The Horsemen of Eschaton

Grant Latham · Post by **Grant Latham** » Mon Dec 02, 2024 2:42 pm

New Perception: 81% vs 1d100: [88] = 88
JIC: 1d20: [16] = 16 , 1d100: [84] = 84

Constant Abilities

Stats

Skybunker

A sense of relief washes across Grant's body as he sees that both Lilith and Zand are still alive. "Zand, Lilith, I recommended heading back to the SkyBunker, while the robots have orders about the swarm of insects, we still haven't seen what is controlling them whether it's Pestilence or a handler with similar capabilities." Splitting our forces is usually a bad idea, but when we do retreat I'd rather they are there to warn us if the SkyBunker is compromised.

Turning his eyes back to the sky, Grant lines up his arm and holds his fingers like a gun and releases bolts of lightning (range 2200') at the three Locusts bearing down on Gloriosa hoping to distract them and alert Daisuke and Gloriosa of the impending threat.

APM: 12(13 w/Magic)
Initiative: 1d20+8: [12]+8 = 20
Critical Strike on nat 18-20, or from behind.
Deathblow on nat 20

Give orders to Lilith and Zand
Lightning Arc at Demon Locust closing on Gloriosa and Daisuke. Strike 1d20+1: [13]+1 = 14 , Damage: 4d6+22: [6, 6, 2, 2]+22 = 38 M.D.
Lightning Arc at Demon Locust closing on Gloriosa and Daisuke. Strike 1d20+1: [6]+1 = 7 , Damage: 4d6+22: [3, 3, 1, 1]+22 = 30 M.D.
Lightning Arc at Demon Locust closing on Gloriosa and Daisuke. Strike 1d20+1: [18]+1 = 19 , Damage: 4d6+22: [1, 3, 6, 1]+22 = 33 M.D. Crit!
Lightning Arc at Demon Locust closing on Gloriosa and Daisuke. Strike 1d20+1: [19]+1 = 20 , Damage: 4d6+22: [4, 5, 5, 6]+22 = 42 M.D. Crit!
Lightning Arc at Demon Locust closing on Gloriosa and Daisuke. Strike 1d20+1: [3]+1 = 4 , Damage: 4d6+22: [2, 5, 2, 4]+22 = 35 M.D.
Lightning Arc at Demon Locust closing on Gloriosa and Daisuke. Strike 1d20+1: [9]+1 = 10 , Damage: 4d6+22: [1, 4, 6, 2]+22 = 35 M.D.
Lightning Arc at Demon Locust closing on Gloriosa and Daisuke. Strike 1d20+1: [5]+1 = 6 , Damage: 4d6+22: [2, 3, 2, 5]+22 = 34 M.D.
Lightning Arc at Demon Locust closing on Gloriosa and Daisuke. Strike 1d20+1: [4]+1 = 5 , Damage: 4d6+22: [6, 3, 5, 5]+22 = 41 M.D.
Lightning Arc at Demon Locust closing on Gloriosa and Daisuke. Strike 1d20+1: [20]+1 = 21 , Damage: 4d6+22: [1, 3, 5, 4]+22 = 35 M.D. Crit!
Lightning Arc at Demon Locust closing on Gloriosa and Daisuke. Strike 1d20+1: [5]+1 = 6 , Damage: 4d6+22: [3, 4, 1, 2]+22 = 32 M.D.
Lightning Arc at Demon Locust closing on Gloriosa and Daisuke. Strike 1d20+1: [5]+1 = 6 , Damage: 4d6+22: [4, 3, 2, 4]+22 = 35 M.D.

Contingencies:

Parry (+9 with Omega Blade)/Dodge(+6)/Auto Dodge(+5)/Roll(+10): 12d20: [16, 9, 15, 6, 19, 3, 18, 9, 18, 3, 8, 8] = 132
Save vs Magic(+17)/Psionics 12+(+11)/Horror(+19): 12d20: [16, 15, 8, 2, 17, 20, 18, 2, 6, 11, 17, 8] = 140

If Cosmic Armor drops, Grant will trigger a charge from his Fly like an Eagle talisman, then cast Armor Bizarre (165 M.D.)

Daisuke · Post by **Daisuke** » Wed Dec 04, 2024 6:10 am

-----------------------------------
Perception: d%: [26] = 26 | 74%
JIC: 1d20: [13] = 13 | d%: [43] = 43 %
Initiative: 1d20+14: [4]+14 = 18
: 9
Save vs HF: 1d20+13: [4]+13 = 17
Note: Save vs magic ()
GM-requested rolls

Save vs Psionic (12). 1d20+8: [4]+8 = 12 , 1d20+8: [14]+8 = 22 , 1d20+8: [20]+8 = 28

-----------------------------------

MDC: 291/303
PPE: 13/13
Worn:
- Casual Clothes
- CP-40 <slung>. Current e-clip: 12/21 shots.
- 6 spare e-clips

Saving Throw Bonuses (if Mimic/revert to base stats)
Eye of Odin grants +1 save vs all (not included below)
Coma/Death: 28% (+4%)
Toxins (15+): +7 (+1)
Magic (varies): +7 (+1)
Magic (Illusions): +10 (+2)
Magic (mind-altering): +15 (+7)
Lethal Poison (14+): +7 (+1)
Non-Lethal Poison (16+): +7 (+1)
Insanity (12+): +16
Psionics (12+): +7
Horror Factor: +13
Disease: +7 (+2)
Drugs (mind-altering): +8 (+6)
Possession: +13 (+6)

Conditions

I’ve made a tactical error… Daisuke realizes as he finds himself nearly alone in his approach engaging the demon locusts. He spares a glance in Gloriosa’s direction. Worse than that, I’ve accidentally split the team, leaving only myself and Gloriosa as their primary targets. I must rectify this situation.

”I’m coming back, head back toward the rest of the team!” Daisuke bellows with amplified sound to Gloriosa. As if to emphasize the point, he waves frantically for her to disengage and fly back from whence she came.

To more rapidly cover the ground between them and the rest of the team, Daisuke opens a portal for himself to get ahead of Gloriosa on their return flight. Then, once in front of GLoriosa, he opens another portal, letting the dragon go first, with the end destination being where the rest of the team are pow-wowing. After the dragon goes through, Daisuke does the same.

”Apologies. I was unaware we were disengaged from combat. I will try to pay more attention to my surroundings.” Daisuke will concede to his teammates once he is back.

If instead, it looks like Gloriosa will successfully disengage with ample time to return to the rest of the team in safety, Daisuke will take a gamble with his life and try to fight the demon locusts tactically with the knowledge that he might best be able to extract himself should he run into issues.

Instead of continuing his direct flight back toward the team, Daisuke will angle his flight toward the ground (expecting the locusts to continue to give chase). Once he reaches the ground however, the Arismal will lean on the powers copied from the mole and he will Super Burrow ((PU1 p.43-44)) a Daisuke-sized tunnel ((25 ft/melee if dirt/sand, 10 ft/melee if hard, packed earth, clay or ground… if need to chop through stone/rock, abandon plan, portal back toward team as originally intended)) into the ground at a 35 degree angle.

After one melee round ((hopefully 25 ft in, but will settle for 10 ft deep if necessary)), Daisuke will turn around to face any incoming locust. Having built himself a cozy choke point tunnel, and waiting (likely not very long) for the pursuing locust(s) to be fully within his tunnel before shooting at them at point-blank range, Daisuke figures the likelihood that he miss to be minimized. Also, the tunnel should make for his locust opponents to need to engage him one at a time (because they cannot fit more than one abreast within the tunnel), allowing him to focus-fire. And presumably if he destroys one, there is a chance that another will be immediately behind the first, giving the Arismal another prime target without needing to search for the next locust’s location.

