Daniel [GM] (00:00:30): Welcome to Explorers Wanted. We are a weekly Numenera Actual Play Podcast. I will be your humble GM, Daniel Andrlik. Daniel [GM] (00:00:39): With me today is Marietta Jones. Marietta [Atalia] (00:00:42): Hello, hi. I'm here, I'm present. On time, even! Sort of. Daniel [GM] (00:00:47): Alex Finn. Alex [ChaCha] (00:00:48): I keep getting distracted reading and like what time, day is it? Daniel [GM] (00:00:52): Sampson Davis. Sampson [Dili] (00:00:53): Hello, 2020 part two. Daniel [GM] (00:00:57): And Stace Babcock. Stace (Nix) (00:00:58): I don't have anything funny to say. Marietta [Atalia] (00:01:00): Uh oh. Sampson [Dili] (00:01:02): That works. Daniel [GM] (00:01:02): Okay! Well! Daniel [GM] (00:01:08): It's nice to know everyone's prepared. Before we get started, we have an important item of business, and that is we have a new patron! Sampson [Dili] (00:01:16): Nice! Marietta [Atalia] (00:01:17): Really exciting. Daniel [GM] (00:01:18): Our newest patron is Dan Rodriguez. Dan is a great guy, great role player, great podcaster and he's actually designed some of my favorite quick RPGS to play, like Three Goblins in a Trenchcoat and the solo RPG Cats & Corpses. Daniel [GM] (00:01:37): Thank you so much, Dan, your support means the world to us. Sampson [Dili] (00:01:41): Thank you! Alex [ChaCha] (00:01:42): Yeah! Stace (Nix) (00:01:42): Thank you! Stace (Nix) (00:01:43): And we are fans of Three Goblins in a Trenchcoat. Alex [ChaCha] (00:01:46): Seal skin coat is best coat. No... Sampson [Dili] (00:01:49): Summon ogre, best sell. [crosstalk 00:01:51] Stace (Nix) (00:01:51): I feel like we could have min-maxed a little bit better. [crosstalk 00:01:54] Marietta [Atalia] (00:01:54): Did you think we would pick a different coat this time? Stace (Nix) (00:01:56): No, I want those seals again, that was beautiful. Sampson [Dili] (00:02:00): We should try speedrunning a Goblins in a Trenchcoat campaign. Optimize it. Stace (Nix) (00:02:05): Ooh, get on the leaderboards! Sampson [Dili] (00:02:07): Yeah! Daniel [GM] (00:02:09): Yeah. But only with a useless magic spell like Summon Nipples, or something like that. 80% glitchless. Sampson [Dili] (00:02:16): Yeah. Daniel [GM] (00:02:17): Yeah, there you go. Daniel [GM] (00:02:19): So! Who remembers what happened last time on Explorers Wanted? Sampson [Dili] (00:02:24): Dan, that was a month ago. None of us do. Daniel [GM] (00:02:27): Yeah. Marietta [Atalia] (00:02:28): Oh my gosh it was exactly a month ago! Daniel [GM] (00:02:30): Yeah. Well, we'll see! I am going to pick on Stace! Stace (Nix) (00:02:34): Yeah, so no shit, there we were in Mamma J's, just chilling, except Cha-Cha, she wasn't there. Stace (Nix) (00:02:41): We were doing something, probably just killing time, when Cha-Cha knocked... or didn't knock? Did knock? I feel like there's a question there, but walked into Mamma J's with Nix's parents in tow. Daniel [GM] (00:02:57): She shook the doorknob, did that thing where, went for a locked door where you just shake the doorknob. Stace (Nix) (00:02:57): Oh yeah. Yeah, shook the doorknob. Mamma J let her in, happy little reunion. I'm really light off the details here. But Atalia attacked Nix's mom, because Nix's- Marietta [Atalia] (00:03:07): Okay, I did not attack your mom! Sampson [Dili] (00:03:09): Oh, yeah. I don't think that's what happened? Stace (Nix) (00:03:12): Yes and no. Stace (Nix) (00:03:13): She held her down. Daniel [GM] (00:03:14): She did put her in a wristlock. Marietta [Atalia] (00:03:16): Your mom kept trying to get the plate away from me. Stace (Nix) (00:03:20): Yeah. Marietta [Atalia] (00:03:20): And I wasn't sure what was going on, so I did the whole [inaudible 00:03:23] thing, where she got me, I grabbed her, then it was like "Here's the floor, sorry!" Stace (Nix) (00:03:29): Yeah. Think that it was mostly filling in her dad on things that had been happening, Nix's mom really, really wanted the Benevolent Society plate, which we figured out eventually, and she was doing really poorly, medically speaking, until she got the plate, and she held it to herself and just seemed very clearly to be doing better after that. Stace (Nix) (00:03:52): I mean there's a lot of really good discussion, and then Nix's parents decided to go to Qi, hide there from the queen and Mamma J said she would take care of that. Stace (Nix) (00:04:04): Nix chipped in, and I think some other party members chipped in, on getting them a little cash as a send-off, and then Mamma J offered to have the guardians kidnap Doc Taraz so that the crew could interrogate her later, and sent the crew to a safe house. Daniel [GM] (00:04:26): Mm-hmm (affirmative). Marietta [Atalia] (00:04:27): Something happened on the way to the- Daniel [GM] (00:04:29): There were two weird... maybe three weird things that occurred during the episode. Stace (Nix) (00:04:33): Okay. Marietta [Atalia] (00:04:35): We saw the lamprey skin people. Daniel [GM] (00:04:36): First one happened to Atalia. Stace (Nix) (00:04:38): Oh, with the plate? Marietta [Atalia] (00:04:39): Yeah, I went back to the Marsh's place and then Nix's not-aunt... maybe-aunt had a lamprey face this time, it got weird. Marietta [Atalia] (00:04:50): Yeah, and I had minus one INT extra 24 hours. And then we saw the lamprey skin bad guys searching on our way to the safe house. Daniel [GM] (00:05:01): And then where we left off, was Dili doing something. Sampson [Dili] (00:05:04): Dili meditated, tried to connect the automaton again, and he did, successfully. Sampson [Dili] (00:05:09): And then he saw a vision of the automaton trashing Dili's old shop and then Deuces coming in for an update and telling the robot to get to work, and "Stop fucking around!" Daniel [GM] (00:05:21): Yeah. So, specifically Deuces showed up and asked for an update, the automaton chittered at him, Deuces said "I thought that's what your answer would be." And then shifted blindingly fast to the right side of the automaton. Daniel [GM] (00:05:38): And that is where we left off. Stace (Nix) (00:05:42): Wait, why didn't we ask Mamma J for help with the automaton? Daniel [GM] (00:05:46): I don't know. Sampson [Dili] (00:05:48): Because we're idiots? Stace (Nix) (00:05:50): Because we're fools! Marietta [Atalia] (00:05:53): All right, let's just go back... Alex [ChaCha] (00:05:55): Okay just... we murder too much to let somebody else help us with the murders, so... Stace (Nix) (00:06:01): That's not true! Bastian legit murdered on Cha-Cha's behalf. Alex [ChaCha] (00:06:05): Yeah, but we didn't tell him to do it right away. We were just like "Meh... maybe murder." Daniel [GM] (00:06:12): So, Dili. You are still inside of your automaton, and Deuces has just said that on your right-hand side, next to your ear. You're definitely seeing the perspective of this room from a much higher height than you're used to, because the automaton has two feet on you, as far as height- Sampson [Dili] (00:06:33): So he's a short boy as well. Daniel [GM] (00:06:35): Well he's seven feet tall. Sampson [Dili] (00:06:37): Oh, right, I guess Dili's not that short. Never mind. Daniel [GM] (00:06:41): So, yes, as far as you know, you are in this automaton, and you have heard Deuces say this next to your right ear. And you hear an angry chittering internally, but you seem to feel like you currently have control of the ship Sampson [Dili] (00:07:01): I think Dili's not going to immediately realize that, but he's going to instinctively push away from Deuces suddenly getting so close by. Daniel [GM] (00:07:11): Okay. So you push away from him. Daniel [GM] (00:07:14): Give me a Might roll of... I'm going to add some assets here. Sampson [Dili] (00:07:21): Yes! Daniel [GM] (00:07:21): Give me a Might roll of 6. Sampson [Dili] (00:07:23): Ooh! 7! Daniel [GM] (00:07:27): Okay, so you push Deuces and he goes flying backwards across the room and slams into the wall, making an indentation. Daniel [GM] (00:07:35): Deuces stands up, spits blood and looks at you and says "You should have had the little one by now." And he is going to charge at you very quickly. It's almost like he has Fleet of Foot. Stace (Nix) (00:07:53): Rubbing that in! Daniel [GM] (00:07:57): Please make a 12 Speed Defense roll. Sampson [Dili] (00:08:00): 12 Speed Defense... Daniel [GM] (00:08:02): You don't have any way to spend effort in the automaton, because it's not your resources you're using. Sampson [Dili] (00:08:07): That's what I thought. All right. Sampson [Dili] (00:08:10): 11. Daniel [GM] (00:08:11): Okay, so Deuces comes forward and slams into the automaton and basically grabs the automaton's right arm and snaps it at the joint. And it's hanging there with wires and goo coming out of it. And it's at this point you hear a voice close to your ear, but it's definitely not a real voice. Daniel [GM] (00:08:37): And it says "You're not cut out for this, father." And suddenly this other arm, the left arm, swings forward, part shadow and punches Deuces in the face, shattering his nose, and sending him flying through the wall, on the other side, into the next room. Daniel [GM] (00:08:58): The figure starts leaving the building, stopping at a residential spot, looks into the mirror and you see this chrome automaton and it looks at the mirror and it makes another chittering noise, and says, "The man had a point." Daniel [GM] (00:09:16): And the next thing you know, you are falling back into your own body. Sampson [Dili] (00:09:20): Oh. Daniel [GM] (00:09:21): Everybody has seen Dili meditating, you have seen him twitch in some odd ways, like when people are doing those little jerks in their sleep when they think they're falling, and Dili opens his eyes. Sampson [Dili] (00:09:35): Oh! Oh God! Marietta [Atalia] (00:09:38): Yeah? Sampson [Dili] (00:09:39): I was in control! Marietta [Atalia] (00:09:40): Yeah? Told you it was two-way! Sampson [Dili] (00:09:44): Yeah! Oh my God! Sampson [Dili] (00:09:47): Yeah, I was in control, I punched... did you guys meet Deuces? He's one of the Nixos enforcers? Stace (Nix) (00:09:54): Oh is he the one where I broke his knee or... Alex [ChaCha] (00:09:57): I think that was Aces. Sampson [Dili] (00:09:59): Yeah, that was Aces. Deuces is a bit bigger. Stace (Nix) (00:10:02): Oh, then no, Dili, I don't