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The last nexu was badly wounded. It tried to move away from the companions, but Logar'Dan was far to quick. He jogged up beside the huge cat-like beast and drove his dagger into its neck, severing the spinal cord. The nexu crumpled to the ground letting out a deep, sighing gasp of air as it died.

Logar'Dan pulled Katherine free and looked around the jungle. There was no apparent threats nearby and the sounds of animals was returning. Brim and Fett walked over to where the soldier stood. The bounty hunter pointed, "Look... large cave up there. Probably these creatures' den."

In the cliff wall, an embankment of earth and stone rose until it met with a natural cut in the stone. The opening of the cave was large and would have easily accommodated a pride of the nexu.

Brim suddenly perked an ear up and looked off in the direction north of their position. He heard something. It was not any natural sound that would come from the jungle. It was a high-pitch whine of what sounded like a repulsor idling. He motioned for Fett and Logar to follow him.

Farok was badly cut up from the nexu's claws. He fell against a tree and slid to the ground. This was not what he expected and he grumbled with the pain. Kaida seeing the warrior down rushed over and opened a medpac. The noblewoman began to administer aid, cleaning the wounds with antiseptic and then using biodermal tape to close the cuts that were deepest. Farok would live, but he would be feeling these for a while. The scars, once healed, would be rather impressive.

Caden and Sam stood overwatch on Kaida to make sure that nothing came out of the foliage to attack either the woman, or her patient. Sam watched as Fett, Logar and Brim all moved off north.

The Rodian got to a point and crouched low into the foliage. He pointed for Fett and Logar to where he was looking, and the two men saw two speederbikes hovering near the cliff wall. If there were riders, they were no where to be seen. The bikes' repulsors gave off the typical whining sound as they floated there.

 :ooc: Posterboy will be joining our game. It looks like he will be taking up the role of Brim.

:ooc: Not sure if I left you guys hanging, but I just wanted to know what you wanted to do about the speederbikes that were sitting there, running, but unmanned. I will add some more story...

---

Fett scanned the jungle for a minute, his helmet switching to different optical modes to see if he could discern anything, or anyone that might have ridden the bikes. Certainly they would have heard the nexus' attack and the blaster fire from he and his companions. Were they now waiting in ambush?

The bounty hunter gave a hand signal to Brim, for the Rodian to return to the others and let them know what was going on, and to have them advance to the speederbikes position as soon as possible. He then whispered, "Logar and I will check out the area." Brim nodded and staying low, began to move back towards the area where he had last seen Caden and Sam, and Kaida who was attending to Farok. The Rodian was a master at moving quietly and disappeared into the foliage.

Fett made a circular motion for Logar to move out to the left; he would move out to the right. He brought up his blaster and began to move.

Kaida had finished with Farok - at least all she could do within the field - and was stowing the few items she could salvage from the used medpac. Sam and Caden were at the ready, but were still shocked when Brim appeared in front of them. He whispered, "We have what appears to be two patrol vehicles near the cliff wall just to the north. Logar and Fett are reconning, but the riders don't appear to be anywhere... but if they are here, they would of had to have heard us."

 :ooc: IN what way does one see through a helmet? Is it all electrical like a screen or does it also allow regular vision to be perceived?

:ooc: The helmet visor is like looking through a normal visor, but it may have a HUD that allow you to switch to various manners of viewing, or to activate the internal comling.

It depends on the helmet, but if you purchase the Helmet Package for your helmet it includes internal comlink and low-light vision.

You can also add infrared with a mod.

Logar nodded to Fett and moved off in the direction hed indicated. He had never been much of a scout. But he was perhaps overconfident in the mindset that he was gonna blast the frak out of any hostiles he managed to give away his position too. Still he moved as stealthly as he could.



:ooc:
Stealth roll if required

Farok got up and brushed the dirt and leaves off of himself. Reaching for he lightsaber at his belt he reactivated it, "Right, let's get back to work. Thank you Princess."

Logar moved cautiously through the jungle flora, quieter than he expected he would achieve, until he made it to the bikes. They both hung there in the air, repulsors still activated, though their riders were nowhere to be seen. Fett came out from the jungle a moment later on the opposite side from where Logar'Dan stood.

"See anything?" he asked. Logar's shake of the head was returned by Fett. "Me neither."

A few moments later, Farok and Brim, along with the other three companions emerged from the foliage themselves. "Nothing here but these bikes," said Fett, answering the puzzled looks on their faces.

---

:ooc: Actions / dialogue?

Farok began to look around.
:ooc:Any sign that the nexus attacked them and dragged them off into the cave?

Farok's looks around
:00: DC 15 Perception +11, Phys mods -1

Farok glances at the ground and the surrounding foliage and it is very clear what happened to the riders. Large areas of the plant growth had been crushed under something large, moving aggressively around, and with close inspection the blood of some prey was seen splashed over the ground.

It would seem that whomever was patrolling on the speederbikes were not so lucky as Farok and his companions.

Kaida joined the others and also examined the area around the speeder bikes. "Do you think one of these nexu got them?"

Then she shook her head answering her own question as she examined the crushed foliage. "With the amount of trampling that took place here, I would guess something larger got whomever owned these." She didn't like the sound of that. Then she eyed the bikes. It would be a shame to waste the opportunity to use the bikes and do some recon of their own. They had, after all, very limited intelligence. She voiced her plans. "I think we should use the bikes for some recon work of our own. Maybe Sam--or even Kara back at the ship if it comes to that--can modify them to dampen the engine noise. What do you all think?"