==========
APM: 9

Action 1: Instant Weapon (draw): GAW .50 Six Barrel Machine Gun
Action 2: Shoot 10-round burst @ nearest demon locust pursuing him in the tunnel with GAW .50 (silver-plated). Strike: 1d20+4: [8]+4 = 12 . Damage: 2d6: [4, 4] = 8 *100 SDC (silver-plated).
Action 3: Shoot 10-round burst @ nearest demon locust pursuing him in the tunnel with GAW .50 (silver-plated). Strike: 1d20+4: [18]+4 = 22 . Damage: 2d6: [5, 2] = 7 *100 SDC (silver-plated).
Action 4: Shoot 10-round burst @ nearest demon locust pursuing him in the tunnel with GAW .50 (silver-plated). Strike: 1d20+4: [6]+4 = 10 . Damage: 2d6: [2, 2] = 4 *100 SDC (silver-plated).
Action 5: Shoot 10-round burst @ nearest demon locust pursuing him in the tunnel with GAW .50 (silver-plated). Strike: 1d20+4: [13]+4 = 17 . Damage: 2d6: [1, 1] = 2 *100 SDC (silver-plated).
Action 6: Shoot 10-round burst @ nearest demon locust pursuing him in the tunnel with GAW .50 (silver-plated). Strike: 1d20+4: [14]+4 = 18 . Damage: 2d6: [3, 1] = 4 *100 SDC (silver-plated).
Action 7: Shoot 10-round burst @ nearest demon locust pursuing him in the tunnel with GAW .50 (silver-plated). Strike: 1d20+4: [15]+4 = 19 . Damage: 2d6: [2, 6] = 8 *100 SDC (silver-plated).
Action 8: Shoot 10-round burst @ nearest demon locust pursuing him in the tunnel with GAW .50 (silver-plated). Strike: 1d20+4: [18]+4 = 22 . Damage: 2d6: [2, 6] = 8 *100 SDC (silver-plated).
Action 9: Reserved for contingencies.

Contingencies:

If the silver-plated ammunition looks ineffective, abandon tactic. Stow machine gun back into instant weapon. Portal back to surface. Then portal back toward team.
If it seems the locust are wise to the tactic (hopefully after destroying one or more of them), and Daisuke no longer has valid targets, stow matching gun back into instant weapon. Head back toward surface to assess situation.
If first trio of demon locusts is destroyed and second trio has not yet arrived, stow instant weapon, deepen tunnel but leveling out so that there is a bend to the tunnel that the next group of locusts will need to traverse. Prepare again at the end of this second section of tunnel for the pursuit of the rest of the demon locusts.

Post by **Ronith** » Wed Dec 04, 2024 2:04 pm

JIC: 1d20: [2] = 2 , 1d100: [70] = 70
PER: 1d100: [48] = 48 vs. 97%

Conditions: , , ,

Ronith grimaces as the team fragments. A younger me would have snuffed that out sooner. I’ll need to work on the team’s discipline if we survive this. I suppose that’s what happens when you take rookies and a hatchling to fight demon lords. Ronith crouches down and readies his blades, then turns to Hemlock. ”Call your fog, but cover the SkyBunker. We’ll take to the air and hide out while we catch a breath and plan our next move. Then get back there yourselves- Keiko, watch Hemlock’s back. I’m going after the others- don’t wait, we’ll teleport out.” Calling upon his cosmic armor enchantment, Ronith rockets into the air and flies towards the demon locust. As he catches up to Daisuke and the others he grunts from gritted teeth ”Portal. Out. Now!” He then flies to engage the locust- covering the team’s retreat as usual, then pulling back through the portal to get some distance from the swarm, and from there making his way back to the SkyBunker.

Initiative: 1d20+15: [7]+15 = 22
APM: 9

Attack 1: Paired sword strike at demon locust: 1d20+23: [16]+23 = 39 to strike, 1d6*11: [1]*11 = 11 MD with Frostfang, 1d20+23: [1]+23 = 24 to strike, 6d6: [5, 3, 5, 2, 5, 5] = 25
Attack 2: Paired sword strike at demon locust: 1d20+23: [7]+23 = 30 to strike, 1d6*11: [3]*11 = 33 MD with Frostfang, 1d20+23: [16]+23 = 39 to strike, 6d6: [6, 6, 4, 1, 1, 3] = 21
Attack 3: Paired sword strike at demon locust: 1d20+23: [17]+23 = 40 to strike, 1d6*11: [3]*11 = 33 MD with Frostfang, 1d20+23: [7]+23 = 30 to strike, 6d6: [2, 1, 6, 4, 4, 2] = 19
Attack 4: Paired sword strike at demon locust: 1d20+23: [3]+23 = 26 to strike, 1d6*11: [4]*11 = 44 MD with Frostfang, 1d20+23: [1]+23 = 24 to strike, 6d6: [5, 2, 2, 6, 6, 5] = 26
Attack 5: Paired sword strike at demon locust: 1d20+23: [12]+23 = 35 to strike, 1d6*11: [3]*11 = 33 MD with Frostfang, 1d20+23: [4]+23 = 27 to strike, 6d6: [3, 1, 5, 3, 5, 5] = 22
Attack 6: Paired sword strike at demon locust: 1d20+23: [13]+23 = 36 to strike, 1d6*11: [6]*11 = 66 MD with Frostfang, 1d20+23: [6]+23 = 29 to strike, 6d6: [6, 3, 4, 2, 6, 3] = 24
Attack 7: Paired sword strike at demon locust: 1d20+23: [1]+23 = 24 to strike, 1d6*11: [1]*11 = 11 MD with Frostfang, 1d20+23: [17]+23 = 40 to strike, 6d6: [5, 2, 5, 4, 2, 5] = 23
Attack 8: Paired sword strike at demon locust: 1d20+23: [18]+23 = 41 to strike, 1d6*11: [5]*11 = 55 MD with Frostfang, 1d20+23: [19]+23 = 42 to strike, 6d6: [6, 2, 3, 1, 3, 3] = 18
Attack 9: Paired sword strike at demon locust: 1d20+23: [10]+23 = 33 to strike, 1d6*11: [4]*11 = 44 MD with Frostfang, 1d20+23: [8]+23 = 31 to strike, 6d6: [4, 4, 2, 6, 4, 5] = 25

Contingency: Evacuate through Daisuke’s or Grant’s portal once the others are through. 1d20+20: [7]+20 = 27 to dodge.

Hemlock · Post by **Hemlock** » Sun Dec 08, 2024 2:04 pm

JIC: 1d20: [6] = 6 , 1d100: [74] = 74
Perception: 78% / 1d100: [63] = 63 (SUCCESS)

Ronith wrote: ↑Wed Dec 04, 2024 2:04 pmRonith crouches down and readies his blades, then turns to Hemlock. ”Call your fog, but cover the SkyBunker. We’ll take to the air and hide out while we catch a breath and plan our next move. Then get back there yourselves- Keiko, watch Hemlock’s back. I’m going after the others- don’t wait, we’ll teleport out.”

Hemlock nods absently to Ronith's orders while watching the chaos unfold. There's a flicker of contemplative amusement in her eyes. Daisuke will have Ronith's aid in a moment, and then these heroes will regroup for the next battle, she thinks.

"When the fog hits," she says, her voice cutting through the roar of the conjured elemental tornado. "you cannot trust your flight powers. Skybunker would do well to fly clear away from the fog, trust me on this. Teleport out quickly. War will not enjoy the experience." She laughs at the thought.

Meanwhile, Cloudjumper directs the tornado to intercept some Locust demons that might be warded off before they reach Keiko.

