Iron Stars - kringlegeddon-2021

(Christmas Mission coming soon)

14

6

7

The group awakens in the middle of a winter landscape. The crisp snow begins to glisten as the sun rises over some distant snow covered hills. Decorated evergreens dance in the slight breeze and a low buzzing sound as a drone approaches is the only thing unnatural about the scene. A hologram begins to project from it as it gets close to you showing a portly bearded man sitting behind a desk. He wears glasses and his face might have been kind once, but now it is cruel and lined with held in anger. “Saboteurs!” He calls out , the drone amplifying his words. “You’ve all messed with my operations the last year , and the year before that and it is high time that you naughty children are given the coal you deserve. I’ve brought you here to play some Christmas games , to earn my good graces again. You will see your items have come with you. Santa is not a thief. Across this five kilometer stretch of country you will find several Christmas challenges. Awaken. Warm yourselves up. I will return soon with instructions “

Pax and his new friend, Osiris the Terezinho Tiger sit curled up together in an effort to stay warm, shaken from their tropical norm. Instinctively, Pax moves to take some of the decorated boughs and tinsel garland to stuff and modify his clothes with. He even goes so far to give Osiris some tinsel garland as well for a scarf.

Seung sits up watching the display from the hologram before getting up from the ground shaking fresh snowfall from his clothes and muttering to himself. "Now where am I."

(Neko, I'm assuming I don't have Ejecta, correct? Seems like serious overkill)

(Not for this. It’s not really going to be an issue if you don’t have it

(I figured, just wanted to know for RP)

10:19 AM

Obsidia looks around in confusion at the snowy landscape, "Well I guess Ejecta is more of a vehicle than a piece of gear...* She stands up and dusts the snow off herself, then walks over near Seung and Pax, "I'm Obsidia, from Greystar. I don't believe we've met.*

Reza appears and looks around at the winter wonderland. When Kris Kringle starts speaking about saboteurs, Reza makes sure to hide behind Seung, "Think he is mad that I took his outfit?" Reza is wearing a red jacket, pants and hat all trimmed in white fur.

"Seung Whitaker" Seung replies to Obsidia putting a hand out for a handshake "Was UNW somewhat on my own right now."

Obsidia shakes Seung's hand, "Good to meet you. You have any idea what this Santa guy is talking about? Coal's delicious, why would someone give it to naughty children?"

"I, uh, don't know about eating coal, but I think it might have to do possibly with this." Seung then steps to the side to reveal Reza. "What did you say now about that being his outfit?"

Iracus awake with a start, "Ah! Where..what.. Kringle?! Your toys were a danger and you are a menace! You won't get away with this you crazy old man!" Iracus shakes his fist at the hologram as it disappears

Parsnips sits up and reaches for his bag. “This man seems neither Holly nor jolly.”

Grim looks around and sees many of his same friends from Thanksgiving. “Hello everyone, nice to see you all again.”

Svenka suddenly sits up from within a snowdrift. “What the ever loving FU….” She looks around, like she is ready to turn any one of the assembled inside out using only her hands and a pair of lineman pliers. “Kringle….” Her eyes narrow as the metal-clad horror of serpentine technology, Ozweina pops up out of the snow and coils around her arm. “I was almost done the aquatic design you bastard!”

Knock raps a knuckle against his head as Dr. Truffles sits up and brushes the snow out of his fur and off his robes. "Lots of unasked for teleportation lately, reckon we should look into that. I'm awake Knock, I'm awake." He grins over at Reza. "Reckon you're right, he probably ain't too chuffed about the hat." (edited)

“Ugh again?!? Hm… I can still taste pumpkin pie, Did I miss Black Friday?!? “ Jasper sits up and rubs his head again “So another strange patron teleporting many of the same people to a new land to take part in festive challenge’s? Now this is definitely not a coincidence anymore. At least it seems you are familiar with this one. What’s his deal? Is he the Real Santa?”

“Oh hey, Obsidia! I’m Pax. I’ve never met one of your kind. Man! It hasn’t been long since I was uplifted and given powers. Does this happen often to all you humans?”

"It's happend twice now in a month, but never before in my life. It's good to meet you."

A hand emerges from the snow and starts feeling about, as if to get it's bearings.

Svenka reaches out a hand to help… whoever out into this cold hellscape. “You humans and your… demigods with their sadistic toys.” She grumbled. “Hümbûg as we say! Hümbûg!”

Reza looks at Seung, "When we were at his production facility last year, I grabbed the big guy's coat and jacket... Looked comfy!" Reza then looks at Jasper and Truffles, "I can't tell if this is a mass teleportation event or some sort of externally initiated metadimensional projection..." Reza responds to Svenka, "I never believed in the guy until last year. He must be some sort of metadimensional entity... At least the Still Lady was up front with her intentions..."

Noel grasps the offered hand and erupts from the snow scape, spending a moment knocking the snow off of herself before turning to Svenka "Thanks! So... What's happening?" She looks about nervously.

"Someone in a red suit with white hair is threatening us with a tasty and delicious snack because we have been naughty."

3

“What other stuff do you like to eat? We got a whole bunch of stinky sulfur back home that we aren’t sure how to use or get rid of.” Pax finishes wrapping the tinsel garland around his neck like a scarf.

"Obsidian is best as nice spicy chip. Glass tends to be bland, stained glass is much better, platinum is crisp, refreshing, and minty. There's this one exotic metal I had recently that was very... what was that word again... citrusy!"

“Need to remember that technique….Was right in the middle… grr.” Svenka looks grumpy. “Were we supposed to let the toys go on a killing spree!?” (edited)

Seeing Knock, Parsnips drops down to on his knees and calls him over for ear scritches. “Buddy! Remember me? I gave you all those treats?”

Jasper gets up and walks over to Reza and Dr. Truffles “Nice outfit, I’m sure he’s not to happy about that. We spoke briefly at the Dinner, but we haven’t formally met. I’m Dr. Jasper Artemis. You must be Reza, I saw your beautiful grimoire your a mage right?” “And you’re Dr. Truffles right? The governor of Shalini, I got your message and I would like to personally like to thank you for being the first to reach out to our young institution. I will send you a formal reply in the future and will definitely be visiting your world soon. Well, whenever we can get out of here. “

Knock tackles Parsnips, licks his face, and begins to root around in his pockets, looking for any tasty snacks that might be on him. Dr. Truffles grins and shakes Jasper's hands. "Ain't no worry. Reza here and I can give you the low-down on some of the stuff we done found there. And so far as I'm concerned it's always good to meet more folks looking for knowledge."