"We will be slower but quieter on foot. But perhaps sending two people out on the bikes to get a better idea of where we are and where we are going isnt a bad idea."

 :ooc: Would it be a pilot skill doug to ride these things. also is there a radio on board these bikes maybe connected to their homebase idk would be kool if we can listen in on their goings on?



Logar decided to give the speeder bikes a closer look.

Kara sat there wondering if she should reprogram the refresher and food prep area to attack Farok or anyone whenever they acted like an ass.  She'd have to start reading more into computer tech.  She kicked her feet up on the control panel, and put her hands behind her head, and started to scan the holonet to see if there was any worthy news or info out there.

Quote from: Telcontar on Oct 19, 2011, 04:38 AM
"We will be slower but quieter on foot. But perhaps sending two people out on the bikes to get a better idea of where we are and where we are going isnt a bad idea."

:ooc: Assuming it's Pilot skill...
Kaida nodded. "I'm willing to take a look. I'm familiar with bikes. My older brother raced them to relax and we were often out together. Sam, can you do anything to quiet the engines?"

Farok looked around again, "And tossing a couple of grenades in the cave isnt such a bad idea either."

:ooc: It would be a Pilot test to ride these bikes, but only for evasive maneuvers and some types of attacks. To actually ride the bikes does not require any kind of test.

As for making them quiet, it is a possibility that you could be sound dampeners on the bikes, but it will takes some time and it would have to be performed at the Aegis. You'd need tools and such, plus a machine shop to fabricate the muffler system. The Aegis, as an explorer-type craft, does have some of the needed equipment to do it... but, it will take time.

Nick, I am sorry that I have nothing to throw at you for the moment. Maybe you will get to work on a couple speeders soon...

Posterboy is down with the flu and will be joining us soon, but for now I will still be operating Brim.

Last of all, there is a comlink on both bikes for communicating with a base.

---

Fett looked at Kaida and then the bikes, "It wouldn't hurt doing some forward reconnaissance, but if you get cut off from us, we can offer little in the way of assistance." He pointed, "If I remember Jango's maps correctly, this valley turns north and keeps running until we will get to a small fortification that protects an armored door. I think that between here and there is a watchtower. Who knows if it is still occupied?"

Where Fett pointed, the valley made a left hook to the north. The terrain graded down in a series of small steppes. Large rocks littered the area, but water from the soggy swamp rushed down the steppes in a number of small rivulets and falls. If the valley had once been formed by a river, the hook would have been a choke point of large rapids.

"If we are to use these bikes and Kaida will be one of the riders, then I suggest that Logar accompanies her," said Brim. "That way she will have some good support if you are cut off from us."

To Farok, Fett gave a nod, "Not a bad idea. Let's do it then and move on. Make up your minds about these bikes. If anything, they are a nice steal."

Kaida nodded. "I understand." She double-checked her weapons and her shadow armor and then straddled one of the bike fingered the controls. "I'll try to remain in contact. My goals is to just do some scouting. With some luck we'll have a better picture of what we'll be up against. Coming Logar?"

Once she saw Logar ( :ooc: or someone else if it's not him) hop on the other bike, she nodded to her companions, gunned the engines, and darted away north down the valley.

---

She felt the exhilaration of the ride and allowed herself a wide smile at she nudged the bike this way and that to zip around boulders and trees. But the feeling saddened her too. The last time she had done this was with Jalek, her brother. He taught her most of her piloting skills. She wondered if he were still alive. Or if he were languishing in some prison camp too. She checked her comm with Logar. "Lets be careful."

Farok pointed to a couple of grenades that Logar carried as he didnt have any of his own and motioned for him to toss him a couple.

"We'll flush out the cave and move up behind you."

 :ooc: I'm assuming that Farok meant for Fett to toss in some grenades, or Caden? As Logar is on a speederbike? Or are we flushing out the cave prior to Kaida and Logar doing their recon? Regardless...

Brim moved to the side of the cave entrance, lightsaber in hand and ignited. As he waited for his companions to move into position, his large eyes blinked away the beads of sweat caused by the oppressive humidity. Feels like home, the Rodian thought to himself.

:ooc: I will update the game in a couple hours, when I am home.

 :ooc: Logar went for a speeder ride.

Quote from: Party InventoryCaden: combat gloves, heavy blaster pistol with 3 spare power packs, hold-out blaster, pocket scrambler, utility belt (3-day food supply, medpac, tool kit, power pack, energy cell, glow rod, comlink, liquid cable dispenser), all-temperature cloak, credit stick, datapad, medical kit, 2 frag grenades (from Logar's stash)
Logar:  takin my weapons w/ 3 power packs, field kit, and 8 frags
Kaida: shadowsuit and helmet, all-temperature cloak (unless armor makes it useless), basic datapad, binder cuffs, blaster carbine, comlink, 2 concealed holsters, credit chip, 3 frags (from Logar's stash), heavy blaster pistol, hold-out blaster with spare energy cell, light repeating blaster with 2 spare power packs, liquid cable dispenser, 2 medpacs, mesh tape, pocket scrambler, 5 ration packs, 2 computer spikes (+2), security kit
Sam: blaster pistol with 2 spare power packs, hip holster, Satchel shoulder, slugthrower rifle with 2 spare rifle clips with Targeting scope, 3 frags (from Logar's stash)
Brim: hold-out blaster with 2 power packs, lightsaber, 1 frags (from Logar's stash)
Farok: lightsaber

:ooc: I will add the above quote whenever there are items used from inventory. The two grenades requested by Farok will come from the three that Brim procured from Logar before leaving the Aegis. He is left with one.

