by sniderman » Mon Jun 22, 2015 1:25 am
The spectral hound dashes into the waterfall's basin as Jack, Hal, and Webb scatter, trying to avoid being mauled by "Muffit," the enraged hellhound. Scowling, Audrey watches placidly nearby as Lucas and Magnus stare in horror at the attack.
Jack quickly draws his breath and dives towards the shore where his shovel lies, hoping his splashing masks the movement of his friends. Having a similar idea, Webb splashes water at the hound, calling to it, "Over here, dog!” >splash< “Bad dog!” >splash< “Look at me!” >splash<
[[Hidden reaction roll...]]
The hound reaches the center of the pool and seems to spin about, snapping and gnashing its teeth, as if uncertain as to which victim it wants to attack.
Hal makes for shore towards his cane. He reaches the pool's edge and pulls himself out, grabbing his cane and pulling out the hidden sword. He then shouts, "Audrey, we are trying to recover your body so we can give you a proper burial! You are loved and remembered!"
[[Hidden reaction roll...]]
Audrey turns to Hal. She sneers.
"...lies...all lies...muffit...kill them..."
[[Hidden reaction roll...]]
The hound turns to Hal, its eyes blazing. It charges in for the attack as Hal whips his sword out to defend himself.
[[Hidden attack roll...]]
The hound leaps in for the attack, and Hal manages to step deftly aside as the creature lands with a thud next to him. Hal brings his sword around to slash at the beast as it passes.
[[SPECIFIC check versus Hal's Sword skill. Results:
Sword skill: 74 - Rolled 46 - Margin of success: 28
Action Table results: 28 "Attack Margin" cross-indexed with Muffits Column 5 "HTH defense" = M result (MODERATE DAMAGE)]]
The hound yelps as the sword cuts across its back. To Hal, it feels like he's cutting into a pile of leaves as the creature is barely substantial on this plane. The hound continues running away, but is obviously cutting an arc to return for another attack.
Magnus draws his weapon and aims at the running hound. He looks over his shoulder at Audrey, holding out the charm bracelet with his off-hand.
"Audrey, listen! We can help! Your mother gave us this bracelet to bury with you. Give us time to find your body!" he pleads.
[[Hidden reaction roll...]]
Magnus watches as recognition passes over Audrey's face. Is her fury finally broken? Wordlessly, she points to the pool with one of her bladed hands...
During the commotion, Lucas has dashed into the pool, wading as fast as he can into the water, using his hands to pull himself deeper until he reaches the point where the large rock was moved. He dips his head under the water and sees the sunken depression where the rock sat. Lucas begins clawing at the loose gravel and soil at the bottom of the pool.
[[GENERAL check versus Lucas' Luck. Results:
Lucas LCK = 58 -- Rolled 70 -- FAILURE]]
Lucas' head breaks the surface and he sputters, catching his breath. "I don't see anything under here!" he shouts.
Webb, still in the water, splashes over to assist Lucas while Jack runs into the water brandishing his shovel. They reach the same point and duck their heads underwater, Webb scratching at the bottom while Jacks stabs at the gravel with his shovel...
[[GENERAL check versus Webb and Jack's Luck. Results:
Webb LCK = 42; Jack LCK = 70 -- Rolled 55 -- JACK SUCCEEDS]]
Jack stabs the shovel into the bottom and removes a shovelful of soil. He is stunned and a bit sickened to uncover a human hand, bloated and sickly from years of being underwater. The hand is slightly opened, its fingers opening and closing softly due to the water's movements. He pops up from underwater. "HERE!" he shouts. "I FOUND HER!"
Magnus looks back at Audrey, hoping for some sign. Audrey continues to point at where Jack stands. Magnus shifts his glance to see the hound bearing down on Hal, closing in for another attack. Jack, Lucas, and Webb wave frantically...
Magnus, the next move is yours alone. Everybody else can shout instructions or suggestions, but only Magnus can actually act.
What do you do?