Daira leans against a nearby tree and watches everyone come together and meet, talk, and exchange smiles. "Interesting. Such a colorful group. If they would just all have flames ignited in their hearts to give them guidance. If they just followed the teachings of our Prophet. The universe would be a better one." She thinks to herself. Daira looks around once more to find any familiar faces. Once she found one, she walks up to Iracus. "It is good to see you, Iracus. But you shouldn't be cursing at a hologram. That is not going to help you, or us. Just listen to the small tingling flame in your heart and Ognyena will guide you out of this, um, situation."

Parsnips reaches up to scratch behind Knock’s ears with one hand, breaks off a piece of a protein ration bar with the other and offers that up. “Sorry it’s not magic clams again, pal.” Parsnips does his best to lift his head up. “It’s also good to see you, Doc. It’s been a minute since our last mystical kidnapping.”

Reza shakes Jasper's hand, with one arm wrapped around his grimoire he shows it off proudly, "Ah Dr. Artemis! Of the Artemis Institute I presume? Reza Collins, a pleasure to meet you indeed! And yes I am a mage, how astute of you! Not many can recognize a mage's grimoire let alone know that there are others besides psychics. I think once this whole thing is figured out, I would love to hear more about your organization!" Turning to Truffles he puts an arm around his Piggen friend, "Oh Truffles did you tell him about Piglantis? By the way, probably should come up with a better name for it maybe? Anyway! The place is great, definitely recommend checking it out when you are able!"

Dr. Truffles smiles sheepishly at Reza. "Reckon we'll find out the actual name eventually, but I did figure it'd be something he'd be interested in." He grins at Parsnips. "If we didn't have no psychic bond I reckon Knock'd have found a new best friend. Good to see you again!"

Iracus smiles and lightly chuckles as he responds to Daira, "It may not help, but it does feel good. There is just something about shaking your first in the air as you curse the mystical entity that has kidnapped you. And based on the murderous children's toys this creature planned to deliver to the people of the Iron Stars last year, I can't imagine this kidnapping will be any good for us regardless of fist shaking. This Kringle could learn a lot from that Urkey fellow when it comes to being a hospitable kidnapper."

Ivan appears from the nearby forest, hitting the side of his assault suit helmet. "Damn thing's locator is busted again. I don't remember there being snow." He takes off his helmet and greets everyone. "I take it everyone got shouted by some drone. I think he's mad I kept asking his AI to bring more hot chocolate and not make dolls that kill indiscriminately."

"Well... Maybe he doesn't realize that his toys were dangerous? Perhaps we could talk this out or something." She shrugs. "Also, I might be mistaken, but I think I owe you a sandwich?" Noel says to Svenka, her face slightly contorting, as if trying to remember.

Ivan gets in between Noel and Svenka to block line-of-sight, casually leaning against a tree with his head resting against one arm. "A sandwich, yes, you're absolutely right," Ivan says with smoothness and reassurance in his voice, making lackadaisical eye contact with Noel to hide the devilish intent of acquiring something between two pieces of bread that doesn't have to be rehydrated. "What kind of sandwich? Some fries should cover any outstanding interest, too."

There's a wide array of confused and uncertain emotions that play across her face. Dull-Jade colored eyes move back and forth, searching for clues on Ivan's face to see if there's anything she might've missed, an errant memory that dodged out of her hands. "I-I don't know, What... Would you like?"

Svenka rolls her eyes, remembering the events of the past year. A grumble of annoyance as she unslings her rifle and methodically checks it before powering it up. “I don’t know what this thing has planned for us, but if he seeks to do us harm I am very willing to help kill a demigod, again.” She gestures her arm and Ozweina unfurls and floats like an eel swimming through water, sensors kicking in and taking in the surroundings.

Her eyes move to the sound of her intended recipient's voice, before defeat takes over her body language. The moment is brief, and a new smile takes her face as she resolves herself to sort the Ivan Sandwich issue.

“There’s sandwiches? Err, I mean, you need a hand with those?”

"Uh... I don't... Know if there's sandwiches... I was just... I'll... If I can I'll make some, I g-guess."

“Oh! Wait! I got you!” Parsnips starts rifling through his bag. “There it is!” Parsnips pulls out a roll that he swiped during the Thanksgiving affair, cuts it open with his metatool, and slaps the remains of the protein bar that Knock didn’t eat in it. “Add some hot sauce, you should be good to go.”

(I'll let the RP run for the day and I'll move it up tonight, just want to give people a chance to pop in)

Ivan is handed the protein bar sandwich and he takes a bite. He wordlessly nods, looks over everyone's visible gear for a tiny bottle of hot sauce that isn't a spicy rock, gives up. He stares at Svenka's floating thingy and toys with the idea of heating up the bun on the exhaust ports... wherever they are on it. "Kill a demigod again, eh?" Ivan says between bites without breaking his gaze from Ozweina. "I think this one might be a little bit more of a handful. If the parables are to be believed, he knows when we're awake, but he can telepathically see us if we're asleep. I'm not sure how he knows if we've been bad or good, so maybe this is all a misunderstanding. I, for one, know I've been an absolute angel." Another bite.

“So… he’s like a human demigod of judgement? I think I’ve been pretty good too, especially since the uplift. There hasn’t been much trouble for me to get in to.” He looks worried. “Though… I don’t know what happened to Bird.”

Noel watches the sandwich debacle quickly resolve before she can do anything, and breathes a sigh of relief. "I haven't fought any demigods yet, unless you count a rogue AI..."

“Well… he didn’t say we had to fight. Do we really have to kill him? That seems like it would be a naughty list item even just to talk about.”

"True, maybe it was a misunderstanding and we can talk him down and explain ourselves?" She points a warm smile at Paxcyan. (edited)

"Kill? Maybe not... Does he need to be stopped? Absolutely! The guy tried sending killer toys to all across the Iron Stars and maybe even further abroad! Now he is mad at us for foiling his plan... Definitely doesn't sound like a 'misunderstanding'... But that's just me"

She thinks for a bit, and then looks to Parsnips and mouths a thank you, before turning back to the matter at hand. An internal debate plays out in her head and she regards Reza for a second before deciding to just nod and not say much.

