They Fight Capitalism, Session 3

===START SESSION 3===
Everyone in the group is given rooms for the night where they can rest without having to deal with the swarm of cops that responded to light night's gun fight. The rooms are plain and barebones, but the beds are comfortable. The next morning dawns. The new day awaits.

Pea Pod

Pea Pod's morning ritual includes slowing opening and closing blinds or shutters (whatever lets or doesn't let light in the room) while taking pictures to test different light levels. He then looks through his previous days photos and sees what story it has to tell, and to see if any pictures need to be deleted. He then takes out his tablet and trys to get an agenda for the day. Pea Pod really likes structure.

Esta

Esta wakes up early and spends some time in contemplation then stretches, and runs through some very dance-like exercises in her room for about an hour and a half before cleaning herself up, packing and making her way outside to see what the day is like.

H.Ex.E.

Doctor Skren would feel rather impatient nudges on her shoulder rather early. "Doctor.... Doctor. I know it's early, but please get up. The security forces are gone and we need to get moving again." Upon opening her eyes, she would see Hexe standing next to her bed, a faint smile in her eyes and probably around her lips as well, if her mouth were not covered by the always present oversized jacket. Skren's own clothes she may or may not have discarded last night before heading to sleep are folded and placed on the second unoccupied bed next to her, just like her recharged multi tool and the rest of their light luggage.

Dr. Skren

Skren groans. "Just five more minutes..." ...before getting up after all and trying to freshen up a little, being hungover as expected. After she cleared her head a bit she thanks Hexe for last night, although she's genuinely worried about how close she came to depleting her shield generator.

Arbiter Dox

Upon returning to the ground floor where the tavern is, the newcomers to Terry's Junction would find a modest group of locals here for breakfast. Behind the bar is a heavy set human woman with ruddy skin and long brown hair. She's wearing a simple red button up shirt with a loose robe over top. She's busily taking breakfast orders, rushing around with a yellow notebook and inkpen. https://pin.it/4wl4kxEPinterest

H.Ex.E.

Hexe just hands the Doctor all the things she needs: toothbrush, comb and other necessities. She cares for her, but it is also simply faster this way until the fog in Skren's head has dissolved. She waits in front of the bathroom, checking window and door regularly.

Pea Pod

Pea Pod, after going through his notes he took yesterday gets his agenda set for the day. He dawns his camera and wanders downstairs to find out what this place can muster for nourishment.

Esta

walking through the people in the main room Esta nods at anyone that acknowledges her and steps outside for awhile to take in the morning.

Dr. Skren

When she's finally in a somewhat presentable stage again, the doctor semi-stumbles down the stairs, Hexe in tow and lured by the smell of breakfast.

Arbiter Dox

The space downstairs is full of the smells of breakfast foods. Lots of waffles with syrup, biscuits in a wide variety of configurations, sausage, bacon, eggs, grits. The woman behind the bar looks up as Pea Pod comes down. "Hey, one of last night's big damn heroes." She smiles and asks, "Somethin' for breakfast?" She gives a similar greeting to Skren and Esta when they arrive.

Pea Pod

"Who me?" Pea Pod puts his hand on his chest. "I am humbled ma'am. I simply was just in the right place at the wrong time." Pea Pod laughs then says, "I would love a nice pancake and some grits, got a busy day ahead."

Arbiter Dox

She jots down some notes and nods. "Give it a couple minutes."

Dr. Skren

"Something meaty and salty for me, I think, please. Don't worry about the girl" She nods at Hexe

Esta

Esta stops when the woman addresses her and "it was nothing.... breakfast would be nice" the smells swaying her, nods towards someone's plate w/biscuits and sausage. "something like that would be nice."

Arbiter Dox

The woman behind the counter takes all those notes down and gets the orders back to the kitchen. In short order breakfast is served. Skren is given a few slices of ham for her order. The food is filling and tasty. The waiter who comes with each person's food (a rotund young racoon man) delivers them each with a message. "Mr. Metalmender is working next door at the auto shop. He said he'd like to have a talk with you if you get some time."

H.Ex.E.