---

Kaida and Logar mounted the speeder bikes and before anything else, linked their helmet communicators to the bikes' frequency. Resting her feet on the foot pedals, Kaida hit the accelerator and took off - Logar'Dan close behind her.

They shot through the choke point of tumbled rocks and turned north along the valley line. The ground they flew over was a mixture of flat marsh with large mangrove trees sitting atop their knotted root systems above the water, or firm terrain that was cut into natural canals and depression by the constant changing pattern of water. They stayed low weaving between trees, rocks, and trenches as they made their way north.

As he raced by, Logar noticed on the eastern cliff not too far north from his companions position, another large cave that had a shelf of rock extending from its entrance. Upon the shelf lay another pride of nexu that watched the two speeder bikes soar past. One of the younger creatures hopped up at the appearance of the speeders thinking that it might be able to leap at the new prey, but speed and distance quickly changed its mind.

Kaida pulled back on her controls to increase her altitude to crest a large embankment of earth, which she quickly passed and came back down over a large lake of water. Reeds and mangroves grew about its edges and it was easily determined to not be deep even at her pace. A plume of water sprayed up behind hers and Logar's bikes.

There came a sudden crackle in both of their helmets from their comlinks, and then a voice spoke in a language that neither knew. "Ay esh koo-tu, Bayosh? Kish doo-ou-fu tal mai pa." [Ay, is that you, Bayosh? We haven't heard from you in a while. - for Player purpose only, and you need to know either Gran of Dug to understand]

Brim, Caden and Farok began to move to the rocky cliff wall that climbed up to the cave entrance. Behind them, Fett called, "Take care of the cave. I will scout ahead of the choke point."

The three each looked with suspicious glances back towards the bounty hunter, but were already committed to the climb. They scrambled up onto another shelf-like ledge that extended before the cave and became immediately aware of what had happened to the two speedbike pilots. The ruined remains of two Gran's were scattered about the ledge. Clothing and personal items had been ripped free from the bodies leaving only the flesh for the cat-like beasts to consume. This they had done quite vigorously for the forgotten parts and viscera still remained and were now dinner for swarms of black, flying insects. When the companions moved towards the cave entrance, the swarm of insects would rise off the remains, only to settle once more when no threat was realized.

They cautiously approached the dark hole, intently listening for any of the predators that may have not been part of the previous attack. The smell of rotting offal, dung, and urine were heavy in the humid air and were almost overwhelming. But the trio were able to overcome both nerves and the awful smells to make it to the cavern entrance. Brim and Farok's lightsabers gave off a gleaming light that cast about the cave revealing the den. Fur and vegetation were piled around the floor of the dank chamber along with the skeletal remains of prior food. What could not be seen was anymore of the large creatures. Still, to be sure, Brim unattached two grenades from the three he had taken from Logar's supply and handed one to Caden. They both activated their weapon and tossed them deep into the cave, then all three ran from the entrance and back down the embankment of stone.

BOOM! ... BOOM!

The air above filled once more with countless winged creatures that took flight in fear from the noise. The pressure wave followed a second later casting dirt and pebbles over the companions. Sam, who had stayed below the ledge did an internal analysis of the weapons' effects and determined that if anything had still been in the cave, it would either be dead or badly maimed from the sound. There was little threat left in this corner of the jungle.

 :ooc: Tomcat, before the boom can I check to see if any of the equipment is still good. weapons comlinks, anyhting like that.

"Frell!" Logar muttered under his breath. He motioned for Kaida to switch to a two way com. "Any idea what that was?" But Kaida was already shaking her pretty little head "No". Their had to be a way to use these coms to their advantage Logar thought. "Should we double back? Or relay the messege to the group? Maybe one of them speaks this tongue?"

Quote from: Telcontar on Oct 22, 2011, 05:55 AM:ooc: Tomcat, before the boom can I check to see if any of the equipment is still good. weapons comlinks, anyhting like that.

:ooc: Hey Tom, yea. That is not a problem - I assumed that you guys would want to do that. Amongst the refuse is a pair of blaster pistols with 1 extra power pack each; a backpack with unpreserved food and canteen - the food is native to Malastare and includes various fruits and nuts; on one of the torn belts is a digital security key card.

Farok slung the pack over his shoulder dropping the key card and the blaster pistols into it.

With the cave secured, Farok, Caden, Sam and Brim began to follow after Boba Fett. They could see the bounty hunter already making his way through the rock tumble at the valley choke point. The companions kept to the higher ground to keep from having to slog through marsh.

They soon arrived where Fett had once stood and looked down the natural formed stairs that were made up of four steppes to the lower valley floor. Due to the pile of stone, the ground was firmer here, but unfortunately the rocks were coated in green moss algae that kept them slick. The companions would need to take care making their way down.

---

:ooc: I need a Climb DC 10 check, and feel free to give me any narrative/dialogue that you would like. John, I will advance your area once Kaida replies.