Teucer recovers from his disorientation Another teleportation? I need to get some anti MES capability Seeing the crowd of people all greeting each other but ignoring their surroundings, Teucer begins scanning the snowy forest looking for a sign of the challenges the hologram spoke of.

"I am with Reza here, this thing is clearly psychotic. It allowed the creation of deranged AI toys in the form of famous figures across the stars that would have gone in to kill if they were distributed. If anything it should have to explain it's actions to us."

As you all get to talking and making introductions for those of you who do not know one another, you see the drone beginning to come back- alternating green and red lights through the sky. The drone begins casting its red holo field into the sky and the pudgy face returns. Distantly, a pillar of red light shoots into the sky. Those of you who have taken military land nav or are otherwise good in survival situations would estimate it is about three kilometers away. "Hello there future corpses! and welcome to the frozen caldera where I have made my home. The distant light ahead of you is the first of the clues you will need so we can meet face to face. This land is not just mine. There are snow creatures here, patrolling toys from years past, and other dangers. You will need every ounce of muscle and wit you have to reach me. Good Luck, We will talk again when someone accesses the keypad there. The code is 6490, I will see some of you soon "

"Well, jeez. I guess that resolves whether he's decent or not..." Noel sighs, and stretches.

"You're right, he's definitely decent. Cute animals to pet and toys to play with on the way over? Sign me up. We'll be in and out in no time. Just give me your hot chocolates if you're not going to drink them." Ivan, ever the optimist, makes the first steps out.

"Shoulda been a precog..." Reza mutters under his breath. Reza grabs his necklace and says the mental command before his icarus harness begins unfolding from an impossibly small space. Armored up, he begins trekking forward towards the red light. As he does so he begins waving his arms in a pattern and saying a few phrases in Piggen. Then Ivan, Truffles, Svenka, Iracus, Parsnips, Jasper, Seung, Daira, and Teucer as well as the high mage himself all feel especially fleet of foot (Casting Velocitous Imbuement with Retain Sorcery. 4/5 effort remain. If you want the effect take 1 Strain) (edited)

11:47 AM

"We should organise teams. A vanguard to cut a path to this waypoint, those who are not comfident in their combat abilities should move in the center where they can be protected by the flank and rear protection parties. There are lots of us here so we are bound to attract some attention as we move. I see Reza has chosen the Van, I will join him" (edited)

(Ivan will be in the vanguard)

Parsnips plugs his shear rifle into his suit’s power node and checks the connection. “I guess it’s that kind of party, then. You know, I’m starting to not like this guy very much.”

(I may have overestimated how many of us there are and underestimated how competent we are in combat

)

2

Eisheru, et al.

Click to see attachment 🖼️

(Would this stack with my power armor?)

(Don't see why it wouldnt. It enhances your basemovement speed. i dont think it would affect your leap ability, but it would make it count as FIghting Withdrawal)

Obsidia checks over her Tekshark, and grabs her Magma Fusillade, slapping a B cell in it and slinging it across her back, the grabbing her blessed and modded spike thrower "I can be in the vanguard or rear guard, anything trying to get through me is gonna regret it."

(It stacks!)

Svenka remembers the last cold planet she was on. A promise that was still yet to be fulfilled… how many of those were there? She shivered. Remembering the old man who saved her. The cut of the blade into her gut. The stinging feeling of mortality. She almost absentmindedly engaged her helmet, the segmented thing snapping into place over her head. She remembered the people she had killed before, or who she felt a responsibility in the deaths of. She steeled her resolve as she started to trudge forward, staying close to the familiarity of Obsidia and turning to Noel as they prepared to depart. “You can buy me a sandwich after this is all over, deal?”

“Wow! I didn’t know humans were so fast!” Pax calls out trailing behind with his bounding tiger. Tinsel garland flails behind him as he tries to keep up with the cheetah humans.

“Uhhhh, we’re usually not!” Parsnips is clearly still trying to adjust to the magical speed boost, and turning slightly green

Svenka [Tig/M’Ranni]

Svenka remembers the last cold planet she was on. A promise that was still yet to be fulfilled… how many of those were there? She shivered. Remembering the old man who saved her. The cut of the blade into her gut. The stinging feeling of mortality. She almost absentmindedly engaged her helmet, the segmented thing snapping into place over her head. She remembered the people she had killed before, or who she felt a responsibility in the deaths of. She steeled her resolve as she started to trudge forward, staying close to the familiarity of Obsidia and turning to Noel as they prepared to depart. “You can buy me a sandwich after this is all over, deal?”

"Deal!" A genuine smile spreads over Noel's face, briefly. It vanishes into her normal cheery smile, and she nods. "I'll be with the Rear-Guard."

Dr. Truffles grins at Reza, doing a synchronized backflip with Knock that belies both of their hefts to test out the new speed. "I sure do like that one. Only team one I got is the thing what makes us invisible, but reckon we can save that for when we get on in there." (Spells prepared: Energetic Construct Evocation * 1, Personal Shielding Field * 1, Void Slip * 1, Universal Translator Rubric * 1, Ghost Field Emission * 1, Arcane Grounding * 1.) (edited)

(Oh I forgot - Spells Prepared: a variety of science-based weapons of death and destruction powered by a Power armour core along with a pretech drone that looks like an evil toothed serpent. Cause magic is for weenies >_< shutupimnotjealousatall)

4

“I am willing to be in any of the teams”

"Ha-ha, Mayhaps this can be the first mission you and I work together, Grim?" There's a distinct amount of eagerness in Noel's voice as she asks. Her hands planted on her hips.

“That would be fun. Let’s be on the same team then”

Jasper starts running trying to catch up with Reza and Teuer with his new gifted speed “I’ll stay towards the front with you guys, I’m not the most inept when it comes to combat, and hopefully my prescience could be of use.” (edited)

Daira shrugs as she sees so much preparedness and walks over to Teucer while tapping into the power granted by Reza. "I guess I stay close to the Elysian Generals, wherever they might lead me."

As one of the less combat inclined individuals, Iracus moves toward the center of the group while checking over his gun.

Seung follows keeping near the front with the vanguard. “If you spot anything make sure to point it out, and if anything big and nasty shows up I’ll be glad to take point if needed.”

Pax is quick but he isn’t magic human double-time quick so he and Osiris will run behind with the rear group.

