STQK: EP.5 Mutant behind the Curtain
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Hello there,
We continue with the last episode in the Gamma World 1e system.
Scene 1
After it seemed like days of resting in the underwater bunker, Nathal(ββ²β) and Onfi(β«β’β¬) are suddenly awaken by a loud bang verberating against the metal. Rushing towards the sound, they see the monsteras vines they just fought, seeping through the air vent. In the center of all this chaos a Sleeth is fortunate to be wining this fight1 using what appears to be a mental ability, pushs the vines back into the surrounding lake.
" Pay no mind to this creature, it is a mere decoy or 'curtain' as the ancient humans would call it to distract fellow onlookers. My name is HeeRah2, I live by and continue to follow the Code of TalFirα½³3 Mutant Bear from the Rank of the Fit.
Follow upon my footsteps and do as I request; only then will I help with yours!
You helped me out of my self-imprisonment, so I allowed you to rest with no disruptions from our friend in the lake."
Given this new information, Nathal(ββ²β) remembered the Sep's advice and questioned if an object has been misplaced or lost? HeeRah chuckled; "Actually an enemy of mine denied my advances to find an artifact. They gave a threatening4 message by dismembering my envoy, severing my mental link with it. It is my belief they possess a guidance tool5 that has the ability to control mutants further to what I can do with my mind."
Conversing with HeeRah had given Nathal(ββ²β) and Onfi(β«β’β¬) context that this Sleeth might have orchestrated the explosion outside of Gah Grah Village or at least put the pieces in motion. Helping this mutant to find this tool could potentially cause damage to not only one mutant but many.
Scene 2
Nathal(ββ²β) and Onfi(β«β’β¬) deliberated for a couple hours on whether to help this mutant. They have solved the crime outside of Gah Grah, but stopping now would only bring more destruction. Realizing that this tool would be better in their hands then the Sleeth's enemy, they chose to speak with it to get more details.
HeeRah sitting at a command console for the bunker greeted Nathal(ββ²β) and Onfi(β«β’β¬) with a grin as they approached. I see you have come to the conclusion to help me. Follow with caution, by taking the Sah B. Roads till it ends towards the river; In the south there is a military base, that is your next destination. My enemy seeks any power and will do anything to possess it.
Outside the bunker was an automobile that HeeRah left Nathal(ββ²β) and Onfi(β«β’β¬) to travel on the Sah B. Roads. The two mutants never had a chance to use such a device, so they chose to take this opportunity! Using the vehicle, they traveled across the desert barley reaching the end of the pavement when suddenly the machine came to a halt.
Nathal(ββ²β) and Onfi(β«β’β¬) stepped towards the river as crushed bones the size of shells washed up on to the shore. Taking caution, the two mutants started to cross the ivory water. Bones crushed between each step as they trekked through the terrain.
When suddenly a slender winged6 creature swoops overhead. A Cal Then considered a sentry for The rank of the fit7 spotted the interlopers in its territory. This creature was hostile8 as it tries to bite Onfi's(β«β’β¬) shoulder as it makes another loop around them.
Round 19 Nathal(ββ²β) and Onfi(β«β’β¬) watch as the Cal Then swoops again at their heads, and with some luck Onfi(β«β’β¬) streaks one of the legs as it zooms by. Standing in knee deep water, Nathal(ββ²β) missteps and the Cal Then takes a giant bite of an arm, leaving a mark that requires further treatment.
Round 210 Hurt from the attack Nathal(ββ²β) stands behind Onfi(β«β’β¬) as the Cal Then perches itself on the water. It tries to use its giant claws again but misses both mutants. Nathal(ββ²β) with one arm tries to swing at the floating bug but just splashes water causing a slight distraction. Onfi(β«β’β¬) takes that moment to hit the monster straight between the eyes.
Round 311 Dazed but not confused, the Cal Then continues on with the fight. This was the moment that Nathal(ββ²β) and Onfi(β«β’β¬) had to strike, trying to destory it's ability to fly. At the same time both mutants swung their weapons, slicing the wings straight off. Nathal(ββ²β) with one good arm tries to keep balance in the ivory water, but falls to close to the monster, getting caught between one of its many legs.
Round 412 The Cal Then with no wings and now missing an eye chose to fight to the death! Nathal(ββ²β) was barely hanging on after the last attack but was given the added courage when Onfi(β«β’β¬) charges through and slashes the bug, cribbling it. Nathal(ββ²β) with the last of his strength raises his Morningstar and dismembers the Cal Then from its body.
Cut in half and the loss of its limbs the Cal Then washes up on the opposite side of the shore. Nathal(ββ²β) and Onfi(β«β’β¬) take this opportunity to finish crossing the river and locate shelter within a nearby mound of sand for the night.
Scene 3
During the early morning hours, Nathal(ββ²β) decided to take another look at the device that was given to them by the onion farmer. After an hour or two, it was determined that it was an atomic energy cell13.