Hemlock's eyes narrow as she thinks quickly, Pestilence thinks he's outwitted us, but he underestimates the power of trickery. Am I not a child of Loki, the god of trickery? Let this group retreat, Pestilence will think us routed and desperate, but all the while I shall show them the meaning of trickery. Meanwhile War, oh dear War, you are in for a shock should you fly into my wondrous fey fog.

Ronith wrote: ↑Wed Dec 04, 2024 2:04 pmRonith crouches down and readies his blades, then turns to Hemlock. Calling upon his cosmic armor enchantment, Ronith rockets into the air and flies towards the demon locust. As he catches up to Daisuke and the others he grunts from gritted teeth ”Portal. Out. Now!” He then flies to engage the locust- covering the team’s retreat as usual, then pulling back through the portal to get some distance from the swarm, and from there making his way back to the SkyBunker.

Hemlock quickly ties her Talisman of Barrage and Wink Out to the tassels of her Air Staff. "Use this magic when all other magic fails you," she tells Cloudjumper telepathically.

Then, with one eye on Ronith's mad dash to Daisuke, she works her Summon Fog spell (-140 P.P.E. lasts 15 hours). She completes the magic when the two meet. If the lore of this realm prevent fogs co-existing with raging tornadoes, Cloudjumper dismisses her magical tornado. But a raging fog tornado would indeed be a terrifying thing! To be unable to see the terrible thing that sucks you up and pummels you before it is too late! That is the terrible and imaginative combination Hemlock has in mind.

. That word barely begins to describe the spell justly. The fog, congealing from the very atmosphere, makes the air is so thick that our heroes can see clearly only for four feet about them. Up to ten feet they only see shadowy figures and shapes. Beyond that, nothing.And the fog is vast. A full fifteen miles of area about them. It muddles the sense of direction, and makes flight impossible. Indeed, even a run is impossible, lest one fall down embarrassingly. And it isn't just a mere mist; about them still lies Hemlock's vast illusionary forest, and the trap of her disguised Shadow Wall spell. It is a land of trickery, and somewhere, Loki may well be smiling. But I'm done yet, not by a long way.

Alone with Keiko, Hemlock is a beacon of joyful calm. She decides it is a good time to teach the young felinoid shifter a lesson in advanced magic. "I've been doing this for three thousand years, and what I am about to do will be something you will never see in those magical colleges run by mortals. I may well die, for there are no guarantees in anything, but I promise it will be instructive. So, you can depart now and live, or you can follow me and see some very advanced magic." She giggles, and adds, "And perhaps die with me."

If Keiko remains, Hemlock instructs in a delighted and excited tone, "This fog is no ordinary mist," she warns Keiko, her voice echoing through the dense air. "**Do not try to run or fly within it. If you need to retreat, teleport, or simply walk away. Anything faster will embarrass you."

** Summon Fog spell states flight impossible. So should War fly into the area at supersonic speeds, he is in for a terrible shock and an almighty crash!

Then the elder godling asks the young shifter, "Now, if we were to find Pestilence in all this how ought we go about this whilst cloaked in this fog? The demons are powerful, but unimaginative."

If Keiko offers her suggestions, Hemlock listens with interest. Then the very experienced godling lays out her idea.

"The dull demons will expect us to be retreating. Seeing the Skybunker moving away from the battle will confirm it in their tiny minds. The clever ones might think it a ruse, and think us hunting for Pestilence on the ground, hidden by this fog. Those rare ones who are cleverer still, will try and take to the air, thinking us coming from above. The fog will thwart that, they cannot fly because of that magical fog, and so that will confirm in their minds that somehow we can indeed fly in the middle of a Summon Fog spell."

She raises an eyebrow and smirks, "But I will do none of those things. While their eyes and senses are upon the mist-shrouded sky, we will be coming from below. You'll need a D-Phase spell to follow me. Come along."

Hemlock, riding Ghost, shifts to an intangible state. Ghost, meanwhile, is a greater earth elemental and can ride through the deep earth underneath with ease. Keiko, if she wishes, can cast D-Phase and join the godling, riding behind Hemlock on Ghost.

Safely nestled in the bosom of the earth, at a depth of some 30 feet, Hemlock rides her elemental elk through the rock. She reaches out her senses for Pestilence, using her .

With the insect swarm scattered to the four winds, I should be able to find you now... you naughty little demon thing. Then we'll have some fun you and I.

Heightened Presence Sense pinpointing location 90%: 1d100: [48] = 48

Contingency: Should Hemlock locate Pestilence.

"There!" Hemlock points upwards to where Pestilence is located. Oddly enough, the Psi-Ghost power of Intangibility allows her to speak. "Your idea to freeze time and plant explosives is a good one. I'd like to show you an alternative. The raw power of stopped time is nice, but imagination is by far the thing you can't do without. Any fool can toss a lightning bolt, or unleash an Anti-Magic Cloud. But it's the combinations of lesser and greater magics that really will set you apart from all the other spell slingers out there."

She warns her companions, "Ghost, make the earth tremble. Firefox, all the lava you can muster. Cloudjumper, the wind." They all begin casting their magics....

In response Firefox casts Burst Into Flame (-70 P.P.E.) in anticipation of mayhem.

Hemlock casts a few spells.

Disharmonise, all whilst still from under the rock, (-150 P.P.E.), affecting all in 750 foot radius. All enemies on the surface must save vs Hemlock's magic.
Time Warp: Slow Motion, (-45 P.P.E.) affecting all in a 450 foot radius. There is no saving throw, though temporal beings like Keiko are unaffected.
p.250 BoM for full details, but here is a snippet..
• Always has the initiative, can never be surprised or attacked from behind, has three additional melee attacks, is +4 to strike, +6 to parry and dodge, +6 to save vs psionics and magic, +6 to save vs poison and drugs, +10 to save vs Horror Factor.
• Teleport: Superior, Time Warp: Fast Forward, Time and Space Warp at will.
• Omniscient even when stepping into the 3-D world. Aware of virtually everything around him. Can see all spectrums of light, heat,
magic energy, radiation and electromagnetism. Can also see through walls, doors, floors and containers as if they were thin air.
• Can step in and out of the third dimension at will. See BoM for details.
• Impervious to illusions, mind control and illusionary magic and psionics and mind controlling drugs.
, (-350 P.P.E.), turning the godling into a four dimensional being.

Then she enters the scene like a being from an ancient myth. Hemlock, a fey vision of ethereal grace, emerges from the very fog-shrouded earth, her white elk steed a majestic creature. Her disharmonise spell surrounds her with aura of hazy light that expands in all directions. She radiates power, in her hands are her owl staff and flaming katana. All foes about her move in slow motion.

She addresses Pestilence, her emerald eyes gleaming with her very best evil glare.

"I am Hemlock, daughter of Loki," she declares, her voice echoing through the fog.

Her emerald eyes flash with righteous anger, and she points her flaming katana directly at Pestilence. "I am a Gardener!" she declares, her voice a mixture of annoyance and righteous anger. "For all the crops you've blighted, for all the gardens you've ravaged, for all the time I've spent picking grasshoppers out of daffodils!"

Hemlock shouts, "IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!!"

Right on cue, her companions spells are unleashed.

Ghost: Earthquake ((-50 P.P.E.)) A devastating invocation that sends terrible shock waves through the ground, causing it to rumble, undulate, and tear open. The fissure runs 600 feet, inflicting its incredible destruction to everything in its path.
Firefox: River of Lava ((-50 P.P.E.)) In the fissure, a boiling river of lava emerges. The spell may be 270 feet long, 45 feet wide, 45 feet deep.
Cloudjumper: Tornado ((-60 P.P.E.)). This is a second tornado, and the first, still active, moves to join its mate. The awesome black funnel cloud is the center of the storm has winds of 120 to 180 mph and sucks in the lava of the lake, and Pestilence.