think so. Sampson [Dili] (00:10:05): All right, well, he's big and very fast for his size, and I got him, but he got me, and then the robot, the mind of the robot took control, called me "Father," which was super weird! Marietta [Atalia] (00:10:17): I mean, aren't you his father? Didn't you make him? Sampson [Dili] (00:10:22): I have never thought of the relationship between me and the items I craft, I've never thought of it like that. Stace (Nix) (00:10:29): Well, I mean you kind of have dad energy, Dili, so... Alex [ChaCha] (00:10:33): Major dad vibes. Sampson [Dili] (00:10:38): I don't know what that means, but- Stace (Nix) (00:10:40): Big dad energy. Alex [ChaCha] (00:10:43): [crosstalk 00:10:43] big. Sampson [Dili] (00:10:43): Also, I think he's coming. Stace (Nix) (00:10:44): Ew! Sampson [Dili] (00:10:45): No, I think he's making it a point... Sampson [Dili] (00:10:47): All right, you guys need to get your minds out of the gutter! Alex [ChaCha] (00:10:53): That wasn't even me! Daniel [GM] (00:11:00): Dili! Sampson [Dili] (00:11:01): Yes, voice of God, what? Daniel [GM] (00:11:03): Please make an 18 Intellect Defense roll. Sampson [Dili] (00:11:06): Fucking... damn it, okay! Alex [ChaCha] (00:11:09): Cha-Cha gets to do a part, too! Sampson [Dili] (00:11:12): Free level of efforts on that, so that's... I'll try a 15. Sampson [Dili] (00:11:18): 8. Daniel [GM] (00:11:19): Okay. Dili you suddenly feel very cold. And there's a familiar feeling here in that you are completely aware of what's going on around but you can't seem to will yourself to move or speak, it's a little bit like sleep paralysis, except you're awake and Dili, all of a sudden, you notice the perspective changing, you are definitely standing up. Daniel [GM] (00:11:43): Dili looks at all of you, looks out the window and looks back and says, in a very different voice than Dili's, much more confident, "This is a nice hiding spot. See you all soon." And then Dili collapses to the ground. Daniel [GM] (00:12:01): And you come back to your senses, Dili. Sampson [Dili] (00:12:03): Oh. Yeah, that's a two-way street, all right. Marietta [Atalia] (00:12:06): Yeah. Noticed! Stace (Nix) (00:12:10): Good work, Dili. Sampson [Dili] (00:12:11): Uh... thanks? Stace (Nix) (00:12:13): Yeah, I think it's coming here, and I thought we were going to have to try to find it. Sampson [Dili] (00:12:17): Oh, this is a good thing? Stace (Nix) (00:12:19): Yeah! Marietta [Atalia] (00:12:20): Maybe you need to strengthen that connection, that father energy, you know, so maybe it could be our companion! Sampson [Dili] (00:12:32): Maybe. Probably can't do that over the line, if you will. I think we do need to talk to it in person if we're going to try that. Marietta [Atalia] (00:12:41): Well, there's a great opportunity coming up. Sampson [Dili] (00:12:44): I know, so we should probably- Marietta [Atalia] (00:12:47): Prepare? Sampson [Dili] (00:12:47): Yeah, prepare. Alex [ChaCha] (00:12:49): I do think Cha-Cha's looking at Atalia like she grew an extra head. Alex [ChaCha] (00:12:53): We're going to talk to a murder robot? Sampson [Dili] (00:12:57): I didn't make just a murder robot. It thinks. It enjoys. Alex [ChaCha] (00:13:04): It gets pleasure from the murder! Marietta [Atalia] (00:13:06): We need to have an inquiry if its sentient or not. Sampson [Dili] (00:13:12): Pretty close. If not- Marietta [Atalia] (00:13:13): Yeah, that's why I'm thinking we should... I don't know. Sampson [Dili] (00:13:16): Yeah. Marietta [Atalia] (00:13:17): It just leads me to believe... Well, what happened in your dream? Is there anything there that would make you think that there's hope for another alternative than just we have to fight it, you know what I mean? Sampson [Dili] (00:13:29): Yeah, Deuces said to get on with the job, so I think that the automaton has been exerting its own will for some time, if its just been mucking around here, instead of trying to find me, even when I've been Charmonde for... has it only been two days? Two or three days? Sampson [Dili] (00:13:46): Yeah, I think there's a chance we could talk to it. Maybe not ally, but get it to turn against the Nixos, at least? Marietta [Atalia] (00:13:54): Nix, are you good at talking? Stace (Nix) (00:13:55): Oh, yeah, I talk all the time. What do you want to talk about? Like casual conversation, or like deep meaningful conversation, or just do you want to talk, I'll listen? Marietta [Atalia] (00:14:08): Yeah. I mean like opening negotiations, sort of like persuading or... Stace (Nix) (00:14:15): Oh, yeah. Marietta [Atalia] (00:14:16): Mediate a conversation between an automaton and its creator. Its father, if you will? Or there? I don't know. Stace (Nix) (00:14:25): I mean, this robot is pretty murdery, like real murdery, I'm not sure we're in agreement on the particulars of this plan, Atalia? Marietta [Atalia] (00:14:36): Maybe? Sampson [Dili] (00:14:37): He's not super murdery. He's killed Pollos, I did see that. [crosstalk 00:14:41] Stace (Nix) (00:14:40): Well, assault. Sampson [Dili] (00:14:42): Assault, I'll give you assault. [crosstalk 00:14:43] Stace (Nix) (00:14:43): He's an assaulter, murderer. Sampson [Dili] (00:14:45): Just assaulter! He's my son. Marietta [Atalia] (00:14:48): Well, maybe Sampson could update some parameters for the assault aspect. Sampson [Dili] (00:14:56): I don't think I could just do that remotely. I think I need to be on-site. Marietta [Atalia] (00:15:00): That's what I'm saying! Maybe we should open negotiations. Sampson [Dili] (00:15:04): Yeah, "Hey, my robot son, would you like to have your personality changed?" For a first father-son bonding experience, I don't know if that's going to work. Marietta [Atalia] (00:15:11): "Would you like to understand the structure of your life better?" It's all in phrasing, come on, man. Sampson [Dili] (00:15:16): That's just lying. Daniel [GM] (00:15:17): And it is a relentless reaper, you know that. That's the basis for its intellect. Stace (Nix) (00:15:22): Oh, yeah. It just doesn't stop coming after whoever its pointed at. It just won't stop coming. Alex [ChaCha] (00:15:28): Amazing. Daniel [GM] (00:15:29): It just keeps coming and coming and coming. Sampson [Dili] (00:15:30): That's my boy. Marietta [Atalia] (00:15:36): Did you ever think of a name for the automaton? Stace (Nix) (00:15:39): I didn't really think it was my place, Atalia. Marietta [Atalia] (00:15:44): Damn you! Sampson [Dili] (00:15:44): Uh, no, I didn't really... Marietta [Atalia] (00:15:50): I just think maybe if you humanized it, you know and... Alex [ChaCha] (00:15:54): Just because its human doesn't mean it won't just keep murdering, I mean humans murder. Marietta [Atalia] (00:16:00): You're right. Maybe I'm wrong and people just have to bite it and that will be it, but it would be really neat if it didn't just have to be that. Stace (Nix) (00:16:10): Okay, Atalia. I will give it a shot, but that robot steps one gear out of line... Marietta [Atalia] (00:16:16): It's going to step out of line! Stace (Nix) (00:16:19): Don't worry, Atalia says she'll take it! Marietta [Atalia] (00:16:21): Maybe we'll just try to mess with one of its legs so that it can't really walk anymore. And then we could be like "Listen, mister, you're in a compromising position." Stace (Nix) (00:16:34): What? Daniel [GM] (00:16:40): What exactly do you have on this [crosstalk 00:16:42] Marietta [Atalia] (00:16:41): Okay, never mind. So does anybody have any realistic proposals before this robot shows up? Stace (Nix) (00:16:48): Well, one thing I do want to make sure is that this robot-thing doesn't conflict with our Doc Taraz thing. Sampson [Dili] (00:16:56): Doc Taraz is happening late afternoon this day, and it is morning. Stace (Nix) (00:17:01): So could you maybe reach out, Dili and ask when they'll be here? Sampson [Dili] (00:17:06): You want me to set a time? [crosstalk 00:17:07] Alex [ChaCha] (00:17:07): Could you speed up your hunt for me? [crosstalk 00:17:09] Marietta [Atalia] (00:17:09): No, that could be good because then you could show that the connection does go both ways, you know what I mean? Marietta [Atalia] (00:17:17): Push yourself in there, and be like "Hey, so, just wondering when you might be here?" Alex [ChaCha] (00:17:22): We're making chips and salsa. Marietta [Atalia] (00:17:24): We're trying to schedule out our day. Alex [ChaCha] (00:17:27): We got guac. Marietta [Atalia] (00:17:28): We wish we had guac, actually. Stace (Nix) (00:17:32): I have guac. Marietta [Atalia] (00:17:33): You could bring some. Sampson [Dili] (00:17:35): How long has that guac been in your pocket, Nix? Stace (Nix) (00:17:41): So, yeah I guess we'll just chill here and see if it shows up. Sampson [Dili] (00:17:46): Do we want to be here, or do we want to find an open plaza? We are in Wardana, so I imagine there's a few. There's definitely one open plaza, that I remember. Sampson [Dili] (00:17:56): And Dili just looks off into the distance, horrified. Alex [ChaCha] (00:18:03): We had the bottleneck plan for the Nixos, let's just do that. Sampson [Dili] (00:18:07): The what? Alex [ChaCha] (00:18:08): The bottleneck plan, where we get them into a small confined area and just ambush and murder them all. Stace (Nix) (00:18:14): It's not... well, that might be murder. Sampson [Dili] (00:18:17): That's definitely murder. Stace (Nix) (00:18:18): I mean, it's not not murder. Alex [ChaCha] (00:18:21): [crosstalk 00:18:21] It's not self-defense, because they're definitely aren't attacking first. In a bottleneck murder-funnel situation. Stace (Nix) (00:18:32): The classic bottleneck murder-funnel situation. Alex [ChaCha] (00:18:36): Yes. Marietta [Atalia] (00:18:36): So did you get you an ETA, or no? Sampson [Dili] (00:18:39): No. Marietta [Atalia] (00:18:39): Are you going to ask? Sampson [Dili] (00:18:42): We should decide on a place first before I try to open up that connection, because there's a good chance that he's going to come through, and if he... Yeah, we should decide first, at least. Daniel [GM] (00:18:50): Dili... I will say with Dili's intellect, you would remember that its right arm got really wrecked by Deuces. Its right arm is definitely not functional right now. Marietta [Atalia] (00:19:04): Who better to fix it than