"The nimbus of a local hero certainly does not help us." Hexe remarks while Skren is eating. "Let us meet up with our contact and move on swiftly."

Pea Pod

Hearing that Pea Pod thanks the man and quickly takes out his tablet and edits his agenda. Then he digs in to his meal.

Dr. Skren

"Yeahhh, well, at least they kept the fuzz away from us, so I'd say it's a net win" Skren responds between munching

H.Ex.E.

Hexe doesn't seem convinced but does not voice her doubts.

Arbiter Dox

Nothing more bothers the newcomers, aside from the waiter occasionally asking if refills are needed.

Esta

Esta, sits quietly eating her meal half listening to the other.

Pea Pod

After Pea Pod has finished his meal and is getting ready leave he approaches Esta, Dr. Skren, and H.Ex.E. and asks "hey would yall mind if we could get a group photo? I am working on a documentary and need some more footage."

Esta

Esta finishes her food and sets her flatware and napkin neatly on top. She looks up when Pea Pod asks about the photo, "a documentary?"

Pea Pod

Pea Pod nods and says, "I am working on something special." Pea Pod looks over his shoulder for a moment then turns back and says "I am trying to document cryptid activity."

H.Ex.E.

"Let us also ask him whether there is some reward involved for getting rid of those thugs. We could use the money and this area does not quite look like our... usual services are requir---" Hexe speaks in a low voice to the Doctor but interrupts herself as Pea Pod approaches and listens to his request before she replies: "We refuse. You will not take any photographs for any reason of us..." Short pause. "...Sir." While her tone is indifferent, the statement certainly is not.

Pea Pod

Pea Pod says, "oh my apologies, I meant no offense. Just give me a holler if you want to be in an award wining documentary. I will be in town for awhile, and can use all the footage and help I can get." Pea Pod bows slightly and continues outside

Esta

Esta looks a little relived when the others say no to the photo, " I read an account of something called a Not Deer some time back is that the type of thing your documentary is about?"

Dr. Skren

Skren nods, then rubs her head and whispers "THanks for taking care of that. And I'm sorry for overdoing it last night."

Pea Pod

Pea Pod looks back at Esta and says "YES! would you like to help me document them?"

H.Ex.E.

Hexe seems purse-lipped at that but does not reply to not attract the attention of the other two travellers again and disturb their conversation.

Esta

surprised by the offer stammers a little... "that sounds interesting" she pulls out her phone to see if she has any messages... "if i have the time, that sounds like a good way to get to know the area"

Arbiter Dox

Esta would find no new messages.

Pea Pod

Pea Pod says "awesome, here is my business card." He hands Esta a very flashy credit card sized piece of metal that reads Pea Pod Inc, and says all normal contact info on a business card. Then Pea Pod heads out the front door intended on meeting Mr. Metalhead.

Esta

A little startled Esta looks over at the remaining others, while pocketing the card... "are you intending to oblige Mr. Metalmender request? and if you are do you mind if I tag along?"

Dr. Skren

"Yeah, we were gonna meet with him anyway"

Pea Pod

Pea Pod stops at the door holding it open. Then he gestures with his arm towards the shop and says, "I need all the info I can get about this town. I am happy for the company."
===END SESSION 3===

They Fight Capitalism, session 2

===START SESSION 2===

The apparent leader of the Havocs points his gun to Murdock and pulls the trigger. He deflects the projectile easily with the back of his mechanical arm.

One of the thugs--a woman in a hooded jacket wearing a face mask--immediately jumps toward Murdock with a knife in one hand and a pistol in the other. "Leave him to me. You fight those other people."

The bulldog leader replies, "Since when do you give--"

Murdock promptly punches him in the face through the truck's window, quickly silencing him.

H.Ex.E.

As Murdock escalates the conflict, Hexe switches immediately into combat mode. There is no longer any slack in her minimalist movements. She raises her arms aiming for the leader of the gang to take out their long range capacities which would likely be most harmful to the Doctor and herself.

Arbiter Dox

The shot hits home easily, taking the bulldog by surprise in the shoulder. He immediately breaks off from fighting Murdock and tries to duck down into his seat.