Quote from: Callowmoryne on Oct 22, 2011, 06:31 AM
"Frell!" Logar muttered under his breath. He motioned for Kaida to switch to a two way com. "Any idea what that was?" But Kaida was already shaking her pretty little head "No". Their had to be a way to use these coms to their advantage Logar thought. "Should we double back? Or relay the messege to the group? Maybe one of them speaks this tongue?"

The minute Kaida heard the incoming communication, she dove her bike into thicker foliage and motioned Logar to follow. Once they were hidden, she powered off the bikes, climbed off hers and crouched low among the foliage her eyes scanning in all directions, motioning Logar to follow.

"No idea," she finally said quietly. "But it's a sure bet we were either spotted by a sentry or the bikes are show up on a sensor net. Doubling back would just raise further suspicion. Radio back to the team with what we've found so far. I'm going to do some snooping. I'll be back in a few minutes." With that she disappeared among the plant life.

:ooc: She'll use the helmet package to get +2 perception bonus and do some scouting for a few minutes. Looking for any sentry/overlook positions/ or anything else out of the ordinary.

(if applicable, apply a +5 bonus for her shadow suit -- if light is dim among deep jungle shadows?)

Logar watched Kaida disappear into the jungle. He knew she could handle herself, but those nexu had proved this place could be deadly. "Be carefull" He whispered to no one in particular. He shook his head wondering at his own sentiment. The old Logar, faced with images in his head of the young noblewoman being mauled by those beasts would have just stirred him to crass jokes like "Hot Lunch". He still smiled at the jest that never reached his lips. He shook his head agin to scatter the thoughts therein and got down to business. Logar Radioed Fett with a full report. 

Brim took the remaining blaster and power pack. Perhaps Logar will be able to find some use for it, he thought. Tossing in the grenades he had received from the human soldier, the Rodian waited for the twin "boom-boom" before moving in to ensure the site was secure. Brim hoped they weren't drawing unneeded attention to themselves with the blasts.

:ooc: I'm not sure Brim has anywhere to store this pistol, except in his hand... if that's the case, then he'll just leave it. If there is a way to store it on his belt or somewhere else, he'll take it.

Moving after the bounty hunter, Brim picked his way across the upper ridge. Coming to the choke point, the Rodian looked down at the valley below and considered the moss-covered rock-steps that would make for their descent. Moments like these brought Brim's father's voice to mind, If you only spent more time participating in the hunts, rather than all this tickering with droids...

Brim sighed inwardly as he tried to pick his way carefully down to the valley below. Just going to have to learn now...

:ooc: I'm uncertain how to include dice rolls in my post. I know I saw a tutorial for it somewhere, but I can't seem to locate it at the moment. Anyway, I rolled a d20 and got 7, +4 for my climb skill, = 11  #:S

Kaida moved silently through the reeds and large ferns that surrounded the large lake - or maybe it was still a river that ran the length of the valley. She used the contoured land to keep below any line of sight, or fire. Kaida came to an embankment and laid down on her belly and crawled to the top. She scanned the distance of the valley with her eyes, both normally and electronically, but could see very little. There was an old watchtower at the end of the valley before it turned west. The structure was three-stories tall and looked very dillapidated. Still, it would make a perfect weapon emplacement. Kaida quickly relayed the information to Logar, via her helmet comlink, so that he could include it with his report.

Back with the speederbikes, Logar'Dan opened a channel to Fett. He relayed the information that they had so far gathered - that the valley ran straight for a good distance after the choke point; that there was still a threat of nexus within the valley having spotted a second den; and that there was a watchtower at the end of the valley's northern run. Logar also relayed the fact that someone had tried to contact them, but the language was unknown.

Fett replied, "Roger that... we are moving past the choke point at this time. Not sure what to tell you about the communication. I don't know what a Dug or a Gran speak either, so you'll need to make the call whether you want to try and answer. One thing is certain, they know you are here, either by seeing you, hearing you coming, or they have electronic surveillance."

---

:ooc: I need an Opposed Stealth roll from Logar and Kaida again, against the two Perception tests below. Your rolls must either meet or beat one or both challenge numbers. If one is missed, you are seen by that Perception test.

I have added the valley encounter map 1 below. It is big, and the squares are small, so I have used color coordinates to indicate where your PC is at the moment. The color code key is on the lower left end of the map. If you move, indicate the count you go by referring to the direction (T)op, (B)ottom, (L)eft, or (R)ight and the count (i.e. Fett moves T2;R4 - this tells me move up towards the Top of the map 2, then go Right 4). If you have questions, give me a shout.

Gran Snipers in blind 1 - these Gran watched the speeders go by and saw where they came to a halt, so are unaffected by foliage
:00: Perception +3


Gran Snipers in blind 2
:00: Perception +3, Distance -10, Phys cover -5

Quote from: Posterboy on Oct 23, 2011, 05:53 PM:ooc: I'm uncertain how to include dice rolls in my post. I know I saw a tutorial for it somewhere, but I can't seem to locate it at the moment. Anyway, I rolled a d20 and got 7, +4 for my climb skill, = 11  #:S

:ooc: Hey Aryn, you have two choices:

• You can choose the Dice Roller that is on the Menu Bar across the top of the Forum. It will open a Java window, so you may need to allow pop-ups. The roller is pretty self-explanatory, add the mod, click the dice to roll and you will get a result in the box on the right. You can select the result and cut/paste into your post. This is the easy way, but it does require player honor as the result can be easilty tampered with. I don't play Dice police here, so I leave it to all the players.
• This option is within the posting screen itself and it is the little Dice icon above the post window. You click it and it will add the bbcode to roll the dice. Once you click post, the result is revealed in your new post. This is the roller I use as it creates a bit of unknowing, since the result isn't revealed until after you click. If the post is modified, the dice roll will announce tampering, even if you didn't mess with the results - it is just part of the php code. You can find the instructions you were asking about here: Dice Roller Instuctions (http://custom.simplemachines.org/mods/index.php?mod=2032)

Brim has a hold-out blaster in a holster on his hip, but has no other storage option at the moment. He does not have a backpack to throw it in. I think that Farok was going to collect the weapons and power packs in the backpack that lay on the ground with the dead patrol.