After getting the hang of working the magic speed boost in conjunction with the augmentations on his suit, Parsnips trots out to the front group

(Just saw this mission, are my drones available ?) "I just woke up, I have no idea what's going but you are expecting trouble."

(They’re not needed here. This is just for fun)

"Well, not long after a couple of us mused about a peaceful solution, the Person who brought us here called us future corpses and promised us a death trap... And he has a history of sending out murder toys among other things, apparently." The Gun-mage's shoulders slump, and she almost pouts briefly. "But I mean, I think he's going to answer for his crimes, so... Y'know, his funeral or however that saying goes."

“I still have one of those murder toys.” Grim pulls out his Dynamic Daitrij action figure to show Noel

2

"Hmm." Noel looks at the toy for a bit, and then turns and looks at the other Dai, pursing her lips, and then looks back to Grim. "Well, Nothing to do but correct the Wickedness before us."

You can see in the distance that the route is flanked by thick pine forests and there is a glimpse of shadows moving within the trees. It could be a few, it could be hiding a legion

“I think I see some shadows in the trees. I think Santa might be about ready to try and attack us”

"No shadow will ever be able to taint a flame of Ognyena! Close the rows, defend those who can't defend themselves, and bring light to these creatures of Darkness." Unsure of what they are about to face, Daira does not draw a weapon yet.

Snowmen and tin soldiers begin marching out of the trees to slowly surround you. The tin soldiers are stalwart in their Napoleonic Era uniforms, well painted and prepared to fight as much as they are able. The snowmen drag burlap slings of snowballs behind them, evidently the missile troops of this holiday from hell formation.

7:54 AM

They re-arrange the coal and branches on their faces to form angry expressions, and their carrot noses distinctly point down in disgust

7

Svenka raises her rifle as the things begin to surround them, not yet opening fire but ready to. The gentle hum of her armour and weapon as she focuses. “This human holiday… it seems to be so focused on violence and strange practices… toys that kill? Angry fat men? Snow people? Warmed chocolate water? Metal soldiers and creatures of cold, we have faced gods and creatures, both created and living. If you stand and fight, you will fall.”

"I have an Idea!" Reza looks around and quickly ducks behind Truffles before making some gestures around his face and belly. After 12 seconds he steps out from behind the Piggen looking like a perfect replica of the Kris Kringle they had seen on the display. His facial features seem to match perfectly with the picturesque visiage of Santa. Complete with jolly red nose and rotund belly. Having the real deal clothing will hopefully help sell the ruse (Casting Superficial Tissue Sculpture first to look exactly like santa. rolled Magic/Dex 13 to replicate the look. Then casting Perpetual Molding to have my body look like Santa. 4/8 Changes available) "Ho Ho-...!" Reza coughs a little bit, "Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas my toy friends! What's the meaning of this naughtiness? We have to get you back in your boxes for all the good little kids out there! Ho ho ho!" (edited)

Dr. Truffles and Knock stand on either side of Reza, and wave their hands with faux solemnity, creating swirling snow and dancing lights to sell the effect. (Using Petty Sorceries.)

"These intruders are not Kringle cleared, your highness" A gaudily painted tin soldier in the uniform of a General replies, coming close to the front of the pack.

5

"Ah General! Very Merry to see you again! Ho ho! Well then we had best go and get them Kringle Kleared! Certainly my word is good enough to see us through?"

(Talk/cha, we will see)

(could it be a perform/cha by chance?)

(sure, I would say so)

(6)

"Lord Kringle, surely you know the protocols. Your word is not enough here, you must say the magic phrase"

"Ho ho! How forgetful of me. You are right General. Clearance Code 'Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer' 2-5-1-2"

7

3

THis seems to do the trick. The formation stands down. "Very good your Kringleness. The Hot Chocolate back at base camp should be almost done. You and your friends should get warm"

Reza Kringle nods once authoritatively, and then slowly turns around to Truffles and shrugs. His wide eyes betray his confidence before he regains his posture and walks forward, "Thank you General! Good job holding the line! Ho Ho Ho!"

Noel watches this unfold from the Rear-guard, tense as heck up until it works... Then looks at the rest of the rear guard and shrugs, smiling. "Sounds like we get Hot Cocoa!"

"YES!" Ivan yells out. "I've already emptied out anything that can carry liquid just for the occasion."

Going from ready to fight to confused to impressed, Iracus whispers to Reza as they pass by the winter soliders, "How did you know that phrase work? Was that another spell of some sort?"

Reza Kringle does the usual wave and greeting of the troops as they pass through the lines of tin soldiers. Once a bit away from anyone, he leans back over to Iracus, "Santa never shares his secrets..." he says with a wink

Knock goes rolling after Ivan sensing a meal as Dr. Truffles holds up his hand. Wait.... I don't reckon you can.... Nevermind, if it ain't something you can eat we got plenty of biopsionics here....

The tin soldiers begin opening hand ports. Hot cocoa was intended as some kind of flamethrower like spray weapon is now dispensed into waiting mugs as the deactivation code is given. “The platoon is jolly your Christmasness” the general reports before dispensing his own cocoa

“If anyone wants to make their cocoa a little more…festive, I’ve always got some on me” Parsnips gestures toward his bag and smiles

Grim will politely partake in some cocoa but will then cast truth of flesh and bone on himself in order to check for toxins

there are no toxins here, just a holiday encounter solved with the power of christmas magic

6

Pax gleefully steps forward to receive his portion of cocoa as he’s never tried the drink before. He melts in bliss as the liquid fills his belly.

Obsidia grimaces at the overly sweet drink but finishes her mug so she doesn't risk angering the soldiers. When none are looking she takes a bite out of the mug and chews contentedly.

Even the cup has a slight minty flavor. You're not sure what process has gone into firing the ceramic mugs, but whatever they've done, it feels a bit magical and leaves you wanting more. (edited)

"Ho Ho ho! Did everyone get their delicious Hot Chocolate? General! My retinue and I must be off! Keep holding the line! Thank you for your service! Ho Ho Ho!" Reza does his best to sell his Kringleness with extra belly laughs

After gulping down the last of his cocoa with a satisfied lip smack, Parsnips looks over at Obsidia. “Hey! Did you not get a mug? Here, have mine.”

Obsidia takes the mug with a smile, and with a quick "Thanks!" promptly eats the mug.

“Huh. That wasn’t what I expected, but whatever jollies your holly!”