H.Ex.E.

While her oversized jacket's long sleeves block the vision, a shot emerges from them after a barely visibly correction factoring in the new location of her target after it has been punched in his face.

While there is little to no recoil, some dust on the street is blown up in its wake.

Arbiter Dox

The Shooter struggles out of his truck and puts it between himself and Hexe. He pops out long enough to send a return shot at her.

H.Ex.E.

Her line of sight impaired by the ruck, Hexe realises the return shot extremely late. A short surge of energy can be felt by the Doctor next to her while the bullet is deflected into the pub's wall.

Esta

Escrima sticks out Esta slide to the right sticking to the shadows and ducking behind vehicles.

Arbiter Dox

Esta is able to sneak between cars while everyone's attention is on the guns going off, hiding in the shadows.

Dr. Skren

Skren rushes towards Hexe and curses as she gets out her multitool. "Dammit girl, this is what I mean when I say 'be careful'. Are you okay?"

She quickly gives Hexe's shield generator a boost, recharging it fully. 

H.Ex.E.

Hexe running on full-combat-mode does not even react, but is apparently okay.

Pea Pod

Pea Pod walks to a nearby parked car leans on the roof and moves his camera that was around his neck up to his eye. Then he looks through the viewfinder and locates the thug closest to him and snaps a picture.

An unnatural blackness surrounds the thug and just seems to take the life force from them

Arbiter Dox

The thug shouts in fear as his vision is suddenly obscured.

A stocky warhog-man pulls a grenade and throws it at Murdock.

The stonebrother twists the wrist of his mechanical arm unnaturally, and it projects a kinetic barrier over him. "Are you seriously throwing fucking grenades in my parking lot?" The barrier protects him easily as the projectile explodes.

The woman with the sword and gun curses as this and says, "Leave the rock to me, idiot!"

The thug that Pea Pod struck shouts, "Fuck this!" and bolts.

The other is less intimidated and instead approaches the group, activating a shield generator on his belt as he advances.

It's the man with the switchblade who shook down Skren and Hexe. He brandishes the knife towards Skren and says, "Looks like I'm about to add me a fancy little robot to my haul."

Two more thugs approach, but are quickly intercepted by Rawlins. The barkeep says, "Nonlethal if you can, folks! I know this guy's uncle." He punctuates "this guy" by shooting one of the approaching thugs in the foot.

The assassin woman swipes at Murdock and follows it up with a shot from her pistol. The large man looks like he actually has to put some effort into it this time, but he deflects the attacks with the same shield he used for the grenade.

H.Ex.E.

The return shot confirmed her evaluation from earlier. The hunting rifle the bulldog wields may be old, but that does not make it any less lethal and needs to be removed from the equation.

However...

Her attention turns towards the thug who collected their money earlier.

She rushes at him, a sweeping kick on his legs followed by her elbow in the thug's stomach while he is still mid-air to make him reconsider his target choice.

Arbiter Dox

The thug manages to roll out of reach and get back to his feet, but he needs a moment to get his wind back.

Clearly shaken by how badly the fight seems to be going for his posse, the bulldog takes another shot at Hexe. It is far less effective than the first.

H.Ex.E.

While the shot rustles her hair as close as it passes her, she dodges it instead of relying on shielding this time.

Esta

realizing that Murdock struggled to deflect that last blow she maneuvers her way between him and the woman, using her body to provide him with cover 

Arbiter Dox

Murdock seems visibly taken aback by this. The assassin growls and tries to dart past her, but Esta is ready for this and intercepts her.

Dr. Skren

Dr. Skren sneers at the thug "You like the fancy little robot? Too bad. Looks like she doesn't like you. And neither do I, for that matter."

She then points the multitool at him and presses a few buttons

Arbiter Dox

The thug shrieks in pain as he's jolted by the modded multitool. He's still standing, but looking a lot less certain of his position.

Pea Pod

Seeing the thug give this cool kid a hard time Pea Pod turns his camera towards it and snaps another picture. Then he runs up to another vehicle and leans on it for stability.