dad? Sampson [Dili] (00:19:06): That's true. Alex [ChaCha] (00:19:07): Or we go find it and ambush it while its right arm is... Sampson [Dili] (00:19:13): I don't think ambushing is a good idea, because it also has a working arm that's not robotic, it's some sort of shadowy thing. That's definitely not my design, I didn't add that. Alex [ChaCha] (00:19:27): That sounds like my department. Sampson [Dili] (00:19:29): Shadowy? That's what you see? I don't know if you ever told us out loud what you see. Daniel [GM] (00:19:34): Meanwhile, Cha-Cha's just staring at the centipedes crawling up Dili's leg. Stace (Nix) (00:19:40): Dili can you build a magnet? Sampson [Dili] (00:19:40): I think I have a magnet. Stace (Nix) (00:19:41): Yeah, like a big magnet? Sampson [Dili] (00:19:45): Like a big, big magnet? Like an electric magnet? [crosstalk 00:19:49] Stace (Nix) (00:19:49): Yes. [crosstalk 00:19:49] Well, yeah. Sampson [Dili] (00:19:50): Not on me. Those are heavy. Stace (Nix) (00:19:52): Can you make it? Sampson [Dili] (00:19:55): Maybe. Dan, can I make that? Daniel [GM] (00:19:57): Yes, you can make it, it would take time. You probably need more resources than you have handy. Sampson [Dili] (00:20:01): Yeah. Also is my automaton magnetic? Daniel [GM] (00:20:05): It is synth, so it is not purely metal. So there might be some effect, by magnetic... Daniel [GM] (00:20:13): So what we think of as an electromagnet probably wouldn't necessarily be guaranteed to work against the automaton. There are other, essentially prior world conversions of that that used different types of energy, that would probably be very effective against it, but you would probably need to have had experience with it, or a plan, or you would have to concoct a plan for how build something like that. Daniel [GM] (00:20:40): And you're right, it would probably have to be big, unless you have knowledge of an existing cypher that you're trying to replicate with it. Sampson [Dili] (00:20:47): I think I see where you're going with, Nix, but I think a magnet that would be capable of affecting this automaton would require more resources than any of us really have a line to. Marietta [Atalia] (00:21:00): Well, are you aware of any weak points in it, I mean you were really involved in its creation, or something that would undermine it? Sampson [Dili] (00:21:09): If I could get in and interface with it, yes, but it would need to be not moving for that to really work. Alex [ChaCha] (00:21:17): Could we all get scrapping kits and kind of just attack it like rabid little spider monkeys and just rip at it until you can get into it? Sampson [Dili] (00:21:27): Sure. That's kind of what I was thinking with an open plaza. We go to a plaza, I stand in the middle, maybe connect with it, you guys are off hiding, and then if talking doesn't work, we attack it, and try to shut it down. Sampson [Dili] (00:21:41): It has a shadow arm, so... Alex [ChaCha] (00:21:43): But what if it has a gun and it just snipes you from the rooftop? Sampson [Dili] (00:21:48): Well, then I guess I don't need to worry about it anymore. Stace (Nix) (00:21:52): Yeah. We'd be really sad, but we would recover. Alex [ChaCha] (00:21:56): Damn! Marietta [Atalia] (00:22:01): Okay! Moving on. Marietta [Atalia] (00:22:03): Is there anything else we wanted to do today, we should just go about our day? Alex [ChaCha] (00:22:07): I mean, I feel like we should prepare for the inevitable. A stand where we murder Dili's son. So we should probably get some better armor, but I don't have any money, so I think we just need to rob a place. Stace (Nix) (00:22:20): I don't have any money, either, Cha-Cha. Alex [ChaCha] (00:22:23): We just need to rob a place, then! Sampson [Dili] (00:22:25): I've like 600 shins. Stace (Nix) (00:22:27): Oh, shit, let's rob Dili! Marietta [Atalia] (00:22:28): Yeah! Sampson [Dili] (00:22:32): Whoa, whoa, whoa! Stace (Nix) (00:22:35): Nah, I'm just kidding, Dili. [crosstalk 00:22:35] Alex [ChaCha] (00:22:35): I was thinking we could go back to Pollus's shop and rummage through it to see if anything's left over. Sampson [Dili] (00:22:42): That's a bad idea. Alex [ChaCha] (00:22:43): Especially since you said the murder-robot killed Pollus and we could check if there was any remnants of the scuffle and kind of get an idea. Sampson [Dili] (00:22:53): So the automaton killed Pollus, I think, a week ago, now, and that was, I think in the Nixos workshop. Pollus's workshop is also where the robot just was, so we would be chancing meeting it on the way there. Alex [ChaCha] (00:23:08): I mean, we're still ready to murder it anytime, it's just how prepared we are. Marietta [Atalia] (00:23:13): You think Mamma Jerrun knows all this and can see it? Sampson [Dili] (00:23:17): Yeah, she's probably keeping an eye on us. Alex [ChaCha] (00:23:20): It'd be pretty shitty if she saw our imminent death and didn't tell us, though. Sampson [Dili] (00:23:23): I don't think she can see into the future. Marietta [Atalia] (00:23:25): I'm just wondering if we should communicate there, or if we should deal with our own problems. Sampson [Dili] (00:23:31): I don't think we have time. Marietta [Atalia] (00:23:32): Oh, well. Are you fully rested? Is our armor on? Do we spend however long it takes, the armor I don't have, make sure my makeup's okay. Your [inaudible 00:23:45] Marietta [Atalia] (00:23:45): I don't know how we prepare in this space. Sampson [Dili] (00:23:48): We've never prepared for an ambush. Marietta [Atalia] (00:23:50): I know. I'm going to scan it. Stace (Nix) (00:23:54): How does it move, Dili? Sampson [Dili] (00:23:57): Like, with its legs. Stace (Nix) (00:23:59): It has actual legs? Okay. Sampson [Dili] (00:24:01): Yeah. It's kind of humanoid-ish. Marietta [Atalia] (00:24:04): Yeah, can Dili give us a 101 for a potential later asset in combat with this thing? Stace (Nix) (00:24:10): As we walk to somewhere? With disguises? Sampson [Dili] (00:24:14): Yes, with disguises. Marietta [Atalia] (00:24:16): Do we really want to fight the automaton in the middle of some public place? Sampson [Dili] (00:24:20): Well it's Wardana, so there aren't a whole lot of people here. Marietta [Atalia] (00:24:24): I mean like wouldn't it be fine just to stay here, though? Want to go wait in a park? Is that the plan? Sampson [Dili] (00:24:31): Is there a park nearby? Dan, is there a park nearby? Marietta [Atalia] (00:24:32): A square? Daniel [GM] (00:24:36): In Wordana, no. That plaza's probably, which is pretty bad shape, I mean it's sort of a park in the sense that its fountain is overgrown with algae and mold. Daniel [GM] (00:24:47): But like an actual structured park, you'd have to go to a nicer area of town. Marietta [Atalia] (00:24:52): Sketchy plaza showdown? Sampson [Dili] (00:24:54): Sketchy plaza showdown. Marietta [Atalia] (00:24:56): Should we just get a numenera newspaper and have a couple of us reading on a bench and then you could be throwing a coin into the falling apart fountain and Nix could be the standard security guard, not paying attention? Sampson [Dili] (00:25:12): Why am I disguised? Marietta [Atalia] (00:25:14): Don't we all want to be disguised? We're all wanted for various reasons, by not just the automaton. Sampson [Dili] (00:25:19): Yeah, but I didn't think we're leaving Wardana. Is Wardana that populated, Dan? I thought it was kind of deserted. Marietta [Atalia] (00:25:26): I presume its people still exist. Daniel [GM] (00:25:29): There are people here, this is a pretty beaten-down place. So there are definitely squatters through Wardana, there are a few people who have homes, there's sort of meat-packing, there's the Queen's Spittoon, there's the plaza area that's mostly, in theory, abandoned buildings that you're not too far away from. Daniel [GM] (00:25:48): So Wardana isn't like... it's not densely populated in the sense that it has a lot of construction, necessarily, it's a lot of older buildings that aren't really well kept up. There are a fair amount of people here. Daniel [GM] (00:26:02): There's not necessarily... this feels weird to say, the amount of inequity in terms of income in Charmonde is not quite United States level, but it's not far off. Sampson [Dili] (00:26:19): Self burn. Daniel [GM] (00:26:20): It's bad, but not as bad as us. Stace (Nix) (00:26:23): I kind of feel like we're overthinking this, you guys. Marietta [Atalia] (00:26:27): Okay, well. A, here, or the plaza? Stace (Nix) (00:26:31): Here. Marietta [Atalia] (00:26:32): One for here. Plaza? Alex [ChaCha] (00:26:34): I wanted to go rob that store. Stace (Nix) (00:26:38): Honestly, we should pick a space that has some verticality to it, so that we could be up high, we could surround it, you know we have a lot of options. Sampson [Dili] (00:26:49): Dan is this safe house part of a bigger apartment structure, or is it its own little house. Daniel [GM] (00:26:56): It's its own little building, tiny building. Because it's about the size of Atalia's cottage, except it's all one room with eight beds in it. Sampson [Dili] (00:27:04): Ah, maybe there's like an abandoned building nearby with two or three floors? Because then we won't have to be disguised and Nix has her verticality. Marietta [Atalia] (00:27:12): Is there a large building that's close to the plaza? Daniel [GM] (00:27:15): Not really. Although Dili, the voice behind your eyes does whisper to you and says, "I'm not the only one coming." Sampson [Dili] (00:27:28): Can Dili respond? Daniel [GM] (00:27:29): Dili can try anything. Sampson [Dili] (00:27:30): Dili would like to try to respond. Daniel [GM] (00:27:32): Okay. Sampson [Dili] (00:27:33): Dili says, "Who else is coming?" I think Dili says it out loud, but kind of in a lower whisper. Daniel [GM] (00:27:39): Mm-hmm (affirmative) Daniel [GM] (00:27:40): And you have an image of a weaselly-looking man, walking with a cane in Wardana, just crossing the border of Wardana. And walking towards the center. Sampson [Dili] (00:27:54): Do I recognize where he is? Daniel [GM] (00:27:56): He's probably 10 minutes away from you guys. Sampson [Dili] (00:27:59): Cool. Sampson [Dili] (00:28:00): Can Dili mention this out loud, or am I still unable to bring myself to them. Daniel [GM] (00:28:04): You won't be able to bring yourself to explain