Svenka appears to stay on alert, wary of the exchange and refusing to partake. “Humbug.” she seems to say under her breath.

Teucer is similarly tense but accepts a steaming mug of the cocoa. Taking a sip, he scans the room for threats through the haze of steam.

Ahead as the group begins to disperse you can see a thick polar fog is beginning to roll into the area.

“Wow, Santa. This is some good cocoa” Jasper says to Reza He looks down to the toy General and says “This is wonderful General, you toys will make such wonderful gifts for all children. Say, are there other whimsical toys besides yourselves out here?” (Authority, Cha/lead 4)

“The details of Kringle Company operations are classified even for honored guests of Lord Christmas. I’m sure you understand” the general says , giving a clumsy salute

“I understand, have a holly jolly Christmas, General.” Jasper says saluting to the toy.

“The snow queen is ahead everyone and I know she will be overjoyed to see you” the general says as he leads the toy battalion. Back into the pine woods

Dr. Truffles turns questioningly to the humans around. "Snow queen? I ain't sure I'm familiar with that myth."

“Me neither, Doc, but I have a suspicion that she won’t have any more cocoa for us”

“I hope she has candy!” Pax says, completely missing the ominous thread.

"Perhaps Mrs. Kringle? Or maybe a giant snow creature of some kind? Can any of you control fire?" Iracus asks looking around the magic folk

Reza Kringle shrugs, "Everyone let's stay close! Ho ho ho! That fog looks mighty chilly!" Reza looks to Iracus, "Fire? No... But if anyone knows a particular animal that has the ability to see through fog, please do let me know..." (edited)

Dr. Truffles points to his cybernetic eyes. "Reckon I got you covered in that department."

THrough the incoming mist and icy wind you can see a figure riding just behind the vanguard of the local conditions. She rides on ice as thought it was some kind of snowboard and the storm is thicker at her passing through it. Sheets of snow and ice shavings billow out on her wake and there is no question she is coming for the group at high speed. Her blue dress flaps behind her as she advances, catching the wind and in each hand you can see she wields some kind of scimitar made of ice. Her loose hair flows freely in the wild breeze, giving her the look of some kind of crazed dervish.

“Hey Pax, sorry bud, but it’s looking doubtful on that candy”

“Yeah, I don’t think she’s coming to deliver presents either” Jasper says preparing for anything

Noel hesitates briefly, Looking to see if she can catch a glimpse of Reza, and urges the rear guard forward until she can either see him clearly or the Fog is upon her, either way.

Obsidia quietly switches her weapon from her Spike Thrower to her Mamga Fusillade, just in case

Reza Kringle does his best to continue the ruse and steps forward in front of the group. Waving to the Snow Queen, he gives a jolly laugh, "Ho Ho Ho! My Queen! My how frosty your storm is!"

Teucer tenses at the first sight of the woman. Letting Reza take her focus for the moment, he begins to slowly fan out from the main body to the right.

If the Snow Queen has heard you she either does not care, or can see through the disguise. She seems angry enough to be mad at Santa Actual in either case.

Reza blushes fiercely and attempts his best to look contrite. "Ho Ho! My beloved Queen of Winter, best not the up on the naughty list by doing something you might later regret! Please, come and talk! We have guests..."

The swords flourish in a guarded cross before she draws them high, closing in fast from 50m to engage in combat.

Teucer's rifle rises into his shoulder on instinct, tracking the speeding figure and hoping to get a bead on her before she engages in close quarters combat. (Do you want us to roll initiative?)

(Lets do that!)

(from each of us?)

Grim readies his mind blade prepared to engage the Queen in combat (7 initiative after Kenjutsu bonus)

(8 for initiative)

(3)

(5)

(3)

(5)

(Alert 2, top of the initiative, unless someone else has it too)

(6 for reza!)

(8)

(1) With complete and total faith in Reza to pull off the Santa disguise and trick the creature, Iracus is caught completely off guard when the Snow Queen attacks instead. (edited)

(5)

(7) Ivan pulls out his sword. "About time it got more exciting!"

(if we have any late comers they can act within the mix here anytime. Teucer and then Seung to start)

7:17 AM

(In retrospect I probably should have done this like godbound combat where anyone just goes so long as its only once per round, but that's alright

As the Snow Queen appears in his sights, Teucer squeezes the trigger. (23/7 for the shear rifle)

Some of her billowing ice cloak is torn away as she continues her speedy advance, ice blades held high in a guarded cross

Seung moves to a forward position to put him as much as possible between the Snow Queen and the group before opening fire twice in burst from his arm array. "Stay behind me." Seung yells as he does. (35/25 Crit/44 if just doubling dmg.) (edited)

6

6

6

7

(Myself or Grim next?)

(Grim if he’s using his blade. You if he’s changing to a gun. I forgot to hit enter on my other post I’m sorry )

1

4:08 PM

The two shots punch some of the ice shelf away that she is riding on, and scores away some of the Misty dust trailing her. Icy fingers reach from it like a living tide

(Oh sorry didn’t know I was up)

4:11 PM

Grim strike rapidly with his mindblade (26/16)

(She’s 50m away so that’s going to miss )

(Oh, in that case can I just move towards her)

(Sure can!)

Taking the walking cannon's advice, Ivan sticks next to Seung. He flourishes and palms his sword behind him, drawing his service pistol in its place. (16/4)

The shot takes away a bit of the oncoming mist but the snow queen continues barreling close

7:48 PM

(Jasper should have gone and didn’t do he will be next

(Oh my bad) As she rides ever closer jasper will swing his breach rifle from over his shoulder and fire at the Snow Queen, but slips slightly on the ice (5/5 +1) (

) (edited)

(Reza good to act? or is Snow Queen up?)

(reza, then snow queen, thank you)

1

Reza begins tracing metadimensional geometry in the air while chanting in Piggen. Something about fire and light. At the end of display he slaps his hands together and as he pulls them apart to reveal a disc with a tremendous amount of heat radiating off of it. With a thought the disc shoots out and streaks towards the Snow Queen. Snow Melts and evaporates as it cuts it way through the localized storm (Casting The Howl of Light. 39 damage with evasion save for half. 4/5 HM Spells remain)

The Ice Queen is knocked from her floating chariot of ice by the blast, and responds by sending a downshower of ice and razor snowflakes at the group. (evasion save, 14 if failed, 8 if passed) The blizzard winds cut into the group as she twists in the air, her lower half encased by some kind of frozen cyclone- tearing and shredding the tundra below her spinning form.