Arbiter Dox

As the lifedraining darkness envolopes him, the thug grits his teeth. He looks like he's not got much left at this point.

The grenadier hog turns to the group at the door and approaches, bearing another explosive. This one looks home made. It explodes near Hexe and Skren.

The haggard thug stands back for long enough to be clear of the Boomer's projectile, and then goes for a stab on Hexe.

Given no clear alternatives, the assassin moves to strike at Esta, raking with her blade.

H.Ex.E.

Hexe tries to get herself between the explosive and the Doctor and manages to before it explodes which leaves her open to the switchblade aimed at her. Now she is the one gritting her teeth as it almost hits her body, but at least the Doctor is safe.

Arbiter Dox

Esta is able to block the incoming attack for Murdock, who takes the opportunity to hold his hand up, palm forward at his assailant. An energy projectile fires from his prosthetic, slamming into the assassin and sending her flying backwards. 

H.Ex.E.

Despite two grave hits, Hexe remains combat-ready and grabs the thug's wrist holding the switchblade with one hand. She twists it in a fluent movement, disarming him  while the palm of her other hand comes to rest at his chest. After a split second, a visible impact shakes the Thug who collapses in front of her.

Arbiter Dox

The bulldog sees how the fight is going and fucking bolts.

Esta

moving after the assassin, she swings at the woman hits her but misses with the 2nd strike, a brief looks of irritation flashes on Esta's face. 

Dr. Skren

Skren gets closer to Hexe, points her multitool at her again to recharge her shield and whispers "I... thank you for shielding me... I'm so sorry you keep having to do that..."

H.Ex.E.

Hexe turns around, a sad look on her face before she nods reassuringly at the Doctor before she focuses on the fight again.

Pea Pod

Pea Pod looks through his viewfinder sees Rawlins and he takes another picture but this time the darkness just surrounds him, almost like it created a bit of a barrier. Then Pea Pod turns a little bit and gets one of the thugs in front of Rawlins in the viewfinder and snaps a picture. The darkness shoots out of the lenses and imparts on the thug pain and anguish

Arbiter Dox

The afflicted thug looks up to Pea Pod as the picture is taken. To add to the bad time Pea Pod brings him, Rawlins follows up by snapping on his safety, flipping his grip on the gun so that he's holding it by the barrel, and pistol whips the shit out of that thug, knocking him out. 

The Boomer, now surrounded and practically alone, holds up his hands in surrender.

The assassin stagers backwards to try to get out of Esta's reach. "Buncha fucking worthless dipshits," she growls as the last of her backup surrenders. She tosses down an object that causes a bright flash of light, temporarily dazzling anyone looking right at her, before she vanishes under a cloaking device.

Esta

Esta steps forward to go after the assassin, then stops as she disappears....

Arbiter Dox

Murdock shields his eyes, keeping his prosthetic arm extended as he looks around for the assassin. After a moment, he lowers it. "Think she's gone." 

More than half of the Havoc gang is left wounded in the pub's parking lot.

Rawlins looks around and says, "Sheeee-it. What a mess..."

Murdock approaches Esta and nods. "Thanks for the assist there."

Esta

She nods back and quietly says "it wasn't any trouble" and takes a step back towaes the pub.

Arbiter Dox

Rawlins walks over to Skren and Hexe. "You alright?"

H.Ex.E.

Hexe is still looking at the position where the woman vanished and leaves the talking to the Doctor. She checks the thug at her feet who still seems to be knocked out. After a moment, she is back at that rat woman's side.

Dr. Skren

Skren slaps her own cheeks a bit to ward off the tipsiness. "Yeah, we're fine. This kinda thing happen often?"

Arbiter Dox

Murdock replies, "Well, I appreciate it all the same."

He turns his attention towards Pea Pod. "Some snazzy camera work there, friend."

H.Ex.E.

Hexe's eyes turn towards the camera as well. That thing, that person can be dangerous.

Arbiter Dox

Rawlins shakes his head. "Not often, but it ain't the first time. Fuckin' cops around here are worthless."