 :ooc: Logars stealth check

 :ooc: Doug, thanks for that info. I had missed the "s" on pistols in Farok's post... Man, that desert-jedi is greedy!  ;)

Also, here is a test to see if I understand this dice rolling business:

(http://rpg.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Brim's climb check: 1d20+4 : 9 + 4, total 13


Yeah! Got it!  ;D

 :ooc: Yes all the scavanged stuff went into the backpack.

Climb roll

 :ooc: again, one arm was a bad choice..... :'(

:ooc: We'll have to look into getting Farok a cybernetic arm.

Going to roll Sam and Caden's climb tests:
Sam
:00: Climb +3


Caden
:00: Climb +4, CT -2

 :ooc: Kadia's Stealth check

(you can decide if/when the shadow suit bonus applies. I did not include it in this roll)

:ooc: Thanks, Jingo! I actually was all set for you since you had given me a Stealth check in your previous post, but I will use the better of the two.  ;)

Will update the game in an hour or so.

 :ooc: oh man i cant wait to go all "rambo first blood" on this sniper position. Doug is there away to disable their coms using the units on the bikes?

Quote from: tomcat on Oct 24, 2011, 10:13 AM
Going to roll Sam and Caden's climb tests:
Sam
:00: Climb +3
Rolled 1d20+3 : 6 + 3, total 9

Caden
:00: Climb +4, CT -2
Rolled 1d20+2 : 2 + 2, total 4

:ooc: Boo!  ;D
Sorry I've been AWOL for awhile. Almost back to normal.

:ooc: No problem, Don.

Sorry everyone about no update last night - it will be happening soon. I had to hit the sheets early due to a Physical therapist appointment today at 8AM.

 :ooc: I'm back - apologies for my absence while on vacation; no way to post at sea, unfortunately. Thanks for understanding.

So, apparently, I just fell off a mountain...  (-D

 :ooc: no its cool. we all fell off the mountain. well unless you had a speeder bike. All told I think we should have stayed in the desert.

 :ooc: Just want to point out that the Rodian did not fall to his death... but he shall mourn your lost. I think Brim shall become a collector of dead Jedi's lightsabers. "And this one I pick up from Dan, and this one here is from Farok, and this blue one came from...  ;)

Quote from: Posterboy on Oct 25, 2011, 02:42 PM:ooc: Just want to point out that the Rodian did not fall to his death... but he shall mourn your lost. I think Brim shall become a collector of dead Jedi's lightsabers. "And this one I pick up from Dan, and this one here is from Farok, and this blue one came from...  ;)

:ooc: That was funny.  :)

The good thing is, you guys are not plummeting from a peak or cliff, it is just a series of steppes that range in drops of about 5-10 feet. The point is, no one has made a graceful landing except Brim. The rest of you fall in mud - and you know the kind of thick swampy mud I mean, that has the foul smell to it. The noise produced is sure to give clue to your presence to some hungry Nexu, and finally I am going to roll for a fall attack against Fortitude defenses. If successful against a PC, that PC will take 2d6 damage.

Fall vs. Fortitude for all PC's who failed to climb - just making one roll here for the 'attack' and damage.

 :ooc: Can I use the force and move object myself?

:ooc: All PC's who failed the Climb roll, which is everyone but Brim, Logar, and Kaida, took 8 damage  :csu:

---

The team started to make their way down the pile of broken stones and boulders that were stacked within the choke point, but the slippery moss, soft ground, and water made for a rough time. Sam moved between two large stones when his foot went out from under him, causing the droid to teeter on the edge of a two meter drop and then fall. Unfortunately, Sam bumped Caden who also slipped and the two tumbled togther. They splashed down into a large pool of soft mud. Caden pushed himself up from the ground covered from head to toe along the front side of his body. Sam fared little better - he used internal pressure systems to blast mud out of joints and servos. Caden put his hand to his head and felt the wet, warm slickness of his blood. It wasn't bad, but it was a head wound and they could bleed like a stuck massif.

Farok also tumbled a distance and fell hard on his back. The warrior wondered if this was the best decision to leave the bars of Tatooine. He grumbled to himself over the lack of an arm for surely if he had not lost it long ago, he would not be laying on his back in pain after falling. Brim walked over to his new friend and extended a hand to help him up. The quartet then scanned the jungle valley for any signs of Fett who had preceded them down. It seemed that the bounty hunter had not had any difficulty navigating the choke point.

Not far from where the choke point was, a pride of nexu lounged in the jungle heat. The beasts had seen the passing of the speederbikes, which had stirred them up, but now, an unfamiliar noise was coming from the not so far away. The alpha male of the pride craned its neck and drew in deep the scents of the surrounds. It growled softly in its throat. There was blood on the air.