how you know. Sampson [Dili] (00:28:07): Okay. Sampson [Dili] (00:28:07): The robot's not the only one that's coming, I think. Alex [ChaCha] (00:28:11): [crosstalk 00:28:11] Who else is coming? Sampson [Dili] (00:28:14): Because, it makes sense that there be Nixos people watching the robot, right? That's how Deuces knew how to find it, so along with the robot is probably some hangers-on who might be here sooner than we would expect. Alex [ChaCha] (00:28:29): What direction are they coming from, because that is a better ambush, to take out the Nixos. If Atalia wants to have her talking moment. Sampson [Dili] (00:28:37): Atalia's having a talking moment? Alex [ChaCha] (00:28:39): She wanted to talk with the robot. Marietta [Atalia] (00:28:41): I was hoping to convince your automaton to be our friend. Alex [ChaCha] (00:28:46): If we take out the Nixos watching it, then it might be more inclined to listen. Sampson [Dili] (00:28:54): Okay. That's true. So then, you think you could prepare in seven minutes? Alex [ChaCha] (00:28:59): Two of us should go out ahead and try to take out this person. Not Dili. Because Dili... they'll see what you see. Sampson [Dili] (00:29:07): No, yes Dili. Dili can disguise people. Alex [ChaCha] (00:29:11): But you'll give away our location. Sampson [Dili] (00:29:14): I kind of... yeah. That's true. Marietta [Atalia] (00:29:16): Do you have any strategic traveler paper prepared for this scenarios? Daniel [GM] (00:29:21): I mean, splitting up is always the best strategic move. Stace (Nix) (00:29:25): I definitely think we should just set up and wait for them to come and try to kill them. Marietta [Atalia] (00:29:31): Okay. Sampson [Dili] (00:29:31): All right. How do we do that? Alex [ChaCha] (00:29:35): Make some traps, Home Alone this bitch. Stace (Nix) (00:29:38): Yeah, Home Alone this bitch. Sampson [Dili] (00:29:40): What does that mean? I never saw that play. I don't go to theater district often. Alex [ChaCha] (00:29:45): So, it's a play about this murderous child who entraps adults trying to [inaudible 00:29:51] on him. Sampson [Dili] (00:29:52): How postmodern. Alex [ChaCha] (00:29:53): So what we need to do is find these- Daniel [GM] (00:29:56): It's the Cha-Cha True Hollywood story. Sampson [Dili] (00:30:01): Cha-Cha, you're Zero. Alex [ChaCha] (00:30:03): It's fine, just like household items around that we can create innocuous traps, and lure them into it. Daniel [GM] (00:30:11): Okay. Well, this safe house is literally one room, so whatever you would like to do? Sampson [Dili] (00:30:17): Ah, we probably don't have long, but I can build whatever you guys think that we need. Alex [ChaCha] (00:30:21): A bear trap. Sampson [Dili] (00:30:23): What's a bear? Marietta [Atalia] (00:30:24): Do we want to go scout them on the way here, then? Sampson [Dili] (00:30:28): Actually, Atalia, could you go out, scout them and give us a signal when they're getting nearby. Marietta [Atalia] (00:30:33): Sure. I'll throw some rocks at the window. Alex [ChaCha] (00:30:36): Do we have windows? Stace (Nix) (00:30:38): Okay, guys, all right. Stace (Nix) (00:30:40): So, we know that they're coming here. Dili would it be able to see where you're at, no matter where you are? Sampson [Dili] (00:30:49): It can see through my eyes, and that's, I think, all it knows. Stace (Nix) (00:30:54): All the time? Sampson [Dili] (00:30:55): Dili remains silent. Stace (Nix) (00:30:57): What? Dili, all the time? Marietta [Atalia] (00:31:00): I don't think he knows. Alex [ChaCha] (00:31:02): Do we gouge out Dili's eyes? Stace (Nix) (00:31:04): No, I was thinking we would put a bag over his head, Cha-Cha. Marietta [Atalia] (00:31:07): Or a blindfold. Sampson [Dili] (00:31:08): I can just stare at a wall, too, that's just as good. Alex [ChaCha] (00:31:11): Bag over head. Or else we take your eyes. Daniel [GM] (00:31:15): You're a friend, we can afford a bag for you. A nice bag. Marietta [Atalia] (00:31:17): What about a blindfold, oh my gosh, people! Stace (Nix) (00:31:20): Oh yeah. I mean a blindfold, too, I guess, whatever. Can it hear what you hear? Sampson [Dili] (00:31:25): Dili remains silent. Stace (Nix) (00:31:26): Dili, why are you being so quiet? Can it? You don't know? Sampson [Dili] (00:31:29): I'm just very nervous! This is a new thing for me. Sampson [Dili] (00:31:33): No, this is not, it's pretty normal nowadays. Marietta [Atalia] (00:31:37): Definitely a continuation on a theme. Daniel [GM] (00:31:38): There is definitely sweat pouring down Dili's forehead. Stace (Nix) (00:31:42): Okay. Daniel [GM] (00:31:43): From stress at this point. Stace (Nix) (00:31:44): Dili, tie something around your eyes, plug your ears. Sampson [Dili] (00:31:47): Okay. Stace (Nix) (00:31:49): Right. Marietta [Atalia] (00:31:50): I open up one of the pillows and put some of the fluff in his ears. Stace (Nix) (00:31:53): Put the pillowcase on his head. Sampson [Dili] (00:31:56): Yeah, Dili will [crosstalk 00:31:57] Marietta [Atalia] (00:31:57): I use the pillowcase like a blindfold! I do not put a bag over his head! Daniel [GM] (00:32:03): The pillows are definitely stuffed with human hair. Sampson [Dili] (00:32:04): Ugh. Marietta [Atalia] (00:32:07): I quit this campaign! Alex [ChaCha] (00:32:10): I mean, it was a pretty [crosstalk 00:32:12] thing to do. Marietta [Atalia] (00:32:12): Gross! Stace (Nix) (00:32:16): Guys, Atalia, Cha-Cha, we should figure out how many people are coming. We have to know that first, because if it's a lot of them, then it might be smarter to enlist some help. Sampson [Dili] (00:32:27): It's just one guy. With a cane. Marietta [Atalia] (00:32:29): With the automaton? Alex [ChaCha] (00:32:31): But you never told us. Marietta [Atalia] (00:32:32): Is that your Aces guy? Or is that... Sampson [Dili] (00:32:35): Yeah, it's Aces. Marietta [Atalia] (00:32:37): Okay, so it's Aces and... but Nix fucked up Aces on her own, right? Stace (Nix) (00:32:43): Did I shatter his knee? Sure. Did I fuck him up? I don't know. Sampson [Dili] (00:32:47): That explains the cane, yeah. Alex [ChaCha] (00:32:50): Okay, so I feel like we could murder Aces pretty easy. Marietta [Atalia] (00:32:55): At least render him very unconscious. Alex [ChaCha] (00:32:57): With murder. Stace (Nix) (00:32:58): But if Aces is coming alone, it means he's probably kind of confident in the robot's ability to kill us. Alex [ChaCha] (00:33:05): He's only really seen two of the four of us fight. I feel like they can't be that hard to kill. Especially if they aren't focused on us. Stace (Nix) (00:33:13): All right what cyphers do we have? Daniel [GM] (00:33:15): Dili it does occur to you that you guys have probably burned through five to six minutes of the seven minutes you had remaining. Stace (Nix) (00:33:21): Oh until he arrives? Marietta [Atalia] (00:33:23): We're just like talking. Alex [ChaCha] (00:33:24): No we have like five minutes left. Marietta [Atalia] (00:33:26): Do you want me to go scout them and follow them here? Sampson [Dili] (00:33:29): Maybe not scout them, maybe only look out because we've wasted some time talking about it, and I think they're going to be here pretty quickly. Daniel [GM] (00:33:37): Yeah, because what Dili saw and till he mentioned it to you, at that point in the conversation, he was, at most, nine minutes away. Marietta [Atalia] (00:33:44): Okay, I guess Atalia will look out... is there more than one entrance to this? Daniel [GM] (00:33:48): Yes. There's only one that you guys came in, but there is a front door. Marietta [Atalia] (00:33:53): I will look out the back door, which I presume is a little more hidden, and peek out and see if they are within visual range. Daniel [GM] (00:34:02): So are you just peeking out the door, or are you actually going out and being stealthy to survey the area. Marietta [Atalia] (00:34:08): I'm trying to peek out the door stealthily. Just look around before I run outside. Daniel [GM] (00:34:15): Okay, I would say you don't have to roll for it. From that angle, you're not going to be able to see anything, one way or another. Marietta [Atalia] (00:34:21): Okay, then I will attempt to remain stealthy and dart around the side of the house and see what I can see. Daniel [GM] (00:34:30): Okay. Give me a stealth roll of 15. Since you're specialized, that will make it a 9. Marietta [Atalia] (00:34:35): Okay. That's a 13. Daniel [GM] (00:34:38): Okay. You feel very well hidden. Now give me perception roll of 15. Marietta [Atalia] (00:34:45): Okay, I'm trained in that and I will spend a level of effort. Daniel [GM] (00:34:48): Okay, so that makes it a 9 again. Marietta [Atalia] (00:34:51): Okay that's a 15. Daniel [GM] (00:34:53): He's doing a very good job, keeping to the shadows of where the sun is falling, like he's moving through the alleys, but you can definitely see this Aces dude, getting closer. I would say that... he's got a cane but he's moving pretty quickly for being so stealthy. Marietta [Atalia] (00:35:11): Interesting. Daniel [GM] (00:35:12): He's probably, at most, at the rate he's going, he will probably reach the building in like 3 minutes. And it's not clear if he's going to stop before then, but he could definitely be to the building in three minutes. Marietta [Atalia] (00:35:27): I guess I'll dart back to the door. Daniel [GM] (00:35:30): Mm-hmm (affirmative). Marietta [Atalia] (00:35:31): And I'll give them the three-minute warning and then if I can stay out of visual range of Aces, I will try to climb up to the top of the house. Daniel [GM] (00:35:41): Okay, so give me one more stealth roll, since you're climbing up. I'll make it a give me on the climb, but give me, since you're specialized, a 9 stealth roll again. Marietta [Atalia] (00:35:51): That's a 13 again! Daniel [GM] (00:35:52): Okay. So you feel like you've moved up the side of the building without Aces noticing you. Daniel [GM] (00:35:58): You see Aces reach the edge near the building and he doesn't enter the building right away. But he's looking at it very carefully. And then he pulls out his hand, and there's a small device, and he presses a button, and it does a scan up and down the building, and you see in his hand a diagram of everything that's in the building light up and he starts spinning it around, and your guys' positions