Dr. Skren

"No surprise there" she replies

Arbiter Dox

The ratman adds, "Speakin' of, they're probably on the way as we speak. If you're someone who'd rather stay outta their sight, better let us know now so we can stow ya."

Pea Pod

Pea Pod looks up from the camera display. "Thanks, its kinda a hobby."

H.Ex.E.

Hexe nudges the Doctor subtly at those words.

Dr. Skren

"Good call. That's a yes."

Arbiter Dox

Murdock smirks at Pea Pod's reply. "Hell've a hobby you got there."

Rawlins and Murdock get together, exchange fist bumps, and confer with each other privately for a moment. When they're done, they go to the rest of the group. Rawlins speaks up. "First've all, you ain't payin' for any food, drinks, or rooms for t'night at least. All on the house. Murdock'll talk to the po-po, I can take ya'll back in the pub and show you a spot they won't harass ya."

Pea Pod

Pea Pod nods approvingly, and says "thank you."

Arbiter Dox

Murdock checks the back of the truck, where the Havocs' loot is left. "Blugh, gotta figure out who had what. What a pain in the ass."

Esta

Spotting the bag of stolen goodies Esta walls over and grabs it pulling out her minimal cash and offers it to the others.

Dr. Skren

Skren looks at Hexe and nods.

H.Ex.E.

A rather monotonous and mumbled 'Thank you' can be heard from her.

Arbiter Dox

Over the next hour or two, several things happen. All hectic and disorganized and disheveled, but eventually they get done.

First, Rawlins guides the group into a back room where he says the police won't bother them.

Then he works on getting the stolen property redistributed to the bar patrons.

Meanwhile Murdock talks to the police. For a very long time.

Afterward, the cars caught in the crossfire are evaluated. A few people get to be very annoyed about the grenade shrapnel in their cars.

But eventually the chaotic night comes to a close.

And thus are a group of four newcomers welcomed to the town of Terry's Crossing. 

===END SESSION 2===

They Fight Capitalism, session 1

It's an average night in the town of Terry's Juncture, a rural town on the planet of Hearth. Fields of grain growing to the south, dense forest to the north, and the town nestled comfortably in the middle. 

On one odd corner of town there are three large windmills looming over four buildings; a garage, a pub, a warehouse, and a small private home. Every roof is covered in solar panels, and a few large groups of stand-alone panels line the dirt roads between the buildings. The doors have been sized for a very tall user with about 9' of clearance. There are buttons to open the doors on every public building to allow entry for shorter visitors.

Our story begins, like many others before it, begins in a tavern. This is a huge building that serves as pub and hotel for both the locals and travelers. The exterior is a simple wood building. The entryway has a simple sign with chalk writing declaring the following:

Here are the rules:

1. Don't be an asshole

2. Take fights outside

3. If Murdock tells you to get out of his chair, you get out of his chair.

4. Staff reserve the right to veto music

There is muffled pop music coming from the well lit interior, along with the inviting smell of food cooking.

Pea Pod

A very tall very thin squirrel person dressed to the 9's with a black suit long red hair walks into the tavern 

Arbiter Dox

The interior is warmly lit by several hanging lamps. The shelves behind the solid bar boast an impressive variety of beverages on display. On the opposite wall is a large, open fireplace. It's early autumn, not quite time for there to be a fire there yet. There's an old plush couch with cup-holders on the armrests, a pair of normal sized armchairs, and one huge armchair that looks beat to hell arranged around it. There are also a few tables with chairs haphazardly arranged, all of which clearly get moved around frequently. One wall is dominated by a large flat screen display, and the opposite contains an old jukebox. There's an entrance to a stairwell that goes both up and down in one corner.

Esta

I slim well muscled opossum person enters quietly following several feet behind the squirrel and almost unnoticed in the noise.  Her fur line reaches in a v up from her nose into a mohawk shape the fur line reaches into her collar.  Loose clothes and sturdy sandals.  She makes her way to an innocuous corner.

Arbiter Dox

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/636063147374278483/

Behind the bar is a rat man in a vest and shirt with red tie, about 5'5" tall and of average weight. His fur is grey, and a nasty looking scar runs over his left eye. There's a piercing in his left ear.