(Success 19v4; 52/60 HP | 5/6 R-L1; 3/3 R-L2; 1/2 R-L3 Spells remain | 4/5 HM Spells remain) (edited)

(Sucess 13v8. HP: 27/35)

(success 11v5; HP 35/43)

(success 9v6, HP: 75/83)

(Failure 1v7 HP 21/35)

(parsnips then truffs would be next)

Parsnips winces in pain, just barely keeping his feet under him as the cyclone rips past. Catching his balance, he steadies his shear rifle, lining up his sites on the Ice Queen. "I'd have a quip for this situation, but it's balls-cold here." (22/11)

(Failure 5v6, HP 29/43)

3:13 PM

Dr. Truffles and Knock use Parsnips fire to move up on either side of the ice queen, Truffles swinging with his wrench and Knock rolling into her like a cannonball (7/8 for Truffs, womp womp, 15/2 for Knock.)

(Success 13. 52/60hp)

(Success 15 201/209 HP) (edited)

1

(Success 16v5, 57/65HP)

(noel. Obsidia, paxcyan then iracus)

(Idk if I need to make the save as Noel is apart of the Rearguard, but it's a 1v9 Fail.) Noel moves up trying to keep up with Grim and get close enough to fire a Heartstopper at the Ice-Queen. (20/34 hp, if I was in range) (edited)

(Everyone does if you’re within a kilometer which you are )

(Alrighty! ^-^)

The Ice Queen is looking worse than she did when you first encountered her, but she has plenty of fight left in her and the storm continues lashing at everyone in its ferocity.

8:52 AM

(obsidia)

(Eva save fail: 0/12hp. I have diehard 1. And auto stabilize. if this is not considered a heavy weapon. But I’m out.)

(It’s not a heavy weapon)

1

(Rolling save with disadvantage b/c I'm a chonky rocky girl. Got 17 and 20, so taking 8 damage) Obsidia moves to get a clear firing line and unleashes her Magma Fusillade for the first time in battle, sending a stream of molten material at the Ice Queen (8 heavy, in suppression)

The magma boils the snow around here turning it into a scalding cloud of steam. She cries in torment as the conditions of the fight are beginning to turn against her elemental based powers (Pax is stable but unconscious unless someone renders further aid , so Iracus)

Iracus tries to move out of the clump and into a position with a clear line of sight, however the snow and ice whipping around him makes it hard for him to get a good shot. (9/12)

The wind seems to disrupt your aim quite a bit, and the shot goes wide. (top of the order with Jasper since he's got Alert-2)

After being sliced by the ice in the cyclone, Jasper sturdies himself before switching to his more reliable Laser pistol and firing at the snow queen (17/2)

The shot clips her arm and she rolls to the side, heavily wounded but still fighting

5:40 AM

(Seung, then teucer )

Seung moves to ensure he's still in front between the queen and the rest of the group, and then fires twice in burst from his array. (28/25 38/30)

2

Two shots put the queen on her back. Her dress is burned and ragged and the storm is beginning to fade. Icy blades fall from her lands to lodge into the snow. “You’re. You’re not him…” she says after a moment seeing the man in the red suit is not Kringle after all. In the distance, there is a peal of laughter as deep and loud as thunder on the horizon. Something moves within the storm. Something vast

(Are we out of combat? Just checking cause if we are I want to heal Pax up)

(We are for now. The Santa godwalker is coming in a minute)

4

(Oh you know just the Santa godwalker) “Is anyone here a medic? Pax looks like he’s hurt bad”

Grim heads over and uses his biosponic healing on Pax. (15) he then applies holistic pattern optimization. “This should help him feel much better”

8:30 PM

(Figure this will help make him less squishy)

"If anyone has anything else they want to use or ready now looks to be the time. I don't think we're out of the thick of it yet." Seung says his hand moves to the rocket launcher on his back.

"Well... Has anybody got some high explosives? I haven't got anything to take down something that size" I really wish my team was here

"I have some grenades in my pack if someone needs them, plus the Fusillade and my spike thrower both can deal with vehicles and mechs. I've got other ways to deal with them if people need to borrow something with a bit more oomph." Obsidia says to the group

Dr. Truffles looks a bit sheepish. "I... uh... reckon I can negotiate with the reindeer if those are also real."

(the ice queen's blades also count as heavy weapons, so we have two of those available, lets make sure we share so everyone has a chance to do something )

12:17 PM

(don\t need any cowboys)P

With little to add in terms of heavy firepower, Iracus looks around for some form of cover

Parsnips raises his hand. "Hey, Obsidia? As long as we're sharing oomph, I wouldn't mind a little something."

"Want to throw around Lava or big spikes?" Obsidia asks Parsnips, gesturing first to her Fusillade, then her spike thrower

"oooh! lava, please!"

Obsidia hands over the Magma Fusillade "You need to brace it, and you can't do single shots, so fire to suppress. The B cell in it has 4 more shots, if you need another one let me know and I'll toss you another."

"Thanks! I think I got an extra B cell somewhere." Parsnips stows his shear rifle away in his bag before accepting the weapon from Obsidia. "oooof! This thing is heavier than it looks!"

"Yeah, the back unit is full of what it melts down, it lasts longer than the cells do, and I usually just put whatever rock or dirt is handy if it runs out, which shouldn't be an issue in this fight."

"oh neat! So you can just load it up with rocks and then spray molten rocks everywhere? Badass."

(I don’t have a heavy weapon, but I am likely going to be doing healing/support stuff so if others are lacking heavy weapons too they can have first dibs)

(I can make my Thermal Pistol count as a Heavy Weapon Three times, maybe do other things as well.)

Reza stands near Truffles and puts a hand on his shoulder, giving it a squeeze. He then makes a series of intricate gestures and more Piggen chants. (First Casting Gravitic Control Rubric on myself. Lasts until the end of the Scene. 3/5 HM Spells. Then casting Energy Amplification Boost on: Obsidia, Parsnips, Teucer, Jasper, Iracus, Ivan, Noel, Grim, Truffles, & Paxcyan. 2/5 HM Spells left & Light Focus Maintained. All that I listed get +5 Damage, +2 Attack and your weapons count as heavy weapons for the purpose of overcoming armor) (edited)

7

(Grim you’re going to be valuable keeping people up and going so you’ve got a niche here for sure. Noel, your iron rot shots are going to be very useful)

Dr. Truffles grins sheepishly at Reza. "I ain't ever remembering to prepare that one when I need it. Got a few other tricks though." The rhuns on his cybernetic arm glow as he's enveloped by a blue light that collapses into his body. (Casting Personal Shielding Field.) Dr. Truffles scratches Knock behind the the ears. Remember, if it's a big old tussle don't eat for 30 minutes after, you'll get cramps. Even if they got fruit cake.