The Gran snipers swept their weapons back and forth across the jungle floor. From their blind, the two mercenaries had seen the passing of the speederbikes and had radioed a call to them. But no response. The bikes had gone by about an hour prior on their patrol route. The two snipers  had not seen them come back through until now, but had heard some blaster fire in the distance and soon after, two explosions. Surely their companions on patrol had run into some problem - most likely the savage nexu that roamed the Malastare jungle.

The one Gran took his eye from his scope, "I don't see anything. Do you?"

"No," was the others reply.

"Those bikes stopped right about there, right?"

"Yea, just keep watching. I am going to radio ahead."

Suddenly the clatter of what sounded like metal falling against stone was heard behind them, towards the valley choke point. The two Gran snipers turned to the opposite side of their blind and aimed their targeting scopes in that direction to see what they might.

Kaida still lay flat on the ground looking at the watchtower. It was quite a distance away. She stared at it all the while adjusting her helmet's optics, but still could see very little... then, movement. She wasn't sure what moved on the top of the tower, but there was definitely movement.

Having reported in to Fett, Logar'Dan slid up on the embankment next to Kaida. He looked off in the direction that she stared.

---

:ooc: Tom, I will allow the Move Object as a save option, but, you will need to roll a UtF check that exceeds the Fall attack, so DC 36. If successful, I will negate the damage and re-tool the narrative to show Farok catching himself with the Force and lowering himself down.

The Gran snipers try to determine the source of the noise at the choke point
:00: DC 5 Perception +3, Distance -10, Foliage -5

:ooc: I meant to re-attach the map. And yes, I changed it - took the ole GM discretion and fixed how I had things laid out a bit.  >:D

The sniper blind was limited to about a 120 degree arc of view... who would have set up a security blind like that?

Kaida nodded to Logar as he settled in beside her and whispered quietly. "Something is on that watch tower. Could be a sniper or something else. But something moved up there." She tried to point it out but wasn't sure what it was she had seen, nor if Logar would be able to see it anyway. She rolled her eyes feeling a little sheepish she didn't think to bring some sort of binoculars. She shifted a bit to a more comfortable position, but continued to lie prone, surveying the tower and the terrain ahead. "I can't see much more than that, but it looks like they have a good view of the entire approach. I think we should wait until cover of darkness before proceeding. What do you think?"

"Next time, I'm staying on the ship," grumbled Caden. He was wet, smelly and miserable already, and they hadn't even really gotten that far from the ship yet.

 :ooc: Doug idk if this is feesable but common sense wise could the people in this tower possibly have seen us on speeders. Could logar be suspicious of the enemy having another vantage point?

Logar shot Kaida his winning grin before he realized his new helmet wouldnt let her get the full effect. Then a whole slew of images went through his head of not being able to spit or smile at or bite the people on the business end of his vibrobayonet. He let out a heavy sigh. Shook his helmeted head and got back to business. "A night approach sounds good. Either way i think we need to stay low and watch our ass. Theres no telling what kind of optics they have up there. Or even sensors along this approach. Although i think thats unlikely since the Nexu in the area would undoubtedly drive sensors of that sort crazy, we still shouldnt rule it out." Logar cleared his throat and radioed Fett. "Located a watchtower at the far end of the approach. We were thinking it may be wiser to move in after dark. Any thoughts?

Sam stood and checked his systems. Superficial damage mostly, but his new plates!! A fragment of a previous memory core passed through his sytem. Yes, he remembered he hated forests. He scanned the hillside looking for a safer way up.

 :ooc: I cant make a 36 roll, never mind.

Farok, stood up and brushed himself off. Picking up his lightsaber he truned it back on. "We need to keep moving."

Quote from: Callowmoryne on Oct 26, 2011, 05:20 AM:ooc: Doug idk if this is feesable but common sense wise could the people in this tower possibly have seen us on speeders. Could logar be suspicious of the enemy having another vantage point?

:ooc: I wouldn't rule out Logar's tactical deductions. He is a soldier and he knows how he would defend the valley approach. The problem comes down to being able to actually find the defenses. Here are the factors in game turns"

To see the sniper blinds will take a DC 15 Perception check. You take a -5 penalty for every 10 squares you try to see, and the foliage of the jungle conveys a -5. You do have optics in your helmets that give a +2 bonus to Perception and Low-light vision, but that is all. If you had some kind of binoculars, that would help, too - unfortunately, you don't.

Tom - never say never. A nat 20 is always a success no matter what the target number.

---

Fett heard Logar's report, "A night approach is a sound idea. We are advancing up the valley to your position. If you move, let us know."

Farok's lightsaber ignited, it was a beacon that the Gran snipers were able to bead in on. They brought up their rifles with targeting scopes and fired.

---

:ooc: I rolled randomly to determine who would be targeted.

From sniper blind 1:
Gran sniper 1 fires at Fett
Swift x2 - Aim (reduces range from Medium -5 to Short -2)
:00: DC 20 ranged +9, distance -2, cover -2



Gran sniper 2 fires at Caden
Swift x2 - Aim (reduces range from Medium -5 to Short -2)
:00: DC 20 ranged +9, distance -2, cover -2

The report from the two slug-thrower rifles echoed down the valley. Kaida and Logar immediately looked behind their position in the direction the shots had come from.

The other companions heard the shots and then the whip crack of the bullets flying at them. Fett saw the flare of the rifle that shot at him from the sniper blind, and he locked in on it. He immediately got low into the foliage and began to move away from where they were.