He catches the newcomers' eyes and nods quietly. 

As Esta gets into her seat, a young, slim cat woman with calico fur in shorts and a midriff revealing shirt approaches, brandishing a notepad. "Evenin'. Can I getcha anythin'?"

Esta

Etsa nods and just loud enough to be heard by the Cat..."a serving of whatever it is that smells so good, and something local to drink if you please"

Arbiter Dox

The waitress sniffs the air for a moment and says, "That'd be some pork chops an' a local, comin' right up. Anythin' else for ya?"

The ratman barkeep catches Peo Pod's eye. There are several bar stools open, as well as a few tables.

The flatscreen is on the local news for the moment. "--expecting clear skies for the remainder of the week. This'll be a great weekend to get out and about if you have the chance."

Esta

to the waitress "I think that will do, thanks"

Arbiter Dox

The waitress nods. A little later she's back with a beer. "Food'll be out inna bit."

H.Ex.E

Two women without much visible luggage enter the town. The smaller one is speaking to the taller one in a low and slightly annoyed voice while they approach the inn.

The smaller one is wearing a coat which collar covers her nose checks the sign.

"At least something went well for a change. Rule 3 could not make it more obvious. That should be the place."

She does a mocking bow and gestures towards the door as if inviting her companion to enter but ultimately takes the first step into the pup herself, glancing over the audience before she makes room for her companion to follow.

Arbiter Dox

The news on the flatscreen continues. "In other news, more local stores have been targeting by the Havocs. This marks the sixth store robbery in two weeks credited to the gang. In a statement today the local martials cite a lack of resources to explain their inability to capture the bandits. The latest store hit was--" the news goes on.

Dr. Skren

The taller one, a medium height, but somewhat scrawny looking rat woman, groans in response.

She's wearing what can only be described as a mix of a lab coat and what fans of early 2000's sci fi movies think hackers wear.

Arbiter Dox

Dr. Skrene and Hexe find the interior sparsely populated. The barman nods as they enter.

Pea Pod

Pea Pod heads to a bar stool takes out a tablet and introduces himself to the rat man. "Hello my name is Pea Pod, your name?"

Arbiter Dox

"Call me Rawlins, friend," the barman replies. "Can I pour you somethin'?"

Pea Pod

"Rawlins you say, R a w l y n s?"

Arbiter Dox

The barkeep raises an eyebrow. "Yep, that's m' name."

The waitress approaches Skren and Hexe. "Hey there, ya'll need a table?"

Pea Pod

Pea Pod pokes on his tablet. "Well Rawlins I will have a tall glass of water, gotta stay hydrated while on the job" 

Arbiter Dox

The barman nods and produces a glass and fills it with tapwater. "On th' job, huh?" He murmurs as he fills the glass. "What kinda job's that?" Pea Pod's glass is served.

Dr. Skren

Dr. Skren looks up "Oh, yes please. And I already know I'll be having a... whatever you suggest for strong drink."

Arbiter Dox

The waitress nods and beckons for Skren and Hexe to follow, setting them in a booth next to a mohawked possum woman. "Right, so, shot a whiskey for you--" she nods to Skren, "--and what for you?" She looks to Hexe.

H.Ex.E

"Nothing."

A pause before she seems to remember something.

"Thank you." she hurries to add.

Dr. Skren

Skren nods approvingly

Arbiter Dox

"Alright. One sec," replies the waitress.

A little later, she returns with a tray. She passes the shot glass and whiskey bottle to Skren, and then moves the next table over to deliver a plate of pork chops to Esta. "Enjoy, ya'll let me know if you need anythin'."

Pea Pod

"Well you see I am investigating some strange happenings around here." Pea Pod takes a big gulp of water. "Do you happen to know anything about people seeing lights in the sky, eyes in the forests, weird sounds, even cattle mutilations?" 

Arbiter Dox

Rawlins chuckles at that. "Buddy, folks've been talkin' about that kinda stuff for years around here. Just bored people makin' up somethin' t' be interested in." He pauses, then adds, "Though I have heard the Greenfield ranch up a ways east's lost some cattle recently, so..." He shrugs. "I dunno, there's always some kinda weirdness happenin' out here."