Imagine if you will, Hemlock's intent. A swirling, viscous vortex of lava. A terrifying display of elemental fury. This tornado, a colossal whirlwind of destruction, traps Pestilence and his horde on insects within its fiery embrace. These menacing creatures should be helpless, consumed by the colossal inferno. Such a terrifying thing would be awe inspiring, but in truth it can barely been seen amid Hemlock's smothering Fog Cloud. But the roaring sound of elemental fury would be terrible indeed.

Hemlock of course, sees it all, as in her fourth dimensional state she can see in all spectrums of light, and is omniscient. She telepathically instills in the others a vision of what is going. To satisfy their morbid curiosity, and also to help direct their destruction.

Those villains who try to run find themselves falling over from the Fog's magical effects (no saving throw), and flight is impossible. They cannot even see from where the tornado is coming. Meanwhile Cloudjumper summons more tornadoes. Firefox more lava. The earth trembles, knocking over all land-locked beings. There is also a good chance moving enemies will walk into Hemlock's enormous Shadow Wall, which is still hidden in the Fog and Illusion of the place.

The lava tornado may also move in slow motion, thanks to Hemlock's time slowing magic. This may or may not affect how long a being is entrapped inside it before being ejected. When Pestilence is ejected, flight is impossible, and it falls to the earth. Thereafter, a tornado picks it up again and repeats the destructive process.

For Cloudjumper and Firefox, this is personal. They are greater Kachina Spirits, and they love the world the Horsemen are intent on destroying. Coupled with Hemlock's creativity and raw power, they seek to end the Horseman and keep it entrapped in lava tornadoes until it's health is depleted.

Contingency: Magma Immunity.
Hemlock will negate magic on the Horseman should it seem resistant to burning nastiness. Hemlock can teleport in and out of the scene at will, thanks to Fourth Dimensional Form.

Contingency: Unexpected surprises.
Cloudjumper will use the Talisman of Barrage to assault enemies who get too close, or Wink Out to have Hemlock and Keiko vanish out of sight for some unforeseen danger to pass.

Contingency: Disaster.
Hemlock will escape with Keiko and the others using Fourth Dimension teleportation, which can be done at will.

Contingency: Success.
If Pestilence is ended, Hemlock possesses the ability to teleport in space and time (see Time Warp: Space & Time p.251 BoM) at will. She transports Keiko to a place of her choosing, and in a future time of her choosing (OOC: when the player chooses to return to active duty she can be with the H4H!).

Hemlock gives Keiko some parting words. Her gaze turns from the elemental chaos and falls on Keiko. "Wasn't that fun?" she asks.

"Now go," she commands, her voice firm. "Rejoin your friends. I will finish things here." She pauses, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "I cannot allow these Demon Locusts to survive. This is too good an opportunity to miss. If you stay, you will die."

A wry smile plays on her lips. "Be well, Keiko. I will rejoin you if I survive." With that, she turns back to the battlefield, ready to face whatever horrors the Horseman Pestilence has left in the area, and Keiko is teleported away.

Post by **Underguard** » Sun Dec 08, 2024 9:12 pm

Conditions wrote:Current Time/Date in Africa: Friday, October 112PA,
Environmental Conditions: Outside temp; 34*C (89*F), large, thick fog covers a 15 mile area. The remainder of the Lava Tornado causes a brief increase in temperature in the surrounding area.
Ley Line/Nexus Presence: No Ley Line or Nexus within range.

Grant quickly orders Zand and Lilith back to the Skybunker and they comply as the team begins to fragment. Ronith mentally curses the lack of coordination, especially against such a powerful force as the Horsemen. Ronith has Keiko support Hemlock as Hemlock begins preparations for her idea, with Ronith and Grant then following Gloriosa to aid Daisuke before Daisuke is swarmed by Locusts.

Hemlock has Cloudjumper direct the tornado to intercept some of the Locust, which much to everyone's fortune, does succeed in pulling at least one Locust into the funnel, possibly more but it's hard to tell. There are still some coming from another angle and Cloudjumper maneuvers the Tornado in such a way that it won't impact Ronith, Gloriosa, Grant or Daisuke.

Gloriosa, followed by Ronith and Grant, quickly close in on Daisuke as he is being attacked by two Locust, with at least one more incoming. As the Locusts close in on Daisuke, he feels a particular lump form in his throat that renders him unable to speak [Unable to speak for 12 minutes] followed by another series of mental attacks, though the Arismal saves against them. Daisuke summons his machine gun and opens fire on the nearest Locust, peppering it with silver plated bullets. As Daisuke does this, the Locust flies through the barrage and moves to engage Daisuke in melee combat. Daisuke darts from the air to the ground to evade the Locust with his faster Cosmic Armor.

Ronith, Gloriosa, and Grant all enter range, with Ronith moving to shred the incoming Locust with his sword while Gloriosa spews fire in another direction to deter the other incoming Locust. Grant successfully lobs several arcs of lightning at the Locusts. As the trio arrive to back Daisuke up, Daisuke and Ronith both notice the eruption of a thick fog that begins to cover the area not in the Tornado's path. The Tornado's errant winds disrupting parts of the Fog, prompting Cloudjumper to dismiss the Tornado. Soon enough, the Fog completely envelopes a 15 miles area.

As the Fog envelopes the Heroes, and the Locust they are battling, they soon all completely drop to the ground. Hemlock's warning that flight of any sort is impossible holds true as even the Magical Cosmic Armor is grounded. Grant, Ronith, Daisuke and Gloriosa all lose sight of each other within the Fog since being grounded, but also note that the Demon Locusts are obscured in the Fog. Daisuke takes this moment to burrow into the ground, though the Fog does follow him into the hole. His copied abilities help him counter the lack of direction the Fog induces thanks to his subterranean senses. It is so thick, no one can see more than an arm's length ahead of them and sensor systems are completely worthless. Though, Zand and Lilith radio back to the Heroes as the Fog encompasses the field. "Zand here, we're at the Skybunker. It's on the edge of the Fog. Can't ping anything in the Fog with the sensors. Can still see several radar blips around the Fog, though." Zand radios. Though the group's sense of direction is in complete shambles, anyone with a team radio can follow the radio signal back to the Skybunker. [Provide a Radio Basic roll to accomplish this, add a Prowl roll at +20% to avoid attracting a Locust's attention. Daisuke only needs to roll a Land Nav check to make it back to the bunker underground and isn't under a fear of tripping. Running faster than a speed of 10 has a 60% chance for tripping every 30ft of travel. There is a 30% chance of running into a Locust on the ground even while Prowling. Ronith, Grant, Daisuke, Gloriosa; Please provide 5 d100 rolls for possible Locust encounter in the Fog. Also provide 5 d100s if you intend on traveling faster than a speed of 10 (>7 1/2 MPH)]

Now alone with Keiko and impressed with her work, Hemlock focuses on the other half of her plan. To route out this errant Horseman, Pestilence, that has been toying with them. The Gardening Godling of the Forest feeling a certain level of personal disdain to everything that Pestilence represents. Hemlock warns Keiko about how dangerous her plan will be, but the Felinoid merely smirks at the possible danger and follows Hemlock. Hemlock then gives Keiko a brief on the Fog's restrictions then informs Keiko to cast D-Phase on herself and jump on Ghost, Hemlock's mighty Elk. Hemlock makes herself become intangible and then the Elk disappears into the Earth amid the fog. Keiko can only see dirt and rock around them as Hemlock guides Ghost using her Heightened Presence Sense in a focused mode in order to pinpoint sentients.