(I’m gonna do this like godbound since there is a giant fuck you walker coming. All the players can act in any order they want, and will all act before the god walker, but they can only act once ; then the walker goes and we begin a new round after (edited)

9:59 PM

(We can’t mash a bunch of main actions in there or anything.

(Would Arcane Grounding effectively stun it or is the magic holding it together too powerful?)

(I’d say the magic is too powerful

(Fair play, that'd be 10 rounds for everyone to beat it like a Christmas piñata

)

“I see some naughty children, and I’m going to bring you the coal!” The walker says as it comes into view

5:24 AM

10

11

6

5

Pax sputters and coughs up candy cane dust that falls in his fur and glitters as he rolls to his feet. “Oh fuck! It’s the Santa Clause.” He holds his ribs for a moment, then pulls his monoblade from its sheath as he can feel it pulse with metadimensional energy. He digs deep into his core sending a lash of his own MES energy toward the scariest looking person around. (32/12 hp Ty Grim!) Commit effort, instant action for Reflexive Action on Seung. Target may immediately take an extra main action) Pax is going to move out and around to try and flank Santa.

(Seung is up then since distributive action has him going next)

Seung hefts his rocket launcher to his shoulder aiming for the godwalker. "You know Santa I think you actaully gave this to me. Ironic that it's going to be used against you now." Seung looks down the sights feeling the MES energy flow through him with his own reflexes. Seung fires the full barrage of rockets from the supped up launcher, 4 trails lancing from Seung and ending with explosions on the godwalker. ( Action 1 34/45 31/33 Action 2 37/41 28/33) (edited)

6

5

3

1

The rocket launcher empties its magazine and the contrails head skyward. Four explosions rock the godwalker back. Paint chips and glass on some of the many arcane batteries powering it cracks, but Santa seems powerful and angry.

Parsnips plants his feet, keeping his center of gravity low and using the heavy weight of the fusillade's backpiece as a counterbalance to the anticipated heavy kick from the weapon. Feeling as ready as a person can in a situation like this, Parsnips aims the fusillade's nozzle at the angry God-Santa's metallic member and releases a stream of burning magma (22/13) (edited)

Teucer's mag rifle feels strange in his hands as he tries to put distance between himself and the rest of the team no point all of us getting whacked at once pivoting on one foot, he takes a snap shot at the large mechanical Santa (13/18 rolled a 1

)

The magma thrower sends steam and ice sending up a curtain into the air. The Godwalker seems to not come closer to it for the moment and fire begins eating the paint on its thick column legs. The mag rifle shot pings off an armored chest piece as deafening cries of HO HO HO! ring out across the countryside

Obsidia lines up a shot and fires a burst of heavy spikes from her upgraded spike thrower (15/25 after the buff from Reza) (edited)

Dr. Truffles speeds towards the godwalker with Knock screeching on his back and, as he reaches it, suddenly disappears, re-appearing astride its metal frame. (Casting Void Slip to teleport 10m up, could I make a Fix check to do something naughty to muck up it's workings? Otherwise I can just swing with my wrench.)

(yeah lets do a fix)

(11

)

Hot chocolate begins to vent from a whole series of rents in the side of the leg as Truffs begins opening vents , taking out screws and otherwise causing trouble around the legs of the vehicle

Dr. Truffles yells out to the others. "Looky here y'all, cocoa for when we're all finished up!"

Ivan ejects the stored water from his assault suit hydration pack. "By everything I am so ready." Lining up his laser rifle, humming with the additional energy being fed in, he looses two bursts - the first intended, the other the Terminus body also equally excited. (23/12 and 23/18, system strain 2/18)

Reza rushes forward with Truffles to give him some cover fire. He raises his tempest and squeezes off a burst of laser bolts. "I wouldn't stay there long Truff!" (19/10)

Grim lines up his sheer rifle enhanced with Reza’s spell, releasing the trigger the shot tears into the godwalker. (25/20 after spell bonus)

Damage spreads across the surface of the walker as Santa laughs, his voice booming in the gale force winds. (i think Noel is left, and Iracus)

The Gun-Mage slaps an Arc-Force on her pistol, moving up and taking a shot at the Santa-Mech. (Reza's Spell makes it count as a Heavy weapon, 29/21, Damage is 2d6+5 (Reza's spell) + 7 (Arc Force))

Iracus begins to run around the large Santa, thinking Really need to cut back on the captivax, these dreams are getting a bit crazy. Not gonna be able to do much damage to this thing, so let's try another way Thinking this is some crazy fever dream he takes out the medal he won at the Olympics and focuses on using it's residual grail energy to turn it some kind of machine dart gun that fires line shunts and then unloads on the god walker, hoping one of them sticks to vulnerable data line that he can try to manipulate next turn (using ghost tech to try and do this, and if this works that's unfortunately only a 9 to hit)

(you've got energy amplification boost to, which brings this to 11, so it hits since we only need a 10 on a vehicle this close)

7:29 AM

The shunts begin digging into the vulnerable parts of the walker. They burrow, anchor, and bite. Santa's walker begins unfolding a long vacuum tube from the groin section of the walker and it drags on the ground as it falls. There is a deep rumbling inside as a stream of burning coal emerges to fall upon the group like flaming micrometeors. They leave burning contrails across the sky like a volley of guided missiles, powered forward on a momentum born from hate as much as physics. (Evasion save. Avoidance is avoiding damage entirely, failing is 15 damage) (edited)

6

2

7:30 AM

As the meteors begin to fall, one of the descending hands reaches out towards Reza, trying to grab him and stuff him into a sack that the walker is holding in its other hand. (exert/dex, and as the defender you get a +3)

(success 5v4) (Exert/dex 8* didn't add the +3 originally) (edited)

(Fail 9v13 17/12hp)

(14 for the exert)

8:43 AM

The robotic hand closes around the struggling Reza and the world turns black as he is thrown into a synthweave sack, tumbling in the darkness and taking bumps and bruises before he comes to rest at the bottom of the bag.