are all laid out. Marietta [Atalia] (00:36:30): Can I onslaught him at this point? Daniel [GM] (00:36:32): Yeah, he doesn't see you, because he didn't scan that high, but yes, you could onslaught him if you want. Marietta [Atalia] (00:36:36): Yeah, I think so. Daniel [GM] (00:36:38): Are you using physical or mental? Marietta [Atalia] (00:36:40): Physical. Alex [ChaCha] (00:36:41): Fuck him up! Daniel [GM] (00:36:42): Okay, so, it'll be a 15. Marietta [Atalia] (00:36:45): Okay, I'm going to spend two levels of effort. Daniel [GM] (00:36:47): Both for easing, or one for damage? Marietta [Atalia] (00:36:49): Both for easing. Daniel [GM] (00:36:51): Okay, so that makes it a 9 to hit. Marietta [Atalia] (00:36:53): And that's a 15. But add one for damage. Daniel [GM] (00:36:56): Okay. You slam into Aces. Aces gets pushed backwards a little bit and he looks up in your direction. Daniel [GM] (00:37:05): And at this point I need everyone to roll initiative. Alex [ChaCha] (00:37:09): Would we have heard her onslaught? Daniel [GM] (00:37:12): Let's say yes. Just for the flow. Alex [ChaCha] (00:37:15): Okay. Marietta [Atalia] (00:37:15): I hope you just hear Aces go "Ahh!" Alex [ChaCha] (00:37:19): I got 15. Sampson [Dili] (00:37:21): Guys, I should probably mention Aces probably has a device that scans the building. Sampson [Dili] (00:37:26): Did I mention that earlier? Stace (Nix) (00:37:27): Oh my God, Dili, no, but that's okay. Marietta [Atalia] (00:37:29): 12. Stace (Nix) (00:37:30): Lessons learned all around. Got a 10. Alex [ChaCha] (00:37:34): Cha-Cha's going to punch Dili after this. Daniel [GM] (00:37:36): What did you get, Sampson? Sampson [Dili] (00:37:38): A 6. Daniel [GM] (00:37:39): Okay. So, first up is Cha-Cha. You're inside the building, you've heard this blast. Alex [ChaCha] (00:37:47): What would it take to shoot Aces with my pew-pew gun. Daniel [GM] (00:37:51): You could go to the window and try to shoot out from there. So that would be a 12, since it functions as a light weapon. Alex [ChaCha] (00:37:58): I'm going to do it. 16. Daniel [GM] (00:38:00): Okay. You hit him. 4. Alex [ChaCha] (00:38:04): Yay! We're going to murder him! Daniel [GM] (00:38:06): Roll depletion on your pew-pew gun. Alex [ChaCha] (00:38:10): One day it's going to break and I'm going to be super sad. I got an 8. Daniel [GM] (00:38:14): Okay. You're good. Daniel [GM] (00:38:16): Now it is Aces' turn. He's got a hit from the blast, he definitely... you were shooting through a window, essentially, so you've got some cover, so instead he's going to look at Atalia and he's going to raise his hand and some sort of dark is going to shoot out at Atalia. Daniel [GM] (00:38:34): Atalia, please make a 15 speed defense roll. Alex [ChaCha] (00:38:38): Oh no. This is depression darts. Marietta [Atalia] (00:38:42): I'll spend a level of effort. Marietta [Atalia] (00:38:48): That's a 4. Great. Daniel [GM] (00:38:50): Okay. So, you get hit by this dart, and you will take 2 damage. Marietta [Atalia] (00:38:57): To my might pool? Daniel [GM] (00:38:59): Uh-huh. And you are beginning to feel woozy. Marietta [Atalia] (00:39:04): Am I impaired? Daniel [GM] (00:39:06): Well, specifically, you're feeling woozy. And when you look at Aces, it's like looking at long-lost friend. Sampson [Dili] (00:39:15): Oh boy. Daniel [GM] (00:39:16): So there will be two levels of hindrance on any actions you take counter to Aces' interest. Marietta [Atalia] (00:39:28): Okay. Daniel [GM] (00:39:28): And guess what? It is Atalia's turn! Marietta [Atalia] (00:39:30): I will try to mentally onslaught him this time. Daniel [GM] (00:39:35): Okay. Marietta [Atalia] (00:39:36): And I'll use two levels of effort. Daniel [GM] (00:39:39): It's hindered by two steps so your two levels of effort brings it down to a 15. Marietta [Atalia] (00:39:43): Okay. But it's 15 regardless of physical or mental? Daniel [GM] (00:39:47): Yes. Marietta [Atalia] (00:39:48): Okay, well then I'll make it physical. Daniel [GM] (00:39:50): Okay. Marietta [Atalia] (00:39:50): I've got to use the [inaudible 00:39:56] dice. 14. Daniel [GM] (00:39:59): Yep, it misses. Marietta [Atalia] (00:40:00): Cool. Daniel [GM] (00:40:01): He dodges out of the way and looks up at you and frowns, and you feel a little bit guilty. Sampson [Dili] (00:40:09): Come on Atalia, you've trained for this. Daniel [GM] (00:40:11): Okay, it is now Nix's turn. Stace (Nix) (00:40:13): All right, so far, Nix has kind of seen Cha-Cha shoot out the window and heard what's going on outside. Daniel [GM] (00:40:22): Mm-hmm (affirmative). Stace (Nix) (00:40:23): Okay, there's two doors. Dili is... is Dili still pillowcase on head? Human hair in ears? Daniel [GM] (00:40:30): Mm-hmm (affirmative). Stace (Nix) (00:40:31): Okay, So Nix is going to pull off his hood, or his pillowcase and- Sampson [Dili] (00:40:37): What happened? I can't hear anything. Daniel [GM] (00:40:38): There's definitely hair in Dili's mouth. Sampson [Dili] (00:40:41): [inaudible 00:40:41] Stace (Nix) (00:40:42): Oh, they're here, Dili. Sampson [Dili] (00:40:45): What? Already? Stace (Nix) (00:40:47): Yeah, they're here. Thought you should know. Sampson [Dili] (00:40:51): Thanks. Stace (Nix) (00:40:51): Yeah but we don't see the automaton, yet. Can you connect with it and tell us where it is? Sampson [Dili] (00:40:57): I'll see what I can do. Dili pulls the hood back on. Daniel [GM] (00:41:02): Okay. So that's what Nix is doing, is instructing Dili? Stace (Nix) (00:41:05): Yeah. Daniel [GM] (00:41:05): Okay. Now it is Dili's turn. Sampson [Dili] (00:41:08): Dili will try to peer through the automaton's perspective. Daniel [GM] (00:41:12): It's very dark, but you can hear sounds. You hear the sound of five heartbeats getting closer, all except one of them are pumping at an accelerated rate. Sampson [Dili] (00:41:27): All except one of them... Daniel [GM] (00:41:29): One seems pretty calm, despite whatever circumstances there are. Sampson [Dili] (00:41:33): The Nix races.[inaudible 00:41:34] Alex [ChaCha] (00:41:33): That's what I was thinking. Sampson [Dili] (00:41:40): Yeah, Dili will hear that and be like "I can't see, but he's getting closer, to, I think, us. Somebody's very calm, which is weird." That's all I got. Stace (Nix) (00:41:51): All right, well, that was less helpful than I hoped, Dili, but... Sampson [Dili] (00:41:55): Fuck you, I'm trying, all right? Sampson [Dili] (00:41:57): My first day of this actually working. Daniel [GM] (00:42:00): It is now Cha-Cha's turn. Alex [ChaCha] (00:42:02): Okay. I guess we're going to keep trying to murder Aces, because fuck him. Daniel [GM] (00:42:07): Okay. Alex [ChaCha] (00:42:08): I'm trying to think what does more damage. Pew-pew, or onslaught. Daniel [GM] (00:42:12): You're physical onslaught does the same amount of damage as pew-pew. Although pew-pew probably is armor-piercing. Alex [ChaCha] (00:42:17): Oh. Then pew-pew. Pew-pew. Daniel [GM] (00:42:22): Okay, so then roll to hit. Alex [ChaCha] (00:42:23): 14. Daniel [GM] (00:42:25): You hit him. He does not like that. Alex [ChaCha] (00:42:28): Can I try to give him the finger through the window, as a free action? Daniel [GM] (00:42:31): She sure can. It is now Aces' turn. Aces looks up at Atalia, points at the window and says, "Deal with that!" Daniel [GM] (00:42:40): And he throws a small object towards the window as well. And it gets close to the window and it detonates. Daniel [GM] (00:42:50): Cha-Cha, please make a might defense roll of 12. Alex [ChaCha] (00:42:55): I want to see if... would cirque du soleil apply to to this? Daniel [GM] (00:42:59): Actually, you could make an argument for that, because you probably are used to pyrotechnics in performance. Alex [ChaCha] (00:43:06): Yes. Daniel [GM] (00:43:07): So it's a 9. Alex [ChaCha] (00:43:08): 14! Daniel [GM] (00:43:09): Okay! You have the feeling that had you not reacted out of instinct as a performer, you might have been blinded and/or deafened by this blast, but you manage to cover your eyes and mentally block it out, the sound, when it goes off. Alex [ChaCha] (00:43:26): I was not blinded by the light. Daniel [GM] (00:43:28): Cha-Cha, Nix and Dili, you hear a crashing sound as part of the wall caves inward and an automaton reaches in for Dili. Daniel [GM] (00:43:40): Dili, you have hood over your head. Sampson [Dili] (00:43:43): Correct. Daniel [GM] (00:43:45): So that's going to hinder you, so please make a speed defense roll of 18. Sampson [Dili] (00:43:50): Yeah, I'm going to try to... because Dili also has human hair in his ears, so... probably won't react as quickly. Stace (Nix) (00:43:56): Nix pulled the bag off! Dili put it back on! I'm just... yeah, we tried. Alex [ChaCha] (00:44:00): We tried! Sampson [Dili] (00:44:01): Dili was trying to connect... Stace (Nix) (00:44:04): You have some weird connection methods! Sampson [Dili] (00:44:06): Is that a 3? That's a 3. Daniel [GM] (00:44:09): Listen, the arrangement between his dom and his sub is their own thing. Stace (Nix) (00:44:13): True. Sampson [Dili] (00:44:15): I'm both. Daniel [GM] (00:44:16): So what did you get, Dili? Sampson [Dili] (00:44:17): 3. I have 3. Stace (Nix) (00:44:20): If that's considered an attack, Nix would like to take the attack. Daniel [GM] (00:44:23): Okay. The automaton grabs you and pulls you through the wall. Stace (Nix) (00:44:27): Hell yeah. Sampson [Dili] (00:44:28): Me? Oh... Alex [ChaCha] (00:44:29): [inaudible 00:44:29] Oh my gosh! Daniel [GM] (00:44:34): Nix, you will take 3 damage from the grab. Stace (Nix) (00:44:36): Armor? Daniel [GM] (00:44:37): Because the force of the shadow arm grabbing you... yes, your armor will resist. And it is now Atalia's turn. Daniel [GM] (00:44:44): Atalia, please make an intellect defense of... let's see, you're hindered, so it is going to be a 18. Marietta [Atalia] (00:44:55): Can I spend effort? Daniel [GM] (00:44:57): You sure can. Marietta [Atalia] (00:44:58): I would like to spend 2 bubbles of effort. Daniel [GM] (00:45:01): But don't forget that you have less intellect edge than you think, so it will cost you extra points to do that. Marietta [Atalia] (00:45:05): What do you mean? Daniel [GM] (00:45:05): So it'll cost you 4 intellect... so what is your edge, right now? Marietta [Atalia] (00:45:10): 2. Daniel [GM] (00:45:10): So it will cost you 4 intellect points to spend that 2 levels of effort. Marietta [Atalia] (00:45:16): Okay, well, I'm going to do that because I don't like intellect defense rolls, when I'm already... when the target is 18... yeah we'll spend it. Daniel [GM] (00:45:25): Okay, so that brings it down to a 12 for you. Marietta [Atalia] (00:45:29): Okay, great, 13! Marietta [Atalia] (00:45:30): Rolled 13s on multiple dice! Daniel [GM] (00:45:34): Okay, so you are capable of doing something other than going after Cha-Cha. What would you like to do? Marietta [Atalia] (00:45:40): Funk Aces up! This bitch! I really wish I had anything other than this detonator. Marietta [Atalia] (00:45:49): Anyway, I will physically onslaught- Daniel [GM] (00:45:52): You've a level 10 cypher, don't complain to me. Marietta [Atalia] (00:45:54): No, no I do, I'm very, very grateful. Stace (Nix) (00:45:56): You have a what? And Atalia didn't bring this up? Marietta [Atalia] (00:45:59): I've got a reset cypher. Sampson [Dili] (00:46:01): The time rewind. Marietta [Atalia] (00:46:01): You helped me purchase this cypher! Stace (Nix) (00:46:03): Oh yeah, time rewind! Daniel [GM] (00:46:04): It's the reset cypher. Marietta [Atalia] (00:46:05): Mm-hmm (affirmative). It's the reset thing. Marietta [Atalia] (00:46:08): Okay, I will physically onslaught him. Stace (Nix) (00:46:13): Oh yeah, Dili has that weapon cypher! Sampson [Dili] (00:46:16): No, you do! Daniel [GM] (00:46:17): Okay. So that'll be... that is still contrary to his wishes, so that will be a 21. [inaudible 00:46:27] Stace (Nix) (00:46:27): Oh shit. Marietta [Atalia] (00:46:28): Okay. I can't see the automaton, though? Daniel [GM] (00:46:31): No, you have no idea what's happening inside the building. Daniel [GM] (00:46:34): You've heard a lot of ruckus down there, but you don't really have any idea what's happening. Marietta [Atalia] (00:46:37): All right, I'm just going to spend. Will I still have to spend four to do 2 levels of effort again, here? Daniel [GM] (00:46:44): Yes. Marietta [Atalia] (00:46:45): Okay, well, I'm going to do it. Daniel [GM] (00:46:48): And don't forget, that's 4 on top of whatever the cost for your onslaught is, so it's actually 5. Marietta [Atalia] (00:46:54): Cool! Daniel [GM] (00:46:57): Listeners, I have got the worst players [inaudible 00:47:01] Marietta [Atalia] (00:47:00): I'm going to try with different dice! We're going to[inaudible 00:47:07]... 18! Daniel [GM] (00:47:10): Okay! So that's plus two damage. Marietta [Atalia] (00:47:12): Yes, please! To the face! Daniel [GM] (00:47:15): Aces looks really rough. He looks in very bad shape. Sampson [Dili] (00:47:20): Is this how you treat your friends? Marietta [Atalia] (00:47:21): Yes, actually! When they obliterate my intellect pool that was not small to begin with- Stace (Nix) (00:47:28): Yeah that's true, I've seen it before. Daniel [GM] (00:47:31): Nix, you have been pulled into this other alley with this automaton. Daniel [GM] (00:47:35): It has a right arm that is fucked up, you're currently grappled by this arm that seems to be part shadow, and again, the shadow is like cold, it burns with coldness as it touches you. Stace (Nix) (00:47:46): Nix took the attack for her turn this round. Daniel [GM] (00:47:49): That's right. So Nix, you're just held there right now. Stace (Nix) (00:47:53): Lovingly, I assume. Daniel [GM] (00:47:56): Next up is Dili. Sampson [Dili] (00:47:58): Dili's going to pull off his pillowcase. Sampson [Dili] (00:48:01): Nix? Did you say something? Oh. Uh oh. Daniel [GM] (00:48:05): There's an automaton-shaped hole in the wall, and Nix is nowhere to be seen. Sampson [Dili] (00:48:11): Putting two and two together. What's Dili going to do? Alex [ChaCha] (00:48:14): I swear Dili has an aggressive cypher that we found on the ship. Daniel [GM] (00:48:19): Dili traded for cypher that had like an electrical thing? Sampson [Dili] (00:48:23): Yeah, it did the same amount of damage, though. Alex [ChaCha] (00:48:26): Hmm. Sampson [Dili] (00:48:27): It doesn't do a lot. And also it would hurt Nix as well, at the moment. Alex [ChaCha] (00:48:32): I mean... Daniel [GM] (00:48:33): It would, but you did think it might stun the automaton. Sampson [Dili] (00:48:36): That's true. Okay. Dili is going to pull out that device but then before he actually sees it, he's going to this illusion to make it invisible while he's holding it in his hand. Daniel [GM] (00:48:50): Ooh, okay. So that'll be your action, to cast that illusion? Sampson [Dili] (00:48:54): Yeah, and then Dili's going to move the wall, trying to stay out of sight as much as he can. Daniel [GM] (00:48:59): Okay. Yeah, you could move [inaudible 00:49:00] and do that. I think you're going to be distracted by it. Can you do like stealth or anything like that? Sampson [Dili] (00:49:06): Right. Daniel [GM] (00:49:07): Okay. Sounds good. Back to the top of the round. With Cha-Cha. Daniel [GM] (00:49:14): Aces is look really rough. The wall has crumbled on the other side, a big fucking robot came in and grabbed at Nix, and pulled her out, as Dili has crept up to the hole after removing his pillowcase. Sampson [Dili] (00:49:29): Actually, quick question. Is the window that Cha-Cha's at, and the hole on opposite sides of the building? Daniel [GM] (00:49:35): Correct. Sampson [Dili] (00:49:36): It's almost like the automaton strategically decided that Aces would be a good distraction on one side of the building. Alex [ChaCha] (00:49:42): Yeah, but we could murder him quick. Marietta [Atalia] (00:49:47): While trading Atalia's intellect pool. Alex [ChaCha] (00:49:49): Well, I mean if Cha-Cha finishes off Aces... Sampson [Dili] (00:49:53): It's not that big a loss. Alex [ChaCha] (00:49:59): Gauntlet thrown! Marietta [Atalia] (00:50:01): You are the four most... Stace (Nix) (00:50:02): Man I would [inaudible 00:50:04] time if she ever published that damn paper on the Shallamas Echoes. Alex [ChaCha] (00:50:08): Yeah. Marietta [Atalia] (00:50:11): I think I have to quit the campaign, guys. It's been a really [crosstalk 00:50:14] Daniel [GM] (00:50:14): Oh, I'm sorry. [crosstalk 00:50:17] Alex [ChaCha] (00:50:17): Daniel's being bullied. Marietta [Atalia] (00:50:18): I've just been murdered! Alex [ChaCha] (00:50:23): Okay, I'm trying to think because I feel like... Marietta [Atalia] (00:50:28): If you can help me kill Aces. Alex [ChaCha] (00:50:29): Yeah, I think that's what Cha-Cha's going to do, because he's kind of a wad. Daniel [GM] (00:50:33): And Cha-Cha's got the bloodlust going. Alex [ChaCha] (00:50:37): Yeah. Marietta [Atalia] (00:50:37): Well that was kind of the objective. Kill Aces, deal with the automaton. Alex [ChaCha] (00:50:40): Yeah. So Cha-Cha's just going to shoot him with her ray gun. Daniel [GM] (00:50:43): Okay. So give me... it functions like a light weapon, so give me a 12. Alex [ChaCha] (00:50:49): Okay. If I want to use any... what pool? Daniel [GM] (00:50:54): It would be speed effort if you want to spend effort. Alex [ChaCha] (00:50:56): Yeah, because I just want to get it done. So I'm going to use one level of effort. Let's math this. So it needs to be a 9. And I got a 17! Fuck you, Aces! Daniel [GM] (00:51:12): That's one damage. So, Cha-Cha. Almost like a film reel in your head, you have a memory of Bastian's voice, saying to you "That's how it always starts!" Alex [ChaCha] (00:51:25): Oh! Daniel [GM] (00:51:26): And tell me what it looks like when you kill Aces. Alex [ChaCha] (00:51:29): I think Cha-Cha kind of in a vindictive way shoots him through the eye. And also gives him the finger. It's just like one single bullet, through the eye, out the back of the head. And she's just like "Fuck off!" Daniel [GM] (00:51:45): And it's a laser beam, and so there is clearly... you can see it's not just an entry wound, it is a tunnel, all the way to the exit wound. Alex [ChaCha] (00:51:51): Mm-hmm (affirmative) Daniel [GM] (00:51:52): On the other side of his head before he collapses to the ground. Alex [ChaCha] (00:51:57): Yep! Sampson [Dili] (00:51:58): A nice camera shot where it comes through the bullet hole? Daniel [GM] (00:52:03): Mm-hmm (affirmative). So next up is the automaton's turn. It appears to be [inaudible 00:52:07] that it has Nix instead. Daniel [GM] (00:52:11): Nix, please. So, you're gripped with the shadow arm, so make an 18 might defense roll. Stace (Nix) (00:52:18): I probably won't make that, Daniel. But you knew that. Alex [ChaCha] (00:52:21): That's how it always starts. Daniel [GM] (00:52:23): Hey, this is Dili's creation, don't blame me. Sampson [Dili] (00:52:26): He didn't get this from my side. Marietta [Atalia] (00:52:29): Hey Daniel, you are perfectly creative. Stace (Nix) (00:52:31): I'll spend 2 levels of effort there. Daniel [GM] (00:52:34): Dili fathered it, I birthed it. Sampson [Dili] (00:52:37): You carried it. Stace (Nix) (00:52:37): Not good enough. I got a 10. Daniel [GM] (00:52:39): Okay. You are thrown a short distance down the alley and into a wall. Stace (Nix) (00:52:45): Nice. Daniel [GM] (00:52:46): Please take 4 damage. Stace (Nix) (00:52:48): Armor? Daniel [GM] (00:52:49): Armor will help you. Daniel [GM] (00:52:50): And it is now Atalia's turn. Stace (Nix) (00:52:53): All right, I would like to... I presume I saw Aces get pew-pewed through the eye, so I will... Daniel [GM] (00:53:00): Yeah, Aces is for sure dead. Yeah, you saw him collapse. But you are a little heartbroken about it. And sad about it. Marietta [Atalia] (00:53:08): I viciously wipe away that errant tear that escaped my eye and I'm like, "No." Daniel [GM] (00:53:14): Well just the thing, you're going to be hindered with sadness for the next hour. Marietta [Atalia] (00:53:22): Anyway! I'm going to climb down from the roof and see what's going on down on the main level. Daniel [GM] (00:53:32): Okay, so, you get down there and you can see, Cha-Cha's at the window, probably stroking her pew-pew gun. Alex [ChaCha] (00:53:40): Mm-hmm (affirmative) Daniel [GM] (00:53:41): Dili is standing over near the hole in the wall. And you can't see beyond that on the other side. Daniel [GM] (00:53:49): Okay, so next up is Nix. You have just been thrown, you are currently lying prone in the alley. Stace (Nix) (00:53:57): Hell yeah. So Nix will stand up. Daniel [GM] (00:53:59): Okay. Stace (Nix) (00:54:00): Can she do anything else? Daniel [GM] (00:54:01): You can throw a sling. He's a short distance away, so unless you had Fleet of Foot, you couldn't necessarily get to him and do anything else. Stace (Nix) (00:54:08): You know what? Just every day, it's like rubbing it in. Salt in the wound. Sampson [Dili] (00:54:15): Can we take a moment to appreciate the dunks that Dan has been dishing out this evening? Stace (Nix) (00:54:18): Yeah, honestly. Alex [ChaCha] (00:54:19): It's like he came prepared. Stace (Nix) (00:54:22): It's because we took till 12 minutes after 08:00 to start recording. Had all that time to think about it. Daniel [GM] (00:54:28): It's honestly just because I'm excited to be recording again, and I'm having so much fun with you guys. Sampson [Dili] (00:54:32): Aww. Alex [ChaCha] (00:54:33): But we're all going to record again on Sunday. Guys save some of the dunks? Stace (Nix) (00:54:37): Nah, save none of the dunks. Stace (Nix) (00:54:39): All right. Yeah, sling. Sling, sling. Daniel [GM] (00:54:43): Okay, so this will be a 15 to hit with the sling. Stace (Nix) (00:54:47): Okay. Trained in medium ranged. Daniel [GM] (00:54:50): That makes it a 12. Stace (Nix) (00:54:52): Trying to decide if I want to spend effort, or not. No. 20! Alex [ChaCha] (00:54:58): Y'all! Daniel [GM] (00:54:59): Extra damage or major effect? Alex [ChaCha] (00:55:03): Bring extra damage family, Stace! Stace (Nix) (00:55:05): Extra damage, Daniel. Please. Sampson [Dili] (00:55:07): My boy... Daniel [GM] (00:55:08): Okay. Stace (Nix) (00:55:09): Fuck your boy! Does Dili actually have paternal feelings? Daniel [GM] (00:55:14): So what does your sling do for damage. Stace (Nix) (00:55:17): 4. Daniel [GM] (00:55:18): Okay, so your extra damage, so make it 8. Okay. Daniel [GM] (00:55:21): You definitely hit it for what should be a lot of damage, although it seems to have rather strong armor. Stace (Nix) (00:55:27): Fuck! Daniel [GM] (00:55:29): Next up is Dili. Dili, you see that Nix has gotten thrown, Nix has stood up and thrown a sling rock at your metal son, and what would you like to do? Sampson [Dili] (00:55:39): Here goes nothing. Sampson [Dili] (00:55:41): Dili throws the electric detonation cypher. Daniel [GM] (00:55:46): So since the electric detonation doesn't require a lot of accuracy to its blast, and since it threw Nix, Nix can be out of range quite easily. So you don't have to roll anything. Sampson [Dili] (00:55:58): That's the best thing I've heard. [crosstalk 00:56:00] Daniel [GM] (00:55:59): Yeah, it takes damage, and it looks like it is startled. Stunned, maybe, even. Daniel [GM] (00:56:08): Next up is Cha-Cha. You've just heard a big blast from the other side of the building. Alex [ChaCha] (00:56:16): Cha-Cha's going to turn around and keep on murdering. Daniel [GM] (00:56:23): Okay, it'll probably take your whole turn to get over to the other side where Dili is. Sampson [Dili] (00:56:27): I thought Cha-Cha was just going to like start with Dili, like Dili's the only one in her line of sight, right? Alex [ChaCha] (00:56:32): I mean... true. Daniel [GM] (00:56:35): Next up is Atalia. Marietta [Atalia] (00:56:38): Atalia's going to dash across the house, through the hole to see what's going on. And if she runs past Dili she's going to say "Don't forget, two-way street!" Daniel [GM] (00:56:50): Okay. So yeah, it'll take your turn to get over there and see what's unfolding. Next up is Nix. Stace (Nix) (00:56:58): Oh! Nix will close the distance. Daniel [GM] (00:57:00): Okay. You've closed the distance. Next up is Dili. Sampson [Dili] (00:57:04): Dili's going to nod and run up to the automaton, while it's hopefully stunned. Daniel [GM] (00:57:09): Hmm. Okay. So you are definitely in immediate distance of the automaton. Sampson [Dili] (00:57:15): Oh I was? Daniel [GM] (00:57:17): You now are. It depends what you want to do. So you stunned it on your last turn. So it missed out on its turn this round. So it is going to be un-stunned by the time you get next to it. So it's up to you if you want to get closer. Sampson [Dili] (00:57:30): What can I do? Yeah, I'm going to get up close to it and try to initiate that two-way street and try to keep it not moving for the next round. Daniel [GM] (00:57:42): Give me an intellect roll of 18. Sampson [Dili] (00:57:46): I'm going to put 2 levels of effort into that. Daniel [GM] (00:57:50): Okay, brings it down to a 12. Sampson [Dili] (00:57:52): Come on... Sampson [Dili] (00:57:54): I'm going to re-roll that. Daniel [GM] (00:57:55): That's a 2. Sampson [Dili] (00:57:56): Okay. Which is what I needed now. Sampson [Dili] (00:58:00): 6. Daniel [GM] (00:58:01): Yeah, you don't feel like you managed to hold it. Sampson [Dili] (00:58:02): Okay. Daniel [GM] (00:58:05): So, Cha-Cha. You can see the automaton there. Daniel [GM] (00:58:08): Dili and Nix are up next to it. Atalia is next to you. You could use your nuke right now if you wanted to. Alex [ChaCha] (00:58:15): I could! I could force a new campaign! Marietta [Atalia] (00:58:19): I have to quit again. Alex [ChaCha] (00:58:20): Because you were literally murdered! Marietta [Atalia] (00:58:23): Yeah. I've had to quit so many times this episode. Alex [ChaCha] (00:58:26): We even invited you back, so... Sampson [Dili] (00:58:29): Ooh! Stace (Nix) (00:58:33): This is awkward. Marietta [Atalia] (00:58:36): I'm crying. Sampson [Dili] (00:58:38): What's with all the dunks? From everybody! What the hell? Daniel [GM] (00:58:42): It's from coming into 2021! Marietta [Atalia] (00:58:44): It's that big 2021 energy. Stace (Nix) (00:58:46): We've had a dunkeroos meeting. All dunks, all the time. Alex [ChaCha] (00:58:51): So I will... I'm disinclined to use the nuke right now. Maybe save that for later. Daniel [GM] (00:58:59): Okay. Alex [ChaCha] (00:58:59): Would there be any indication that Dili's two-way street failed? Daniel [GM] (00:59:06): You would have no way of knowing. Alex [ChaCha] (00:59:08): Okay. Daniel [GM] (00:59:08): But I will say this. You hear Bastian's voice again, it's just a memory. It's a replay of "Okay, time to take care of business!" Alex [ChaCha] (00:59:17): Mm-hmm (affirmative). Cha-Cha's going to... Well, we could mentally onslaught him. Yeah, let's mentally onslaught him and see what happens. Daniel [GM] (00:59:27): Okay, so that'll be an 18 to hit. Alex [ChaCha] (00:59:29): We're going to use a level of effort. Daniel [GM] (00:59:32): That's a 15 to hit. Alex [ChaCha] (00:59:33): One second, I've got to math this. Daniel [GM] (00:59:35): What's your edge? Alex [ChaCha] (00:59:36): 2. Daniel [GM] (00:59:37): So, it will cost you 2 points. Alex [ChaCha] (00:59:40): Okay. Thank you. I'm just like this math is hard. I wish we didn't have to math. 17. Daniel [GM] (00:59:49): Nice! So that is plus one damage. It does not like that. Alex [ChaCha] (00:59:52): I would assume. But no judgment. Daniel [GM] (00:59:55): Okay! It is now its turn. Marietta [Atalia] (00:59:58): Didn't it go after me? Daniel [GM] (00:59:59): Nope. It is going to swing its shadow-fist at Dili. The shadow-fist, so Dili, please make an 18 speed defense roll. Sampson [Dili] (01:00:10): Put a level of effort into that. Please, please, please... Sampson [Dili] (01:00:14): Hey, 16! Stace (Nix) (01:00:16): Yeah! Much better! Marietta [Atalia] (01:00:18): Congratulations! Daniel [GM] (01:00:19): You just barely managed to dodge out of this... it's almost like in your sort of double-vision connection with it, it's almost like you can almost see the arm coming before it comes. You dodge, just barely. Daniel [GM] (01:00:34): It is a near miss, but it smashes into the wall and does serious damage to it. Sampson [Dili] (01:00:39): Oh shit. Daniel [GM] (01:00:40): As it comes back. And now it is Atalia's turn. Atalia, you are a short distance away from the automaton. Marietta [Atalia] (01:00:47): Okay, I want to see if I can get behind it. Daniel [GM] (01:00:50): Okay. So you're trying to do that stealthily? Marietta [Atalia] (01:00:53): I'm trying to do that without it eating me alive. Daniel [GM] (01:00:56): Okay, so give me... stealth is probably your best asset to try to do this. So give me a... let's see, it's mental for it to perceive, you're specialized which makes it a 12. Marietta [Atalia] (01:01:09): Right. And that's a 14. Daniel [GM] (01:01:13): Okay. You have managed to sneak up around behind it without it having a chance to strike at you, but that'll take your whole turn. Marietta [Atalia] (01:01:19): That'll take my whole turn? Daniel [GM] (01:01:20): Mm-hmm (affirmative). Next up is Nix. You're right next to this automaton. Stace (Nix) (01:01:26): Oh, yeah. Going to punch it or something. Daniel [GM] (01:01:30): Okay. So that'll be a 15. Stace (Nix) (01:01:32): Trained in unarmed. Daniel [GM] (01:01:34): Okay, so 12. Stace (Nix) (01:01:35): I'll spend a level of effort to hit... no, for damage. Daniel [GM] (01:01:41): Okay. Stace (Nix) (01:01:42): 19. Daniel [GM] (01:01:43): So, extra damage or minor effect? Stace (Nix) (01:01:45): Extra damage. Daniel [GM] (01:01:46): Okay. So your base damage is 6, right? Stace (Nix) (01:01:49): 7. Daniel [GM] (01:01:50): 7. So you got 3 from your effort, so that's 10, plus the extra damage, that's 13. Daniel [GM] (01:01:57): What does it look like when you destroy this [crosstalk 01:02:00] Alex [ChaCha] (01:02:00): Oh my God! Sampson [Dili] (01:02:03): My boy! Stace (Nix) (01:02:03): Yeah! Alex [ChaCha] (01:02:04): You murdered! Stace (Nix) (01:02:04): I would like to say that- Marietta [Atalia] (01:02:07): I did not expect that. Sampson [Dili] (01:02:09): Oh, shit. Stace (Nix) (01:02:09): No. Damn! All right. Yeah that Dili's still trying to connect with it, or not... what is he doing? Daniel [GM] (01:02:20): He was trying to connect with it, but he just dodged an attack from it, as well. Stace (Nix) (01:02:24): So it was just a little bit overbalanced, so Nix just comes in and punches it... where is an opening, Daniel? Base of the neck? Daniel [GM] (01:02:34): It's right arm is basically non-functional, so anywhere along its right side it can't really defend. Stace (Nix) (01:02:40): Yeah, along its right side and