Dr. Skren

The rat woman pours herself a shot and downs it in one go before turning towards the girl. "And yes. I know I fucked up. At least partially."

H.Ex.E

Hexe uses the time while the Doctor pours and downs her shot to let her gaze (and sensors) wander across the room.

Esta

after thanking the waitress once again Esta tucks in taking slow and deliberate bites, and keeping an ear open.

H.Ex.E

"We made it. Next up is meeting this person here. Blame won't get us anywhere. Improvement does.", she replies coldly.

"And while you did..."

Her eyes narrow slightly.

"...it was probably more of a matter of biting off more than we could chew than actual incompetence. I know you are good in what you are doing." her voice is softer now, but the more gentle expression on her face is gone after a split second. 

Dr. Skren

Skren takes a deep breath. "Yeah. Thank you."

H.Ex.E

"That aside... the locals are getting suspicious. We stand out. And so do or booth neighbour and the one in front of the bar. Don't look.", she continues in a slightly lower voice which tone is also back to the colder and yet emotionless voice.

"Let's find Murdock and get out of here."

Dr. Skren

The doctor twitches, just barely resisting the urge to look.

"Found him already?"

H.Ex.E

"Assuming rule three and the prominent armchair? The squirrel at the bar might have the size, but is not wide  enough to fill that chair and also not a local. Thus I deduct he is not here. Ask the barkeeper. And be careful, he might have rifle below the counter." 

Arbiter Dox

The low murmur of the bar is suddenly interrupted as a loud bang sounds from the front door. A man with the face of a pit bull confidently strives into the tavern, rifle in hand as a ragtag gang of thugs enter the bar. The leader shouts, "WAKE UP FOLKS, IT'S TIME FOR A STICKUP!" He points an old hunting rifle around the room.

The thugs fan out, brandishing weapons. "Time for the Havocs' slice! Just pass us your money and no one has to get hurt!" 

Dr. Skren

"Seriously? Can't we catch a fucking break?" she whispers to Hexe

H.Ex.E

"I might have to violate pub rule 1 and 2, Doctor."

Hexe does not even look at her companion anymore but stares at the rowdy newcomers.

Dr. Skren

"...yeah, wait a second to see if the barkeep can handle it, but otherwise... you go, girl."

"Just... be careful and don't overdo it, please"

Arbiter Dox

Most of the bar patrons have put their hands up. Behind the bar, Rawlins looks around, frowning. Including their bulldog leader, there are seven of them. 

The leader approaches him and says, "Open the cash register."

The barman sighs and complies.

Esta

very slowly raises hands like to locals around her

Arbiter Dox

One of the thugs, a tall weasle man, comes up to Skren, Hexe, and Esta. "Cash in the bag, now." He holds a plastic bag in one hand, a switchblade in the other.

Esta

glances at the blade, then the 2 people near her, and just as slowly as she raises her hands she slowly lowers one.  whispers to the thug (in hopes to get his attention) "I'm reaching for my cash"

Dr. Skren

"Stay calm, Hexe." she then urns towards the thug and empties her almost empty wallet which is only slightly more than what's needed to pay for her drink "Wow, really worth it, huh?"

"Bet you're proud of yourself for such a big haul"

Arbiter Dox

The pit-bull leader waves the gun. "Faster, rat!"

Rawlins starts adding cash from the register to his bag.

The pack leader looks over to Pea Pod and sneers. "You too, fancypants."

The weasel man snatches the money up and says, "Bigger haul than yours, loser." He turns his attention to Esta next. 

Pea Pod

Pea Pod will follow instructions

Dr. Skren

Skren grunts and pours herself another whiskey

H.Ex.E

Hexe does not move an inch as ordered. She has one eye on the switchblade, the other one on the thugs further away.

Esta

Esta moves her hand down to her bag and rummages around mumbles to herself, “my money is in here somewhere”, to the thug again in a whisper trying to get his attention off the others “you won’t get more off me then the others”

Dr. Skren

"This ain't worth causing a huge stink" Skren whipsers to Hexe after downing another shot

H.Ex.E

The switchblade-eye now is on the shot glass. Hexe slightly curls her lips.