Hemlock isn't sure where she is according to the Fog she summoned, but she pinpoints a single presence some ways away that is not moving but certainly sentient. All of the Demon Locusts are moving within the Fog, whereas this one is staying still. This gives Hemlock reason to believe she has discovered Pestilence. Hemlock casts Disharmonise, then Time Warp. As these two spells begin to take affect near the pinpointed sentient, Hemlock can tell it starts trying to escape the radius as Hemlock shows Keiko her Fourth Dimensional Self. The moment Hemlock does this, she can identify it is indeed Pestilence she has found as she rides up from the ground with Keiko on the back of Ghost to greet the Horseman. Hemlock can see the large wall of Fog is about 300m NW of their location.

turns and looks at Hemlock, the being seems to be a walking collection of bugs holding a staff. Pestilence only smiles a wicked grin at Hemlock but doesn't answer as the Horseman holds up his hand and a new swarm of bugs begins to surround Hemlock and Keiko on Ghost, though they are still intangible. Then, Hemlock responds in kind with her summoned allies.

All of the Heroes on the Ground and in the Skybunker suddenly feel an eruption as the ground quakes beneath them. Ghost summons a violent earthquake with Pestilence being the epicenter as Firefox brings forth a wall of Lava that seems to encompass Pestilence. Cloudjumper brings a black funnel down on Pestilence as it summons another Tornado. The Tornado quickly becomes enflamed and glowing red as the lava is swirled around the vortex. The Tornado close enough that it begins shredding parts of the Fog's radius as it swells around Pestilence.

Hemlock, thanks to being in a Fourth Dimensional state can see that Pestilence's body of bugs has been basically dissolved by the fire and now stands at the epicenter of the Tornado as a towering and imposing skeleton. It seems to be able to weather both the lava and the winds, though in the center it is not flung into the air though Hemlock can see it is most perturbed. Pestilence keeps trying to leave the funnel but Cloudjumper, with Hemlock's guidance is keeping the tornado of lava centered on Pestilence.

Hemlock notes it will require a little more effort from her to eradicate Pestilence by herself, so she turns to Keiko and offers the Feline mage a bit of parting advice and thanks before teleporting Keiko back to the Skybunker as Hemlock and Ghost teleport into the funnel with Pestilence. There, the Godling decides this dimension is too good for the plague that Pestilence is. Sure, War and Death were still around, but Pestilence was against the very nature of Hemlock and it was this desire to protect nature that was ignited within her.

As quickly as everyone felt the Earthquake and the new Lava Tornado, it was gone. Keiko watches on the sensors at the location where Hemlock was, suddenly there is nothing. The sensors also show that all the circling Locust seem to be retreating, though some Heroes remain trapped in a lasting Fog. Outside the Fog, all of the insects that had been within the area are gone.

What are your intentions?
GM Note: 3 minute have passed.

Combat within the Fog has completely ceased unless you run into a Locust, though it will be simple to evade them in the Fog.

Keiko, Zand and Lilith are at the Skybunker.
Ronith, Grant, Daisuke and Gloriosa are in the Fog.

Grant Latham · Post by **Grant Latham** » Tue Dec 10, 2024 2:55 pm

New Perception: 81% vs 1d100: [57] = 57
JIC: 1d20: [10] = 10 , 1d100: [21] = 21

Constant Abilities

Stats

Skybunker

Radio Basic 79% vs 1d100: [87] = 87 | Failure | Follow radio signal, nope
Meet a Demon Locust 30% vs 5d100: [68, 47, 46, 56, 7] = 224 | 1 Success? Hopefully, Grant spots it before it spots him

Grant drops to a crouch as he touches down on the ground unable to outrun the fog. The Skybunker should just be a few hundred yards in that direction Grant hears a sound in the distance and turns back that direction, no that direction, uh oh. The frame of reference is lost, and so is Grant. I have basically a 25% chance of picking the right direction. Wonderful. Grant's earpiece buzzes with the sound of Zand's voice. The radio, maybe I can use that to identify a direction. He adjusts the knobs on the radio. "On my way, Grant out." the mage says over the radio in a whisper.

He begins moving out in what he hopes is the correct direction. Grant's unorthodox training to become a Lord Magus had gifted him with many skills, memories from other people, but being stealthy was not one of them. He'd successfully relied on his magic up to this point. He triggers Mystic Invisibility (MA17 |2 of 3 charges remaining | 50 min | Undetectable by psionics or magic. Includes Psi-Stalker/Dog boy or similar. No aura.) from one of the talisman rings on his left hand so that he can not be detected magically or psychically. In return, Grant uses his activated ability to sense evil, magic and to avoid the demon locust and other undesirables moving opposite direction of what he senses.

As he moves, he feels various enchantments of his own come to an end, but with no sense of how long it will take for him to get out of the fog, he lets them expire. If he comes across an enemy, his first action is to trigger Invulnerability (BOM 116 | 2.5 min | Impervious to Cold, Fire, Energy, Disease, Poisons, Toxins, Gases, and Drugs. 50 M.D.C. force field. +10 vs Magic, Psionics, HF) and defends himself with his Omega Blade.

APM: 12(13 w/Magic)
Initiative: 1d20+8: [15]+8 = 23
Critical Strike on nat 18-20, or from behind.
Deathblow on nat 20

Activate Invulnerability Talisman
Strike with Omega Sword, Strike 1d20+11: [18]+11 = 29 crit!, Damage 6d6: [2, 6, 2, 4, 1, 3] = 18 M.D.
Strike with Omega Sword, Strike 1d20+11: [4]+11 = 15 , Damage 6d6: [5, 5, 6, 3, 6, 6] = 31 M.D.
Strike with Omega Sword, Strike 1d20+11: [9]+11 = 20 , Damage 6d6: [4, 6, 6, 3, 3, 6] = 28 M.D.
Strike with Omega Sword, Strike 1d20+11: [14]+11 = 25 , Damage 6d6: [3, 1, 3, 6, 2, 5] = 20 M.D.
Strike with Omega Sword, Strike 1d20+11: [16]+11 = 27 , Damage 6d6: [5, 3, 1, 5, 1, 2] = 17 M.D.
Strike with Omega Sword, Strike 1d20+11: [4]+11 = 15 , Damage 6d6: [3, 5, 4, 4, 3, 1] = 20 M.D.
Strike with Omega Sword, Strike 1d20+11: [9]+11 = 20 , Damage 6d6: [5, 4, 2, 1, 3, 6] = 21 M.D.
Strike with Omega Sword, Strike 1d20+11: [3]+11 = 14 , Damage 6d6: [3, 2, 4, 1, 3, 2] = 15 M.D.
Strike with Omega Sword, Strike 1d20+11: [7]+11 = 18 , Damage 6d6: [4, 5, 5, 5, 3, 3] = 25 M.D.
Strike with Omega Sword, Strike 1d20+11: [3]+11 = 14 , Damage 6d6: [1, 1, 3, 1, 2, 5] = 13 M.D.

Contingencies:

Parry (+11 with Omega Blade)/Dodge(+6)/Auto Dodge(+5)/Roll(+10): 12d20: [11, 11, 2, 10, 3, 10, 10, 15, 19, 17, 17, 12] = 137
Save vs Magic(+17)/Psionics 12+(+11)/Horror(+19): 12d20: [20, 6, 11, 4, 16, 9, 1, 4, 8, 16, 4, 11] = 110

If Cosmic Armor drops, Grant will cast Armor Bizarre (165 M.D.)

