STQK: EP.4 (Dunnn-dun Dunn-dun...)
New to the ongoing blog series called STQK "Would you like to know more?"
Hello there,
We continue with the next episode in the Gamma World 1e system.
Scene 1
Spending a day's worth of rations and trekking through the desert sands, Nathal(⇟∲⇟) and Onfi(∫⋢≬) finally reached the infamous Sah ba roads. As sand turned to pavement, they could feel something1 trembling beneath their feet.
Waves of sand shifted around the two mutants. Something was following them, but for how long. Onfi(∫⋢≬) spotted a fin in the sand barreling fast, then suddenly razor-sharp jaws opened up near their feet; a Sep2. Weapons at the ready Nathal(⇟∲⇟) and Onfi(∫⋢≬) stood firm on the pavement hoping not to be swallowed.
This land shark can detect prey up to 50 meters away and drags its food underneath the sand to devour it with its massive jaw.
As the Sep sprung from the sand, nothing verbal was stated but telekinetically, Nathal(⇟∲⇟) and Onfi(∫⋢≬) received one image. "Onions....Onions...." The two stepped back from the jaws of death and realized they smelled just like the farmer that patrolled the dunes around Gah Grah Village. This Sep could not communicate like normal mutants, but Nathal(⇟∲⇟) and Onfi(∫⋢≬) knew it seemed friendly3 and more importantly disappointed they were not the onion farmer.
Introductions were exchanged, and the three sat near the Sah Ba roads mentally conversing the Sep's relationship with the onion farmer. This Sep did not have a name but knew and followed the onion farmer for treats in exchange for his protection.
After much onion talk, Nathal(⇟∲⇟) kindly introjected by asking the Sep if this all-knowing mutant was friendly towards strangers. The Sep crunched his jaws in anger, NO4! Another image from the Sep showed basic trade and handshakes. Nathal(⇟∲⇟) gathered that this mutant is willing to either trade or answer our question if we answer it's?
The conversation continued telekinetically showing more images of a list or record some equipment only known5 to the all-knowing mutant. With these clues Onfi(∫⋢≬) concluded if this mutant is missing something they could get their answer. Realizing the Sep was not getting any onions it decided to burrow itself after the conversation went dull.
Scene 2
The sun started to set as Nathal(⇟∲⇟) and Onfi(∫⋢≬) approached the river off the Sah Ba Roads. When suddenly a giant vine from an Seroon Lou6 springs out of the water catching both by surprise.
Round 17 A dramatic slap smashes the sand giving off a thud that moved the ground, missing Onfi(∫⋢≬) by a couple of inches. Nathal(⇟∲⇟) blindsided by this, gets knocked back to the pavement scuffing his back. As Nathal(⇟∲⇟) gathers his momentum he tries to strike the closest vine; his Morningstar barely makes a scratch against the plant armor. As a vine approaches Onfi(∫⋢≬) grabs his sword and slashes one off.
Round 28 As a fresh vine lays on the sand Onfi(∫⋢≬) decides to try and control this creature using symbiotic attachment. Luckly for him he grabs a hold of a vine with his octopus' arm. He just needs to hold on to make the connection. Nathal(⇟∲⇟) swings at an incoming vine with his Morningstar and breaks it in half. The Seroon Lou was not happy, hitting Onfi(∫⋢≬) while he was trying to control him, causing some harm and also knocking the connection. Nathal(⇟∲⇟) gets knocked across the head causing slight vertigo.
Round 39 Nathal(⇟∲⇟) and Onfi(∫⋢≬) now working in sync successfully hit and dismembered two vines trying to take them by the feet, causing a substantial blow to the creature. As the cut vines slither back into the water it knicks Nathal's(⇟∲⇟) leg causing a little discomfort.
Feeling like the battle was won, Nathal(⇟∲⇟) and Onfi(∫⋢≬) let their guard a little too early. With no effort from the creature the two mutants were suddenly pulled10 down underwater. There lay a bunker hidden from the sights of the world.
Scene 3
As the vines releases both Nathal(⇟∲⇟) and Onfi(∫⋢≬) into an opening for an underwater bunker they can hear down the metal corridor, banging and a faint yell for help!
Getting to their feet, both mutants rush to the door. On the other side of thick metal a voice states, " Finally someone worthy enough to help me out! I have been trapped down here for Manti knows how long; the creator of this bunker was very lazy on their repairs11."
Nathal(⇟∲⇟) and Onfi(∫⋢≬) both tried to pry the metal door open with no success12. Nathal(⇟∲⇟) mentally thought well if this mutant got itself in, it could surely get itself out. The voice on the other side said "N013, now can you please help." Onfi(∫⋢≬) having just enough energy from the aquatic plant fight, decided to try some molecular disruption. Almost killing himself, he was able14 to create a hole so the creature could come out.
Onfi(∫⋢≬) laid on the floor barely moving, drained from his ability. Nathal(⇟∲⇟) crouched next to him, sees a tall Sleeth squeeze through the hole and stands amongst them. It graciously thanks the mutants that came to free him and stats, "Take this opportunity to rest, have food enjoy my shelter."
Stay tuned for another episode in the STQK blog series
(6) | (Gamma World 1e) Movement Phase- Random Encounter↩
(2) | (Gamma World 1e) Encounter table- Desert↩
(9) | (Gamma World 1e) Reaction Table↩
(61) | (Mythic 2e) Oracle↩
(36,9,6) | (Une) NPC bearing, NPC focus, NPC Bearing↩
(6,2) | (Gamma World 1e) Movement Phase- Random Encounter, Encounter table- Water Areas↩
Initiative | Monster (6) PCs (2) | Attack Matrix | (12) & (8) | (8) Nathal & (17) Onfi | Damage | (1) Nathal | (7) Monster↩
Initiative | PCs (4) Monster (2) | Attack Matrix | (12) Nathal & (11) Onfi | (13) & (12) | Damage | (7) Monster | (6) Nathal & (2) Onfi↩
Initiative | PCs (5) Monster (3) | Attack Matrix | (14) Nathal & (16) Onfi | (7) & (10) | Damage | (6) + (8) Monster | (1) Nathal↩
(2) | (Gamma World 1e) Moral Roll↩
(58,77) | (Mythic 2e) Description, Action↩
(15) | (Gamma World 1e) Character Attribute Roll↩
(76) | (Mythic 2e) Oracle↩
(11) | (Gamma World 1e) Mutant Ability↩