With this newfound information, both mutants continued south towards the military base. The closer they approached the complex the more they could feel a windy energy14 radiating around them. As they approached the gate that stood against the base, they took all necessary precautions not to be seen by a patrol. Surprising enough, no guards15 were actually employed at the base.
Nathal(ββ²β) used his physical strength to tear16 open a hole in the fence line, allowing the mutants to get through unscathed. Lucky for Nathal(ββ²β) and Onfi(β«β’β¬) creating a hole in the perimeter allowed a nearby creature to helpfully get free17 from this current encampment. As a Hoop18 emerged eager to escape. It passed along19 this single message as it jumped through the newly found hole.
Something important maybe even foreboding20 is in that building, be cautious!
Weary of what's to come, both Nathal(ββ²β) and Onfi(β«β’β¬) approached the door. Trying the handle, it was locked21. Onfi(β«β’β¬) used his dagger to pry open22 the door. As the rusty creaking door was pushed ajar, they could see lights and a metal corridor that almost resembled a maze.
Both mutants started walking through to what felt like miles, when suddenly they can hear something echoing through the halls. Something was pursing them enthusiastically23. With no delay they turned around trying to get back to the rusty door.
Unfortunately, they could not24 outrun their peruser. Almost materializing out of the shadows, was an extremely hostile25 Android reeking of radiation, rabid for more!
Round 126 Approaching the mutants fast, this Android was hungry but not for flesh! Onfi(β«β’β¬) was able to get a hit quickly barely causing any damage to the monster. The Android responded in kind, by knocking Onfi(β«β’β¬) to the ground. Nathal(ββ²β) trying his best, still recovering from the previous fight swings, but misses.
Round 227 Maybe it was the dark corridor or just the atmosphere, but the Android's next attack barely hits Nathal(ββ²β). Both mutants swung their weapons in unison; the Android either measured the trajectory of the attack or used some kind of forefield to deflect any incoming damage.
Round 328 Nathal(ββ²β) and Onfi(β«β’β¬) gained an advantage, by taking the higher ground on some crates nearby. Nathal(ββ²β) throwing his weapon hoping to pierce the Android's armor, misses by a mile. Onfi(β«β’β¬) stood firm and hit a crushing blow towards a main circuit within the Android's system.
Realizing that this fight might last forever, Nathal(ββ²β) activates his force field ability once more. Giving a buffer between attacks, the Android does not seem to waver. As the battle seems to continue, one blow seems to seep through the field. Foaming from the mouth and craving energy, this Android seemed to calculate this last hit towards the atomic energy cell, creating an unimaginable explosion...
Stay tuned for another episode in the STQK blog series
(36,44) | (Mythic 2e) Description, Action↩
(37,72) | (Mythic 2e) Name Table↩
(80,25) | (Mythic 2e) Name Table↩
(30,95) | (Mythic 2e) Action, Description↩
(42,89) | (Mythic 2e) Object Table↩
(74,98) | (Mythic 2e) Creature Description↩
(64) | (Gamma World 1e) Movement Phase- Cryptic Alliance↩
(5) | (Gamma World 1e) Reaction Table↩
Initiative | PCs (4) Monster (3) | Attack Matrix | (5) Nathal & (19) Onfi | (15) & (9) | Damage | (7) Monster | (14) Nathal↩
Initiative | Monster (3) PCs (2) | Attack Matrix | (12) & (3) | (8) Nathal & (15) Onfi | Damage | (4) Monster↩
Initiative | PCs (5) Monster (1) | Attack Matrix | (19) Nathal & (18) Onfi | (7) & (10) | Damage | (6) + (3) Monster | (9) Nathal↩
Initiative | PCs (4) Monster (2) | Attack Matrix | (19) Nathal & (20) Onfi | Damage | (7) + (1) Monster |↩
(11) | (Gamma World 1e) Miscellaneous Energy Devices↩
(98,31) | (Mythic 2e) Terrain Descriptors↩
(91) | (Mythic 2e) Oracle↩
(2) | (Gamma World 1e) Character Attribute Roll↩
(49,46) | (Mythic 2e) Description, Action↩
(9) (Gamma World 1e) Encounter table- Ruins↩
(2) (Mythic 2e) Oracle↩
(48,39) | (Mythic 2e) Dungeon Descriptor↩
(61) (Mythic 2e) Oracle↩
(12) (Gamma World 1e) Character Attribute Roll↩
(72,30) | (Mythic 2e) Action, Description↩
(54) (Mythic 2e) Oracle↩
(3) (Gamma World 1e) Reaction Table↩
Initiative | PCs (5) Monster (2) | Attack Matrix | (11) Nathal & (14) Onfi | (9) & (12) | Damage | (1) Monster | (4) Onfi↩
Initiative | Monster (3) PCs (2) | Attack Matrix | (7) & (12) | (7) Nathal & (9) Onfi | Damage | (1) Nathal↩
Initiative | PCs (6) Monster (2) | Attack Matrix | (2) Nathal & (20) Onfi | (13) & (6) | Damage | (4) Monster | (3) Nathal↩