Post by **Ronith** » Tue Dec 10, 2024 3:16 pm

JIC: 1d20: [1] = 1 , 1d100: [98] = 98
PER: 1d100: [43] = 43 vs. 97%

Conditions: , , , ,

Prowl: 1d100: [53] = 53 vs. 136%
To remain hidden
Locust encounters: 1d100: [18] = 18 , 1d100: [3] = 3 , 1d100: [64] = 64 , 1d100: [18] = 18 , 1d100: [90] = 90
High speed: 1d100: [38] = 38 , 1d100: [69] = 69 , 1d100: [51] = 51 , 1d100: [5] = 5 , 1d100: [47] = 47
Mind’s eye- 1d100: [46] = 46 vs. 94%
To find the others, avoid demons, and get back to the APC

As the fog settles in Ronith will use Mind’s Eye ((-8 ISP)) to try and see through the fog. Assuming he is successful he will attempt to locate the others quietly and withdraw. If Mind’s Eye helps mitigate the difficulty of navigating the terrain in the fog Ronith will attempt to go faster, but if he stumbles a lot he will slow down. If nothing else, it should give Ronith an idea of what Hemlock is doing with Pestilence at the center of the storm. Ye gods! I hope she knows what she’s doing… Surely Odin will protect her. Ronith says a silent (and very quick) prayer for the Godling before he returns his mind to the task of getting the others and guiding them out of the area. As the immediate threat ebbs he will slow down if needed, but be quick to defend himself with his blades if the demons (or any other foes) return for another round.

Initiative: 1d20+18: [14]+18 = 32
APM: 9

Attack 1: Use mind’s eye.
Attack 2: Movement and attack if threatened. Paired sword strike: 1d20+25: [1]+25 = 26 to strike, 1d6*11: [1]*11 = 11 MD with Frostfang, 1d20+25: [17]+25 = 42 to strike, 6d6: [4, 6, 1, 3, 4, 5] = 23
Attack 3: Movement and attack if threatened. Paired sword strike: 1d20+25: [10]+25 = 35 to strike, 1d6*11: [5]*11 = 55 MD with Frostfang, 1d20+25: [19]+25 = 44 to strike, 6d6: [4, 5, 2, 5, 2, 3] = 21
Attack 4: Movement and attack if threatened. Paired sword strike: 1d20+25: [13]+25 = 38 to strike, 1d6*11: [5]*11 = 55 MD with Frostfang, 1d20+25: [20]+25 = 45 to strike, 6d6: [6, 1, 6, 3, 2, 6] = 24
Attack 5: Movement and attack if threatened. Paired sword strike: 1d20+25: [14]+25 = 39 to strike, 1d6*11: [5]*11 = 55 MD with Frostfang, 1d20+25: [14]+25 = 39 to strike, 6d6: [1, 5, 1, 6, 3, 5] = 21
Attack 6: Movement and attack if threatened. Paired sword strike: 1d20+25: [12]+25 = 37 to strike, 1d6*11: [1]*11 = 11 MD with Frostfang, 1d20+25: [8]+25 = 33 to strike, 6d6: [4, 5, 4, 4, 2, 3] = 22
Attack 7: Movement and attack if threatened. Paired sword strike: 1d20+25: [15]+25 = 40 to strike, 1d6*11: [5]*11 = 55 MD with Frostfang, 1d20+25: [2]+25 = 27 to strike, 6d6: [5, 3, 6, 3, 6, 1] = 24
Attack 8: Movement and attack if threatened. Paired sword strike: 1d20+25: [17]+25 = 42 to strike, 1d6*11: [4]*11 = 44 MD with Frostfang, 1d20+25: [17]+25 = 42 to strike, 6d6: [4, 3, 4, 1, 6, 2] = 20
Attack 9: Movement and attack if threatened. Paired sword strike: 1d20+25: [12]+25 = 37 to strike, 1d6*11: [5]*11 = 55 MD with Frostfang, 1d20+25: [14]+25 = 39 to strike, 6d6: [1, 2, 6, 2, 6, 5] = 22

Gloriosa · Post by **Gloriosa** » Fri Dec 13, 2024 1:08 pm

Perception: 1d100: [35] = 35 /29%
JIC: 1d20: [4] = 4 / 1d100: [4] = 4

"Awww man..." The fog rolling in is a tactic Gloriosa has seen before. Hemmy uses it to control a battlefield. Or to water a regular field. There's a lot of moisture in fog. But he also knows it means the sky has been taken from him and it will be a while before he can find his way out of the obscuring envelopment.

Well, don't want to run into any of the bugs in here so maybe I'll just... Gloriosa shifts into his , turns invisible, and starts a fast-paced canter in the direction he's facing. Either I sit here and wait, or I get it moving!

Gloriosa does his best to avoid combat with any of the bugs trapped in the fog with him, as he makes his way out.

Post by **Underguard** » Sun Dec 22, 2024 8:50 pm

Conditions wrote:Current Time/Date in Africa: Friday, October 112PA,
Environmental Conditions: Outside temp; 34*C (89*F), large, thick fog covers a 15 mile area. The remainder of the Lava Tornado causes a brief increase in temperature in the surrounding area.
Ley Line/Nexus Presence: No Ley Line or Nexus within range.

Inside the Fog is almost like a maze, but the fighting has ceased and been replaced with a fear of running face first into a Locust without support. Grant tries to follow the radio signal but only gets static feedback at first as he starts moving and trying to use infrared vision and is able to avoid the closer Locust without much issue. It also lets him spot Gloriosa in the fog as the dragon assumes the form of a random dog. The pair end up meeting up and sticking together, with Grant able to walk them through the Locust without engagement. Unfortunately for them both, Ronith is moving far too fast to catch up too. Grant tries following the radio signal again (Using JiC 100) and manages to pick up the Skybunker's direction as Keiko leaves the radio signal open. Daisuke simply remains underground and burrows in the direction of the of the Skybunker, unable to speak but not debilitated completely.

Keiko eventually comes on the line. "I'm spotting some signals on the other side of the fog appearing and flying away. You guys or Locusts? We're staying put until we spot you." Keiko offers over the line. Ronith ends up barreling into a Locust due to his fast speed and the Fog partially interfering with his Minds' Eye, however the Cyber-knight is ready for it and tumbles beneath the frustrated demon, cutting it's legs as Ronith disappears back into the fog as quickly as he appeared.

Several tense minutes pass, with Daisuke being the first to pop out from the earth outside the Fog, able to fly again. Daisuke makes it to the Skybunker, the tense constraints on his vocal cords still apparent but lessening. Ronith ends up barreling out of the Fog towards the south of it, though quickly is able to re-orient himself and make his way back to the Skybunker. Grant and Gloriosa are the last two to emerge from the fog together, and the pair make it back to the Skybunker. Keiko looks to the others. "I still can't get a read on Hemlock or Pestilence but it looks like the Locusts are leaving the immediate area. Lilith and Zand are over here." Keiko says as she greets her fellow teammates.

What are your intentions?
GM Note: It took about 10 minutes for everyone to get out of the Fog.
Daisuke has two minutes before he can speak again, but will be able to speak during his post.
Everyone is in the Skybunker

Gloriosa · Post by **Gloriosa** » Mon Dec 23, 2024 12:55 pm

Perception: 1d100: [5] = 5 /29%
JIC: 1d20: [15] = 15 / 1d100: [53] = 53

”Hi Mister Grant! It’s me, Gloriosa! I’m not really a dog. Also, most dogs aren’t this color. But you probably knew that. I think you’ve probably seen a dog before. This breed is called a Labrador Retriever. I don’t know why they call it that though. Probably because they… SQUIRREL.”
Gloriosa freezes in place for a moment before continuing on in stride with Grant.
“That was a dog joke. Anyway, did you know that dogs can…” Gloriosa does a terrible job at being stealthy, though the fog cover helps make up for that. He walks and walks and walks with Grant until…

”Hey look! No more fog! Let’s get back to the others! I’ve gotta tell Hemmy about how we dodged all those bugs back there!”

Gloriosa takes flight with Grant (either flying with him, clothing in his jaws or next to him) and heads back to the Skybunker. ”What’s up dudes?! We’re baaaack! It was crazy down there! They were all bzzz bzzz bzzz and we were all pew pew pew and then it was like…” At this point, Gloriosa does his best impression of a foghorn. ”And then I was all woof woof and then I saw Grant and then we flew and now we’re here and I’m all like blah blah blah, amirite?!” He smiles a and then on the ground to rest. ”So, did we get it? Pestilence? That’s two down, two to go, right? Someone tell Hemmy I’m gonna take a nap.”