8:43 AM

(once everyone tallies their save, so it doesn't get buried, we'll begin the next round)

8:44 AM

(I think ana and her drone did not go but i also never saw an initiative roll for them either so i dont know whats going on there)

(3v6 fail, 60/83 HP)

Jasper finds himself hankering for some hot cocoa and will dodge out of the way of any of the meteors as a means of getting closer to mecha Santa (Success 19v7)

(roll20 just went total apeshit on me and rolled like a dozen saves, so I'm just taking the fail to avoid having to figure out which is the real one. 12/35)

(12 v 6, success)

(Disadvantage b/c Geon, rolled 19 and 8, success on both!)

(success 11v5)

(Fail 37/60 hp)

(Success 9v9)

(pass 12v3)

(success 14vs5)

(I think that’s everyone

6:07 PM

(Go ahead Jasper )

Jasper dodges the falling meteors Before coming to a stop “REZA!” He shouts as his new friend is thrown into the sack. He takes aim at mecha Santa with his laser pistol and shoots (14/3 or 19/5 if Reza can still maintain his spell)

(still maintained AFAIK)

(Anything happening to Reza in Santa's Sack? Or can I act normally?)

(thanks, still maintained, so the pistol hits, Inside the Sack we take a mental save to see if we can maintain our spells, since you're getting bounced around and hit, it is an opposed exert/dex to try to escape it or tear a hole ion it)

(Crit success on the mental save, 20v5) Reza looks around the interior of the sack and starts speaking aloud to some unknown camera, "You know... I never imagined Santa's Sack being so dark... You would think there would be string lights and stuff... Ya know? Oh well..." In the darkness a vibrant red light in the shape of a glaive's blade cuts through the darkness. The Thermal razor blade edge soon glows white with heat rippling off of its mono-molecular edge. Reza then feels around for the edge of the sack and attempts to pierce Santa's sack and cut his way out of (Got a thermal razor to try and cut through. Dunno if you want a skill check or an attack)

(we can do an attack then)

(21/9)

The bag is cleaved apart enough to wriggle out, and Reza hits the snow on his back , looking up as the mech's foot clears him, and stomps the snow flat nearby. (edited)

(that was Reza's main action there, so we'll move on)

(He would just try to move away from Santa Mech)

(Can anyone act now or are we in order?)

(It’s teucer then grim)

(Sorry, this didn't light up, 22/16 to hit) Teucer continues to fire hoping to distract the giant Santa enough to let Reza get clear of the monstrosity.

Santa seems to be alive and very much in the fight, generally being a massive trouble on this battlefield.

2:48 PM

(grim, the shot did hurt him though)

Grim biosponicly heals himself recovering some from the burning coal (16 53/60. I need to figure out my actual strain with the new cyberware going to use 10 here, because it’s either 10 or 11. 9/10 strain)

(if you didn't have it before we got going on this mission it would be your old strain)

(10 is right 1 for optics and 3 for slick war bringing it to 10 down from 14)

(Seung,and ivan next)

4:30 PM

(seung should have gone after jasper i missed that but its all good , we're all going before santa mech)

In a a quick flash of movement Seungs launcher is on his back held by it's strap and his arm is pointed array aimed for the mech. "I should have packed rockets." He whispers to himself before firing twice onto the mech. (Non heavy shots. Crit/50 22/23) (edited)

6

(D100 Seung!)

2:49 PM

(cool shit happening)

(97)

The belly of the walker cracks and begins to shatter. The arcane core begins to spark and send arcing lighting across the outside of the walker and miniature internal explosions bring the construct to its knees. It’s sack falls open with a present for each of you , as explosions continue to rip across the inside of the walker. “This. Is just the. Beginning” it croaks before the head section begins to melt down. Amid the wreckage you find a single information placard indicating the original manufacture S.A.N.T.A- Secure Arbiter Nurturing Total Assimilation, an advanced artificially intelligent product manufactured by Kringle Corp. (Each of you gets a 0 enc “present” that can be opened whenever you want. Upon opening it during a mission you will obtain a piece of equipment you need and don’t have. A D100 is rolled after and a result of doubles means the present can be opened again in the future)

13

"How come everyone who builds a giant robot in their own likeness is so melodramatic?" Noel asks, with a frown.

"It's because they need a bigger head to hold their inflated ego. Giving coal as a punishment, honestly." Obsidia says, shaking her head in disbelief. Coal is delicious, nutritious, and useful too. (edited)

"I think we can all agree this guy was compensating, right?"

"What metadimensional being isn't compensating. The only good one was that T. Urkey fella. Gave us some food and booze and that's all, no drama"

She nods at Obsidia, and side-eyes Parsnips, for a brief moment before glancing at the Walker's... Tube. A brief look of discomfort passes over her face and she then nods at Iracus.

Parsnips nods back at Iracus. "Yeah, why can't all weird magic kidnappings be for dinner parties? That was way more fun."

Dr. Truffles grins. "Reckon we could still have a dinner party. Got enough coal to get a fire going, that's for dang sure." (edited)

(good work everyone, 6xp for everyone's trouble as well

6

10:25 AM

(we can RP if we want but the mission is effectively done)

Parsnips runs over to Knock, making sure to get in a few more ear scritches before whatever hocus-pocus that brought him here sends him back (Sorry! I know we're done but I wasn't going to miss my last shot at petting the buddy)

1

Knock rolls over and paws playfully at Parsnips's hand with his back paws, while trying to surreptitiously root around in his pocket for snacks with his front paws.

(was I added to this by mistake? I am not a patreon)

(The mission is over, it’s now readable to everyone)

(ahh gotcha)

(Sorry, can't resist and now I'm dragging you into it) Ivan pulls Clawd out of Santa's bag and holds him up by his armpits like a cat. "He's perfect and what I always wanted! I'm going to get you the finest EP chow and the softest newspapers money can buy. And if I happen to put you in a box, I'll drill holes into it unlike mean old Kringlebot here."

8

“Woah, you got a limited edition Clawd?!? “ Jasper says filling a manifested cup full of hot cocoa pouring from the downed mecha Santa “ all I got was this pink aluminum tree” (edited)

“Oh, hey. Clawd. Half in the bag, I see”

7

"I'm told that's worth at least two in the bush." Noel quips with a grin.