---

:ooc: Fett will move 4 x 2

 :ooc: on the map where did the shots come from?

 :ooc: Logars perception to spot the snipers. Just rolling it straight doug if u dont mind doing the math :)

:ooc: Tom, they came from Sniper blind 1

:ooc: John you are 28 squares away, so the numbers work out:

DC 15

modifiers: -15 for distance; -5 for foliage, and +2 for helmet

Results:

Rolled 1d20+10 : 5 + 10, total 15 -15 -5 +2 = -3

Logar does not see the blind at all, you guys only have a vague direction due to the sound.

Caden dove for the nearest cover he could find and pulled out his blaster.
"We need to get away from here - now," he said. If they didn't, eventually whoever was shooting at them would get lucky.
In the meantime, their shooters could radio back to their base, and any chance of surprise would be lost - they'd be facing an army.
"Either we take them out quickly, or we may as well double back to the ships and high-tail it out of here."

As he moved through the jungle growth, Fett lost his point of reckoning and no longer knew which tree it was that the snipers were in. Still he had a basic idea and so continued moving in the direction. He radioed to Kaida and Logar, "I am not sure where you two are, but we have snipers in the trees. I think I have a fix on the nest, but if you can see anything that would help. Look for any trees that dominate the others, would have a full field of sight, and would have branches that would support a structure, or blind."

 :ooc: Do all of us spot the sniper blind automatically because of the gun shots, or just Fett? If we don't automatically, then Brim will look for the snipers by doing the following:

Farok ducked down and started moving east.

Great! thought Brim. Wild beasts and now, snipers. Really is just like home. Brim made an attempt to spot the snipers, mentally adding the information onto the map he was developing in his head before moving into the foilage after his companions.

:ooc:Not sure if this is possible, but if Brim does spot the snipers, I'm hoping I can use his Survival skill to be able to have a good sense of where he is in relationship to the blind... an offshoot of "Know Direction"? Let me know if I can, and what I should roll. Thanks!

Brim will also be looking to stay close to the Captain.

"Right!" Kaida nodded responding to Fett into her helmet mic. "If they're shooting at your team, they must be between you and us. Logar and I we'll close in and flank them from this side." She moved in a low crouch from cover to cover, her carbine out. "And when you start shooting, watch the cross fire!" She stood and motioned to Logar to follow. "Lets go!" and she moved off toward the shooting.


:ooc: She'll move at a trot moving toward the sound, yet still trying to be as stealthy as possible, ducking between trees looking for tall trees like Fett mentioned. Hopefully the snipers will remain focused on the team moving up from the other side and not notice Logar and her approach. She'll also make a mental note of the bikes' location so she can return to them when this is done.

:ooc: Okay, first...

Aryn - the sniper blinds are not spotted directly by the shots, jut the basic idea of where the fire came from. The characters that were target of the shots would have seen the flashes, too. But then looking back after ducking, there is just the green canopy of the jungle.

Now as for your great rolls and good use of skills. The UtF roll did effectively clear the concealment from the snipers making shadowy impressions in your mind via the Force, but the Perception roll was not enough. For evey 10 squares it is a -5 to the roll and there are over 70 squares between you and the blind. So, Brim knows they are there, that there are two, and a general direction, but not an exact pinpoint, or enemy characteristics.

For player knowledge, the only reason the Gran snipers could even make an attempt at a shot is beceause of their species trait that ignores the first 50 squares when making Perception rolls. They are the perfect range-type sniper. Sorry. You guys will need to get closer, but it definitely was a good try.

Going with the notion from most of the posts that the PC's will try to converge on where the shots came from. Going to make moves on the map based on using 2 moves. Let me know if your PC will Run and that will give you 4x your character's speed. It will make you easier to see by negating the cover/concelment bonus I am extending to you all.

---

The companions began to converge in the general direction of the shots - based both on sound and assumption. Fett decided he was not going to wait for whomever was shooting at him to get lucky, he would bring the fight to them. On his back, the bounty hunter's jet pack ignited and he launched into the air.

:ooc: Okay, all PC's have moved. This is essentially round 2- round 1 being a surprise round. Now the snipers will try again:

From sniper blind 1:
Gran sniper 1 fires at Fett
Swift x2 - Aim (reduces range from Medium -5 to Short -2)
:00: DC 30 ranged +9, distance -2, cover -2



Gran sniper 2 re-targets and aims on Brim
Swift x2 - Aim (reduces range from Medium -5 to Short -2)
:00: DC 23 ranged +9, distance -2, cover -2



Also, due to all the commotion, the Nexu begin to stalk their potential new prey. Going to take 10 on the Stealth and Perception rolls:

Nexus' Stealth checks:
:00: DC opposed Stealth +12, Conditions +2, Dbl move -5
TAKE 10 = 19

PC's are not actively looking for Nexu, but will determine by TAKE 10
Brim Perception result 10 + 9 (rank) - 5 (concealment) - 15 (distance of 24 squares) = -1 FAIL
Caden Perception result 10 + 9 (rank) - 5 (concealment) - 15 (distance of 28 squares) = -1 FAIL
Farok Perception result 10 + 11 (rank) - 5 (concealment) - 15 (distance of 28 squares) = 1 FAIL
Fett Perception result 10 + 11 (rank) - 5 (concealment) = 16 FAIL
Sam Perception result 10 + 12 (rank) - 5 (concealment) - 15 (distance of 30 squares) = 2 FAIL

Shots rang out once again and this time one shot was better.

