishes prepping breakfast is fine but he questions any decision to waste more time than is necessary. The soldiers at Fort Roberts need their help!

His advice is followed. The morning is still quite cold as they head out.

[the_matrix_walker]

Originally Posted by ericthered

The flows are perhaps most similar to the "solid smoke" effect of Karana, but they're only using about half of that... the half not connected to the mental connection or the form, just the part about moving smoke and making it solid. It seems to be a lot more efficient though.

While practicing the techniques, he ponders if he can combine the disciplines to make them stronger or more efficient.

Originally Posted by ericthered

They are positioned like light fixtures, but have no wiring.

What the heck...

He wonders if they are magic, and tries pushing a little energy into a fixture still on the wall

Originally Posted by ericthered

They don't go very far in (see below), so Peter cuts a bunch of upholstery material. There are no zippers, and he has to cut the fabric off. Armstrong suggests cutting/tearing up one to tie the others with.

Peter cuts fabric sections with strips and fashions crude clothing and shoes along with a makeshift sword.
Hopefully it is sufficient to protect him from the cold.

Originally Posted by ericthered

His advice is followed. The morning is still quite cold as they head out.

Tally ho!

[ericthered]

Originally Posted by the_matrix_walker

While practicing the techniques, he ponders if he can combine the disciplines to make them stronger or more efficient.

He hasn't come up with anything yet... though as he gains more and more magic the ability to combine will probably improve.

What the heck...

He wonders if they are magic, and tries pushing a little energy into a fixture still on the wall

He feels most of the magic slide off, but a little gets in, and the crystal glows faintly. down 1 ER.

Peter cuts fabric sections with strips and fashions crude clothing and shoes along with a makeshift sword.
Hopefully it is sufficient to protect him from the cold.

If you can call a seven inch blade a sword. The clothing is heavy and rough, but its a lot better than nothing.

Tally ho!

They don't take the obvious path forward, but try to stay out of public view. In this terrain, that means sticking to the ruins for a while, and then looking for terrain features to hide behind. Armstrong and Williamson don't seem to be actually trained in scouting and stealth. They make references to "Haverson", who seemed to have been an actual scout, and was somehow lost in the engagement where Williamson got shot. Williamson "How are your wilderness skills, Nichols? do you have any experience scouting?"

[the_matrix_walker]

Peter can't help but to let out a small laugh at the question.

"Maybe not exactly how you mean, but I'm an Eagle Scout. I have badges in hiking, camping and wilderness survival with my troop that could help us here. It's a youth program, so you're only expected to learn so much, but I've actually got even better at creeping around the woods since then. We can only do so much in open terrain, but I can scout ahead some and try to find us the best path... We know we have to go which way to stay on course now?"

While making conversation, Peter will ask if there is more intel to their message to General Tessel. If they should be separated or the some of them are lost, whoever survives needs to be able to complete the mission.

Peter will do his all to help them make their best time.

Spoiler:  

As they go:

• Keeps an eye out and collects more of the plant that serves his Broken-World-Magic requirements, if he is able.
• Periodically practices the Yaka Techniques.
• Feels around with his Meta Sense for other Yaka use (or whatever).
• Makes mental notes about the terrain and the differences from what he is used to (and the two moons if this is Mars and he notices).

[ericthered]

Originally Posted by the_matrix_walker

Peter can't help but to let out a small laugh at the question.

"Maybe not exactly how you mean, but I'm an Eagle Scout. I have badges in hiking, camping and wilderness survival with my troop that could help us here. It's a kids program, so you're only expected to learn so much, but I've actually got even better at creeping around the woods since then. We can only do so much in open terrain, but I can scout ahead some and try to find us the best path... We know we have to go which way to stay on course now?"

The two men glance at each other and shrug.


Armstrong: "We think General Tessel is 20 degrees north of West, around Fort Kasei. Towards that mountain" He points.

While making conversation, Peter will ask if there is more intel to their message to General Tessel. If they should be separated or the some of them are lost, whoever survives needs to be able to complete the mission.

Armstrong Grimaces: "Fort Roberts was besieged on the 20th of October by about 40,000 republican troops, mostly Greek and African, with a full siege train but only about 1500 cavalry. The 10,000 men in fort Roberts can probably hold out until mid February"

Peter will do his all to help them make their best time.

Peter's skills are fairly low in this situation: stealth is 10, he has no Camoflauge, and the default to desert or plains is 10. This still makes him somewhat useful. His experience hiking serves him well, and they set off over the red desert. The first half-day is a grueling hike up a ravine. Peter doubts they're being too stealthy at close range. He does spot a group of at least three men on horses coming towards them. Everyone is down 2 FP.

Keeps an eye out and collects more of the plant that serves his Broken-World-Magic requirements, if he is able.

He collects a small stash of the herbs.

Periodically practices the Yaka Techniques.
Feels around with his Meta Sense for other Yaka use (or whatever).
Makes mental notes about the terrain and the differences from what he is used to (and the two moons if this is Mars and he notices).

Acknowledged. He doesn't notice anything weird about the moon (s). He does notice something weird about the ground and about how everything seems quite lite, but he can't quite put his finger on it.



Yeah, I saw the scout pun. Its just there, and there's not really a way to get around it. And the TL isn't terribly far from when Robert Bayden Powell came up with the concept, meant to prepare young boys for much what Peter is doing right now.