Gloriosa curls up and takes a nap. Not because he’s tired, but because he’s a dragon and he can.

Grant Latham · Post by **Grant Latham** » Mon Dec 30, 2024 9:21 am

New Perception: 81% vs 1d100: [40] = 40
JIC: 1d20: [1] = 1 , 1d100: [82] = 82

Constant Abilities

Stats

Sense Ley Line 94% vs 1d100: [99] = 99 Is there a ley line within 110 miles of them? LOL - Nope.

Caught up in the swirling discordant magical energies released by Hemlock and her minions, Grant hears garbled communication over the radio but can't get a fix. Finding Gloriosa, he tries again while listening to the dragon-dog prattle. We are getting closer to the edge I think. Distracted, Grant treats Gloriosa like the dog it appears to be. In a whisper, "Ah Glorisa, I am glad I met a friend and not one of these demonic bugs. Now, heel! Quiet! Walkies! Walkies! Down! Good boy." He puts his hand over Gloriosa's muzzle and awkwardly holds his Omega Sword up to his lips and says, "Ssh, locust. Okay, it's gone, walkies, walkies."

Stepping out of the fog, Grant nods at Gloriosa's observation, "Yes, back to the Skybunker, hurray." Grant lifts off the ground, his silverly-blue form hugging the ground as they speed off.

"Hemlock could be anywhere in that fog cloud, the magical energy she expended was tremendous, trying to find her in the cloud would be worse than finding a needle in a haystack. I think our choices are we wait until the fog disburses and try to find her, or regroup with another of the teams and hope she finds her way back to us," Grant says once they've regrouped on the Skybunker.

If Grant unable to sense any ley lines says, "I don't sense any ley lines nearby to help us replenish our energies." He waves to the fog and shrugs, and then says, "I think we should try and regroup with one of the other teams, while the fog is still shielding us."

Grant also tries to find out what is happening with the other teams on the TW radio. This is H4H. We've defeated Famine, and believe we have engaged the minions of a second horseman, possibly Pestilence. What is the status of the other teams? Over."

Hemlock · Post by **Hemlock** » Thu Jan 02, 2025 2:30 pm

The Other Side

Underguard wrote: ↑Sun Dec 08, 2024 9:12 pm Hemlock, thanks to being in a Fourth Dimensional state can see that Pestilence's body of bugs has been basically dissolved by the fire and now stands at the epicenter of the Tornado as a towering and imposing skeleton. It seems to be able to weather both the lava and the winds, though in the center it is not flung into the air though Hemlock can see it is most perturbed. Pestilence keeps trying to leave the funnel but Cloudjumper, with Hemlock's guidance is keeping the tornado of lava centered on Pestilence.

Hemlock notes it will require a little more effort from her to eradicate Pestilence by herself, so she turns to Keiko and offers the Feline mage a bit of parting advice and thanks before teleporting Keiko back to the Skybunker as Hemlock and Ghost teleport into the funnel with Pestilence. There, the Godling decides this dimension is too good for the plague that Pestilence is. Sure, War and Death were still around, but Pestilence was against the very nature of Hemlock and it was this desire to protect nature that was ignited within her.

Hemlock of Asgard has transcended the limitations of the physical world. And time itself. She and her foe are falling through the Astral Plane, it is disorienting, yet strangely exhilarating.

Gloriosa wrote: ↑Mon Dec 23, 2024 12:55 pm He smiles a
and then
on the ground to rest. ”So, did we get it? Pestilence? That’s two down, two to go, right? Someone tell Hemmy I’m gonna take a nap.”

Gloriosa curls up and takes a nap. Not because he’s tired, but because he’s a dragon and he can.

As Hemlock and Pestilence hurtle through the swirling chaos of the Astral Plane, Hemlock cannot help but think of Gloriosa, the young dragon hatchling left behind with the Heroes for Hire. She feels a pang of parental concern, a strange feeling indeed as she's never thought to have children of her own yet, and it tugs at her heart. She hopes he is safe, that he will continue learning, that he will thrive, no matter what the outcome of this battle. Somehow, across the vast expanse of the Astral Plane, a connection, a thread of parental love, links them. Gloriosa, in his own way, seems to sense this, a vision of his foster mother, an ancient godling of Asgard, battling monstrous foes in a realm beyond comprehension flashing through his mind as he slumbers. Oddly, he sees this through the eyes of Hemlock, and even hears her very thoughts.

In her fourth dimensional state she continues to battle Pestilence. A phantom in the Astral Plane, her senses are attuned to so much more than is possible to beings confined by the rivers of time. Pestilence, a skeletal shell of its former self, fights wildly as Hemlock continues to assault it.

The astral stars of infinity are their only witnesses, a silent backdrop to an epic struggle.

She anticipates the Horseman's movements before they occur, for her mind is a now mirror that reflects the future. She shifts back and fourth from her fourth dimensional state, vanishing and reappearing behind Pestilence, sometimes skipping a few seconds, or even a minute, but always returning anew. Her flaming katana and owl staff are a blur of motion meeting out punishment.

Reality is indeed warped in this astral place of twilight. Cloudjumper screeches in triumph whenever it lands a blow. And Firefox, the spirit of the katana, snarls with satisfaction. The battle rages, a chaotic symphony of divine power and demonic fury. Godling vs Demon.

As they tumble through this Astral Infinity, Hemlock's mind races. Pestilence is fleeing, retreating to his own domain, whatever hell these Horsemen reside between their apocalyptic visits. She wonders. Is this the source of Ragnarok itself? Some desolate plane, a festering wound in the fabric of reality? The thought disturbed her, and she was determined to see it. So she pursues Pestilence relentlessly as they hurtle towards the unknown.

If I see this place, Hemlock muses between savage cuts at Pestilence's face, I can always return to it later. It may be useful knowledge.

Then, with a jarring jolt, the fabric of reality tears anew. The astral stars about them fade to white and are replaced by a blinding, disorienting light. A dimensional shockwave, a ripple in the very fabric of existence, hurls Hemlock and Pestilence into a new plane of reality.

Here it is!

It is not Earth. Far from it. This is the apocalyptic ruin that is the home dimension of the Four Horsemen, a desolate wasteland where they reside between their visits to other realms. Hemlock is no stranger to traversing the realms, but this dimension feels different, ancient and malevolent.

She steps outside of time once more, and surveys the landscape. Twisted spires of rock pierce a perpetual twilight. They cast long, skeletal shadows across a barren wasteland. The air is thick with the stench of decay and despair, and there is a sense of foreboding of something that dwells deep within the ground below her feet.

This is their domain, she muses, the source of their power. A shiver runs down her spine. Now that I have seen it, I might be able to use it. Perhaps as a… deterrent. For those who annoy me excessively. Her mind conjures images of particularly irritating bureaucrats, politicians, and perhaps even the occasional bard who insisted on singing off-key.

Hemlock, her emerald eyes gleaming with a predatory light, watches as Pestilence, skeletal and freshly banished, stumbles back. But then, another figure emerges from the swirling shadows – Famine.

"Well, well," Hemlock says in a silken whisper that cuts through the oppressive silence. "Looks like the family reunion is in full swing."

A chilling smile plays upon her lips. "Two down, two to go."

The two Horsemen, their skeletal forms flickering in the dim light, turn in unison to face Hemlock. "This realm," Famine rasps in a chilling whisper, "is the corpse of a greater power. The body of an Old One!"

A chilling silence follows. Hemlock wonders at this primal source of darkness, a wellspring of apocalyptic power?