then just a puncture her hand inside of it and rips its little guts out, its little computer guts out. Daniel [GM] (01:02:49): Okay. Evens or odds? Stace (Nix) (01:02:51): Even. Daniel [GM] (01:02:52): Marietta, roll a die, tell me if its evens or odds. Marietta [Atalia] (01:02:56): Even! Yes that was an 18, wish I would have saved that. Daniel [GM] (01:03:01): Yeah. So you pull it out and you can definitely feel like there's wild energy in it, but you drop it before it does anything bad to you. Daniel [GM] (01:03:09): This device falls and at this point I'm going to offer Dili an XP. Marietta [Atalia] (01:03:14): Do it! Sampson [Dili] (01:03:14): I'm taking it. Daniel [GM] (01:03:14): Okay. Dili, you feel a sharp pain in your head. And you collapse, unconscious. Sampson [Dili] (01:03:23): Yeah. Daniel [GM] (01:03:24): And everyone else is out of combat, and Dili, you are standing on empty plane, black upon black. You shouldn't be able to see anything but you can still make out edges. And you hear a voice all around you. Daniel [GM] (01:03:41): And it is definitely the automaton's voice. And it says, "Well, father, this is awkward." Daniel [GM] (01:03:48): And that's where we'll end this episode. Sampson [Dili] (01:03:50): Oh, shit. Stace (Nix) (01:03:50): Very nice, very nice! Sampson [Dili] (01:03:54): Also, Nix, since you got the kill, you get the XP. Stace (Nix) (01:03:56): Hell yeah! Daniel [GM] (01:03:57): Yep. So, Sampson, something from this episode? Sampson [Dili] (01:04:00): Can I... The whole episode. The whole episode, obviously! Sampson [Dili] (01:04:04): I think the automaton being destroyed. Like, for a second there, I thought Dili's life was on the up and up, but now it's just gone sideways again, in a direction that shouldn't be possible. I don't know, I have nothing more. Stace (Nix) (01:04:19): Would you like to tell us what that means? Sampson [Dili] (01:04:21): I don't know, I don't usually do cool things in episodes, so I don't know what to talk about. Marietta [Atalia] (01:04:27): You've rendered him speechless! Daniel [GM] (01:04:30): Yeah. That's okay, Sampson. Stace (Nix) (01:04:32): Yeah. Daniel [GM] (01:04:34): It's a new experience! I mean, your character is no longer in his origin story, he's doing shit. Sampson [Dili] (01:04:40): Yeah. Daniel [GM] (01:04:40): There's crazy shit happening around him. Marietta [Atalia] (01:04:42): Who are you now? Stace (Nix) (01:04:43): I do like a little splash of old Dili, the replacing of the pillowcase. Alex [ChaCha] (01:04:47): Mm-hmm (affirmative). Daniel [GM] (01:04:50): Yeah, that was nice. Sampson [Dili] (01:04:51): Yeah. Daniel [GM] (01:04:51): That was a very nice touch. Daniel [GM] (01:04:53): So, we have a segment called Player Intrusions. That's where we offer you, the listener, an XP to check out something we think you would really dig. This week it is Marietta's turn. Daniel [GM] (01:05:02): Marietta, what would you offer our listeners an XP to check out. Marietta [Atalia] (01:05:05): I would offer our listeners an XP to check out Star Trek Discovery, which is, unfortunately, sort of semi-hidden behind CBS All-Access, which is a streaming service, but I know that you can get some free episodes through Amazon, and if you have cable, usually there's some if you have the CBS channel already. Marietta [Atalia] (01:05:25): I highly recommend putting forth the effort to check it out, if you want something wholesome and good and space in your life, in a TV show. Marietta [Atalia] (01:05:33): It's not exactly the same as the other Star Trek TV series, I would say, if you go into it with more of an open mind, but they teach really important values, like love! And Star Trek's discover! Marietta [Atalia] (01:05:46): I'm sure that they have... it's very prevalent. Their ideas are very interesting, and the cast is really diverse and it's just very wholesome and good, and the underlying theme continues to be like overcoming evil and also, sometimes the evil is from within, and that is evident enough in the first season. Marietta [Atalia] (01:06:06): And one of the co-creators is Bryan Fuller, who also did Hannibal, which I've talked about before. I guess he's also working on American Gods, right now, which I didn't know. They just finished their third season. Marietta [Atalia] (01:06:18): I really like the show front-runner. It's really, really great. She plays... Michael Burnham is the character in the TV show, and she's a strong female character, you know, just to twist my arm, why don't you. Marietta [Atalia] (01:06:33): Also sort of a checkered backstory for her in which you're trying to do the right thing, but sometimes there's fallout and there's consequences from that and how to come back from that. And what is the right thing, ultimately? It's a question that is asked and, yeah, they do separate from the canon Star Trek universe, pretty early on with some... I suppose it gives them more room to play with the Star Trek universe. Marietta [Atalia] (01:07:01): And they just finished the third season. Each season is different and they introduce new characters like, the second season introduces Tig Notaro, she's stand-up comedian, that's one of the new characters, and there's new characters in the third season as well that are really great. And Doug Jones, who does a lot of the prosthetic work, he plays Saru on Star Trek Discovery, and he's in the three seasons as well and he's very [inaudible 01:07:28]. Marietta [Atalia] (01:07:28): Yeah. Star Trek Discovery. CBS All-Access. Check it out if you like love and overcoming evil and working together as a team, and found family and the Federation. Good! Discover. Sampson [Dili] (01:07:43): I haven't seen it, but... Stace (Nix) (01:07:45): I love Tig. Sampson [Dili] (01:07:47): I love Tig, too! Stace (Nix) (01:07:48): I didn't know she was in it. Marietta [Atalia] (01:07:50): Yeah, she comes in at season 2! She's great. She plays a great character. And Anthony Rapp is one of the characters and they wind up being friends and he plays a very different character from like Firefly, for instance. Stace (Nix) (01:08:03): I don't know characters by the real names! Marietta [Atalia] (01:08:08): Maybe some of our listeners do! Also let's make sure that's the same guy. Daniel [GM] (01:08:13): They're all real, aren't they? Like I just assume everything I see on TV is real. I mean there are only so many phenotypes available in the universe, I mean there's going to be a lot of people who look like each other. Sampson [Dili] (01:08:24): Mm-hmm (affirmative). Marietta [Atalia] (01:08:25): Yeah, also, Bryan Fuller also does a lot of double-casting. For sure. Daniel [GM] (01:08:30): So, if people wanted to reach out to us and tell us what they think about Star Trek Discovery, or the podcast, how would they do that, Marietta? Marietta [Atalia] (01:08:36): They would preferably go to our website first where they will find links to all of the things I'm about to say, which is explorerswanted.fm. And we are on all the social medias, we are on Twitter @explorerswanted, we're on Instagram @explorerswantedpodcast, we have a Facebook page, Explorers Wanted Podcast as well, and we also have a Patreon if you're looking to support us if you have the means to, financially, we have some stretch goals that we are working towards, and big dreams that I'm always pontificating on, so if that is a thing you are able to do, we would really appreciate it, so we can continue to create more lovely content for you. Marietta [Atalia] (01:09:15): And if you really want to hang out with us, the best way to do so is to join our Discord server, which there are links to the Discord on all the social medias and on our website. We're very active on there, have several different channels that are great to interact with us and we love to hear from our listeners, and we love our little community. Marietta [Atalia] (01:09:32): It makes us happy. That's all. Daniel [GM] (01:09:34): Awesome. And if you like the podcast, the best thing that you could do for us is to tell a friend, and tell them why you like the show. The second best thing you could do for us is to write us five star review on a podcast directory. Daniel [GM] (01:09:50): Specifically Apple Podcast, Podchaser or Stitcher. Those detailed five star reviews make a huge difference in people checking out our show for the first time. Daniel [GM] (01:10:01): If you didn't like the show, or if you just thought it was meh. Well, someone told me once that the darker the night, the more your mind will play tricks on you as you struggle to find patterns in the dark. You may see shadows that aren't there, or shapes floating in your vision, like luminescent worms crawling across your eyes. Daniel [GM] (01:10:22): But those are just tricks. I worry more about the shadows that accumulate about your ankles. Thick, almost tangible, and sticky-sweet. Daniel [GM] (01:10:31): If you want to reach out to us individually on social media, you can. You can find me on Twitter @Andrlik. A-N-D-R-L-I-K. Stace (Nix) (01:10:40): You can follow me on Twitter @StaceWindu. Sampson [Dili] (01:10:43): You, like my metal son, can use your domain expansion technique at my Twitter @SlamPotato. Alex [ChaCha] (01:10:43): Marietta [Atalia] (01:10:54): And you can find my continued meek attempts at tweeting on the Twitter @imonahike. Daniel [GM] (01:11:05): Okay, that's it for us, thank you all for listening. Have good night, day, weekend, or whenever you're listening to this. Daniel [GM] (01:11:11): And bye! Alex [ChaCha] (01:11:44): I mean... true. Daniel [GM] (01:11:47): Hey, how the fuck did you get in here? Stace (Nix) (01:11:51): Probably my favorite one. Alex [ChaCha] (01:11:52): Yes, show us. Stace (Nix) (01:11:52): Show me my favorite baby. Daniel [GM] (01:11:55): Well, she's looking like she wants to go in the litterbox, so I don't know if I should. Daniel [GM] (01:12:00): You go do your business. I'll deal with you after you've done your business and cleaned that whole area. Sampson [Dili] (01:12:10): Stop looking, you're going to make it nervous! Daniel [GM] (01:12:11): Okay! Stace (Nix) (01:12:13): Is this now a poop commentary? Alex [ChaCha] (01:12:15): I guess. Sampson [Dili] (01:12:18): Cat cam, cat cam! Daniel [GM] (01:12:23): So!