Esta

Esta, finds her cash and passes it over backing away a step or two and putting her hand back up

Arbiter Dox

Over the next few minutes, the Havoc thugs move through the bar, collecting wallets, purses, a couple of watches and bits of jewelry. Once they're done, they start filing out, the leader shouting, "So long, suckers!" And cackling as he exits.

Once they're gone, Rawlins picks a pair of pistols up from behind the bar and starts moving toward the door. "Don't worry folks, management's on th' way. Anyone wanna join th' firework show?" He strides confidently to the exit.

H.Ex.E

Hexe's raised brow asks the Doctor an unvoiced question.

The faint smile of her mouth adds the subtle but of course also unvoiced 'Called it.' regarding the barkeeper's pistols.

Dr. Skren

Skren nods silently, downs a third shot and gets on her feet

Esta

Esta nods and steps forward

Pea Pod

Pea Pod taps a few things quickly on his tablet and then puts it away finishes his water, and then walks towards the door

H.Ex.E

Hexe follows reluctantly.

"Are you sure we should not just let the others handle it? And I want the non-drunk answer." 

Short pause.

"Please."

Dr. Skren

"I honestly just wanna see what's gonna happen. My guess is that we're about to meet Murdock"

Arbiter Dox

Outside, Rawlins leans beside the door as he watches the hoodlums sprint towards an old beat up truck. The leader gets into the driver's seat and turns the key.

And turns it.

And turns it.

Nothing.

He shouts, "TURN ON YOU PIECE OF SHIT!"

H.Ex.E

Hexe's coat rustles as she shrugs and follows. She has another look at the robbers, looking for the one who would supposedly have the longest range.

Arbiter Dox

Suddenly a gigantic man appears next to the driver's window--a cloaking device being deactivate. 

https://pin.it/U3IIpdn

This is one of the Stonesiblings, the natives of the planet Nox. He stands a bit over 8' tall, with broad shoulders and mottled, granite gray skin. His eyes are sunk deep into his skull, with dark rings around them. He has a flat nose and a broad, square jaw with a set of five blue crystal embedded into them, chiseled to near symmetry. He's currently shirtless. There's a small hole in his chest, and it looks like at some point he was nearly bisected; a crack runs through his side, held together by huge metal staples. He has a smoke in his mouth; the smell suggests it's a roach rather than a cigar. His right arm is a heavy robotic prosthetic.

Behind him a spherical robot hovers, about a foot in diameter. It has two anti-grav panels on its side. It wears a black pirate hat, complete with a skull and white feather.

He holds up a recently detached car part and says, "Hey fellas, you're gonna have a hard time drivin' off without a crankshaft. Maybe you aughta take it next door to my garage?" 

"Th' fuck?" The leader is dumbfounded for a moment, then shouts, "Fucking kill that rock!"

Rawlins says to the group gathered, "Now's the fun part." He twirls his pistols and approaches the thugs.

Dr. Skren

Skren turns towards Hexe and smirks. "Called it!"

H.Ex.E

She just slightly tilts her head in response, while internally a lot more happens.

Pea Pod

Pea Pod quickly gets out his tablet again, idiot he thinks to himself, and taps a few things on it.

Esta

Esta doesn't say anything shrugs her shoulders and escrima sticks from under her partial robe .

Hello World

Alright, I'm going to start using this blog to log my game development process. I am going to try to be more consistent with this after the start of the new year, but for now I want to get the clunky startup steps done.

This blog is going to cover two things. First, I'll be posting the logs of one of my tabletop games, "They Fight Capitalism." These are going to be copy/pasted from the Discord server it's played on directly, with a bit of fiddling to fix formatting issues. Generally there'll be one game a week.

In addition to that I plan to post occasional articles logging the process of developing my tabletop RPG, Story Shaper System (3S). I'll explain my thoughts and reasonings for various decisions in the game development process. These will be sporadic, but I'll aim for one a week starting at the new year.

So. Here goes nothing.