"And it will be your tomb," they add. Then the true battle commences.

But for Gloriosa, the vision is ended.

Post by **Ronith** » Fri Jan 03, 2025 3:40 pm

JIC: 1d20: [8] = 8 , 1d100: [54] = 54
PER: 1d100: [48] = 48 vs. 97%

Conditions: ,

After stabbing the locust into submission, Ronith hurries to try and escape the fog and meet up with the others. He touches down and asks ”Is this everyone?” just as Gloriosa and Grant emerge from the fog. All save one, anyway. Odinspeed, Hemlock. Glad that the sorrow in his face is concealed from view, Ronith waves the others into the Skybunker. ”Let’s go. We can get these people to safety, regroup, and plan our next move.” Before entering the APC Ronith stares into the fog, hoping against hope that his new (yet old) recruit is alright despite dangling with a demon lord. That should be you, old man. Don’t rest your bones for too long. With a soft sigh Ronith enters the APC and gets back to business. At Grant’s question, Ronith shakes his head. ”No, Hemlock can take care of herself. Our job is to do all we can with the time she has given us.” The cyber-knight can’t help but brood, a little, but he tries to keep his dark mood to himself.

Post by **Underguard** » Sun Jan 05, 2025 10:10 pm

Conditions wrote:Current Time/Date in Africa: Friday, October 112PA,
Environmental Conditions: Outside temp; 34*C (89*F)
Ley Line/Nexus Presence: No Ley Line or Nexus within range.

Everyone watches around the fog and the vast majority of the Demon Locusts in the area disperse in random locations, though only Keiko knows for that Hemlock engaged Pestilence directly and then vanished with the Horsemen. Gloriosa, still as a dog, is looking around and asking for Hemmy and that Pestilence has been bested. Grant doesn't notice any Ley Lines in the area. Ronith takes a headcount, Lilith and Zand both accounted for. Hemlock is the only one who hasn't returned to the Bunker with Keiko seeming to be quiet, as if in thought.

Grant takes to the radio to contact the other two main teams and hears back from Dawn Patrol almost immediately. "Dawn Patrol here, we are still in pursuit of War who is still bound south by southeast. War is going much faster than us, though. We haven't heard from the Granite Knights." There is a pause over the radio before it clicks again. "If you had Famine and Pestilence, and we had War, then they were tracking Death. Hopefully we hear from them soon. Over" The Dawn Mercenary says over the line.

The Fog remains like a soup of clouds over the area just beyond the bunker and is a giant dead zone for sensors. Though it stands to reason that War will see it and head towards it. The group isn't sure how far away War is but Ronith can figure they have at least 15-20 minutes of time to plan and regroup. Right now the Skybunker is still parked about a mile south, southwest of the fog.

What are your intentions?
GM Note: About 10 minutes have passed

Grant Latham · Post by **Grant Latham** » Wed Jan 08, 2025 3:19 pm

New Perception: 81% vs 1d100: [72] = 72
JIC: 1d20: [9] = 9 , 1d100: [14] = 14

Constant Abilities

Stats

Sense Ley Line 94% vs 1d100: [23] = 23 Is there a ley line within 110 miles of them?
Sensory Equipment 109% vs 1d100: [98] = 98 | Detect War's detectors | Oh lordy. Maybe that JIC will help.

After hearing Dawn Patrol's response, Grant replies back, Thanks Dawn Patrol. Can you give us a description of War? You said he was moving faster than you, was this under his own power or was he on a vehicle?

Grant looks towards Inzah, Where can we go to drop these people off? If we leave a trail, we are going to doom whomever we leave them with. "Inzah, is there any place you'd recommend dropping off the survivors short of returning back to Taunak? I don't think we want to go directly to any village or town, but some place that these people can hide and then move out after we have gone is probably best."

Based on Inzah's recommendation, Grant instructs Butch and Sundance, "Get us off the ground and head [direction from Inzah], keep low, but best possible speed." If the Dawn Patrol mention that War was using technology to move fast Grant will move up to the sensor station once underway. He uses the sensors to see if he can detect War using his own radar/lidar). If War is using some sort of military vehicle or robot, then it seems reasonable that he'd be expert in their use including sensors.

Post by **Ronith** » Fri Jan 10, 2025 4:27 pm

JIC: 1d20: [2] = 2 , 1d100: [24] = 24
PER: 1d100: [55] = 55 vs. 97%

Land Navigation- 1d100: [84] = 84 vs. 106%
To locate signs of suitable habitations, or failing that a secluded area, to drop off their guests.
Paramedic- 1d100: [54] = 54 vs. 121%
To provide any medical attention needed to the refugees.

Conditions: ,

Ronith sighs at the headcount. No more casualties. That’s something, at least. Given that we’ve taken down one- maybe two- Horsemen. Still, I would dearly love to know whether the fiend is down. That Hemlock’s sacrifice had some meaning to it. Ronith will nod at Grant taking the lead on finding the refugees a home, guided by Inzah’s recommendation. If the locals can find somewhere to safely debark the refugees, Ronith will let them lead it. Otherwise, he’ll take a look at any maps or navigation equipment they have and see if he can figure out somewhere safe(-ish) to deposit them. Either way, he’ll call out to the others, ”Well done, everyone. With luck, and Hemlock’s sacrifice, we are halfway done. Take five- we’re going to need to be as close to rested as we can get if we are do battle with War.” And whatever monstrosities guard him. Ronith, for his part, doesn’t feel much need to meditate so he moves among the people they saved to offer what medical aid he can- conventional first aid for the most part, healing touches with Frostfang where necessary.

Gloriosa · Post by **Gloriosa** » Sat Jan 11, 2025 3:57 pm

Perception: 1d100: [26] = 26 /29%
JIC: 1d20: [7] = 7 / 1d100: [36] = 36

Sleep comes easily to Gloriosa. A quick curl up, get your head near your feet, make sure your tail is in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and boom it's snooze o'clock. It's what happens after that is harder to predict or control. Last week, he had a dream about his parent, Aghaingeir and what seemed like his current adventures soaring above snowcapped forest under heavy cloud cover. The week before, it was a tea party with Bumblebee and action figures of the rest of the Heroes for Hire. But today, he dreams of his best friend, Hemlock.

It's a cool dream. He's fighting that dude Pestilence and totally beating him up. The background keeps changing; a field of stars, a pile of gold, a lake of fire, a pile of gold, so on and so forth. At one point, a table with four turtles eating pizza slowly floats by. Huh.

Cloudjumper and Firefox do a bunch of cool stuff as Hemmy continues to lay the smack down. The background changes one final time and it's all gross and boring. Rocks and stuff. Never did care much about rocks. All of a sudden there's two dudes for Hemmy to fight!

Back in the real world, Gloriosa as a metamorphed red dog is kicking in his sleep while muttering "You can do it, Hemmy".

Bumblebee pokes him a couple of times to wake him up.

"Gloriosa. Are you having a bad dream. You should wake up."

Gloriosa's eyes dart open and he looks around. "Wait. Where is Hemlock?"

When he hears the news that his mentor, co-traveler, best friend in the whole wide world is missing, he springs into action, leaping out of the Skybunker and as close as he can manage to the fog where his friend was last seen. Maybe there's a portal or a heat signature or some sign of where she went. He uses every sense at his disposal to try to locate his friend, but there's a sinking feeling in his heart that he didn't just have a dream, but rather a glimpse into Hemlock's current reality.

The Players Keep

The Horsemen of Eschaton

Re: The Horsemen of Eschaton

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Re: The Horsemen of Eschaton

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Re: The Horsemen of Eschaton

Re: The Horsemen of Eschaton

Re: The Horsemen of Eschaton

Re: The Horsemen of Eschaton

Re: The Horsemen of Eschaton