Not far away, the Nexu pride that had been startled by the speeder bikes began to stalk into the jungle. The lead animal had a scent and the others followed. As the bounty hunter rocketed between tree limbs and vines, he saw one of the large beasts skulking through a ravine. He transmitted to any within the party that could hear, "We have more of those beasts moving about. Be careful down there."

---

:ooc: Brim will take damage unless he wishes to defend - let me know.

Everyone else, please let me know what you want to do with your character. Fett has moved for this round (2).

Also, I was overcharging on the distance penalty on Perception in this round, so 5 is added back into each result which makes Fett's a success.

Sam knew his changes of hitting - even spotting - his targets through this thick cover was low. He moved as fast as possible after Fett. They had to close the distance.

"Are we going to help?" Logar asked Kaida. Checking his rifle for the hundredth time that day. "If we go do we hide the speeders? We can scuttle them but they may come in handy later."

Quote from: Callowmoryne on Oct 29, 2011, 06:10 AM
"Are we going to help?" Logar asked Kaida. Checking his rifle for the hundredth time that day. "If we go do we hide the speeders? We can scuttle them but they may come in handy later."

:ooc: see post above. she's planning on keeping the speeders where they are and moving to assist the others then returning quickly to speeders once the fight is over. If we move them now--turn them on to move them, they'd hear the whine of engines and we'd lose surprise. Plus our guys are getting shot at.

 :ooc: Ok in the spirit of trying to think out of the box while slogging around in the jungle being shot at by snipers and staulked by giant chesire grin cats....Can I use Move Object to use some sort of jungle debris as a shield in front of me?

Farok cursed when his commincator mentioned that there were more Nexus in the area, presumably moving towards him, again. Moving through the foilage Farok tried to sense his surroundings and locate them.

UtF

 :ooc:Can Brim use Deflect to bat away slugs/bullets, or does it just work against energy weapons? Also... can he even use Deflect, because he still doesn't know exactly where the shots are coming from, yes? So, Brim would be essentially flat-footed?

Anyway, if I can use Deflect, Brim will:

(http://rpg.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
UtF (Deflect) Check: 1d20+14 : 9 + 14, total 23


Looks like I'm taking damage  :'(

:ooc: Yes, Aryn, I have no problem with the Deflect ability being used to defend against Bullet/Slugs. You can use a Force Point as a last ditch effort to avoid the damage. I am adjusting the sheet, but if you decide to use a FP, I will change it back and just adjust for the used point.  :csu:

Tom, yes, you could do that with that Force Power. It will cost your Standard Action each round to maintain the power and keep the 'shield' in front of you.

Okay, as for PC's actions:

Going to assume that everone continues to MOVE, but here is the breakdown:

Brim - reacts with Deflect (but is hit); going to let Aryn tell me what he does with the rest of this round (2)
Caden - will use TWO MOVE actions for 12 squares (based on Shawn's post of taking them out before they signal)
Farok - will use STANDARD action to enact Force Power (success - lifts a Medium-sized log and holds in front of him); will also MOVE for 6 squares
Kaida - see below
Logar - see below
Sam - will RUN as a FULL ROUND ACTION (based onDon's post of He moved as fast as possible) for 24 squares
Fett - flew as a FULL ROUND ACTION for 24 squares

Kaida and Logar are talking to each other, which means they need to get close. I will use MOVE actions to put them in close proximity to each other. They are also looking for the sniper nest, will use STANDARD action to make the following Perception rolls:

Kaida looks for Sniper blind 1
:00: DC 15 Perception +9, helmet +2, distance -5, foliage -5


Logar looks for Sniper blind 1
:00: DC 15 Perception +10, helmet +2, distance -5, foliage -5


I need Brim's other actions, and will be all done with round 2. I am going to start a new series combat sequence threads for the rest of this encounter.

:ooc: I moved Kaida and Logar close, but of course, they could be communicating via their helmets.

Kaida could have a success if she wants to use a FP. Let me know.

Caden heard Fett's words over his comlink; getting shot at was one thing - becoming someone's lunch was another entirely.
As he moved in cover, he kept his blaster at the ready for more monsters that might come out of the brush.

 :ooc:I'll use a force point

 :ooc:Tie goes to the runner?  ;)

Brim continued to follow alongside of the Captain. His eyes stayed alert, trying to keep his bearings in the midst of the thick foilage.

 :ooc: Once Logar gets the go ahead from Kaida he is moving in on the sound of the shots doug.


Perception

Stealth check

:ooc: Okay, I adjusted Brim's character sheet and map is updated - it is in the new thread for round 3.  :csu:

Kaida just needs to tell me if she wants to use a FP to make the Perception check, otherwise this thread is done.

John, I will hold off on those actions you have posted - if Kaida uses a FP, she will know where the blind is and can point you to it, thus giving you an opportunity to make attack actions in round 3 instead of these - if you want too. Otherwise, they will be part of round three - which is getting its own thread now.

 :ooc: ok no problem. Ill do different actions for round three so disregard that post.

 :ooc: If it's not too late, I'd like to use the force point. Sorry I don't usually post on Sundays.

:ooc: Not a problem. Going into round 3, Kaida (and assuming she'll tell Logar) can see the shadowy shapes of the snipers in their blind in the mangrove tree.