[Day 10 - Early Night] Eriko Event: Scion Showdown at the Vault! (Closed)

[Matsu Eriko]

With a very clear idea of where the True Scions could be found on the World of Dreams, Eriko quickly got to work pulling strings to get access to Desolation. It wasn't particularly easy, especially with the money involved and the people she had to ask. She did have some money saved up for a particularly rainy day like this one. As for the favours, she'll worry about that later. She managed to skim a little from the embassy armoury to get her some extra protection but she was going to stick to her trusty sidearm for this one. Luckily, she brought plenty of friends.

As she waited for everyone to get ready, she made her way up a hill of debris and laid flat with some magnifiers to get an idea of what the True Scions were up to. With the sound of vehicles and heavy machinery echoing the once-dormant block, they weren't very far now...

[Yūrei]

"Matsu..Eriko-sama, right? Hide-sama's wife?"
A portion of shadow peels itself off a nearby building and walks over.
"It's an honour to meet you, I've heard only interesting things."
Yūrei winks as she bows before retreating a few steps to ensure her weapons and armour were ready. At this time of night it was easy to vanish back into the unlit desolation.

[Kuni Koyuki]

Having the look of a warrior Koyuki's hair is tied back with the braid still in place but tucking around her head into where the hair is pulled together at the tie. Leaving her plenty of freedom for moving and looking around. Suited up in a deep Crab blue armor that has a slickness to it's design while still appearing rather sturdy. Just from watching her move around it seems surprisingly mobile for the amount of protection it affords. With her sidearm strapped to her hip, and a hand hovering on or near it as she moves she's the image of a Crab warrior.

Those in the know, and who might have seen or heard of Silksteel Armor before will possibly recognize it's make.

Making sure she wasn't anywhere that might mark her against the horizon, Koyuki takes a knee to doublecheck her equipment. Hefting a satchel carefully off of one of her shoulders she unzips it against the ground and pulls out the first of a number of nightvision goggles, each equipped with the thermal vision enhancement likewise borrowed from the embassy. Something she'd be sure to get back assuming it doesn't get lost out here on anyone's.. shaking her head, best not to think like that.

[Equipment Notes: Koyuki will bring Five Night Vision Goggles with Thermal Vision enhancement from the Crab embassy for the team to borrow and use on this mission. Koyuki also has her own personal two backup packs for Sidearm ammo.]

[Akodo Reki]

Reki arrives next, her already short hair bound up and stuffed into a field cap. Like the others she is ready for battle, wearing a set of light armor and carrying a standard Akodo Indominator rifle and a pistol tucked into a gunbelt around her waist. She nods to her fellow Lion and then studies the other two.

"Matsu-san...Kuni-san." Her eyes briefly pass the ronin, and she glances back at Eriko.

[Carrying a standard rifle, sidearm, conelantern, and light armor]

[Usagi Rei]

To his usual gear, Rei had added his armor and his rifle, and he gladly accepted a pair of nightvision goggles.

"Been a while since I've done this sort of thing." He said softly, smiling at the others.

[Matsu Eriko]

"Matsu..Eriko-sama, right? Hide-sama's wife?"
A portion of shadow peels itself off a nearby building and walks over.
"It's an honour to meet you, I've heard only interesting things."
Yūrei winks as she bows before retreating a few steps to ensure her weapons and armour were ready. At this time of night it was easy to vanish back into the unlit desolation.

Eriko turned to look at Yurei and flashed her a quick smile. "Yurei, right? Nice to meet you too! You've come pretty highly regarded by your friends, a lot of good references. Thank you for being here. I know you're paid for your time but still, you probably had half a dozen jobs and you've chosen to risk your neck for us."

She returned to look at her binoculars. "Hm...I'm definitely seeing at least 40 there. They're really making a mess of that fallen temple..."

[Usagi Rei]

"Forty..." Rei grimaced. "How many of those are armed? Can you see any leaders?"

He glanced at Reki. The opinion of an Akodo gunso seemed like a valuable thing in this sort of situation.

[Akodo Reki]

To his usual gear, Rei had added his armor and his rifle, and he gladly accepted a pair of nightvision goggles.

"Been a while since I've done this sort of thing." He said softly, smiling at the others.

"Usagi-san, I hope your shooting has improved." Reki teased the man, "I didn't know you were involved in this, but I am happy you are here."

Her eyes shift toward the dig site. "40? The odds are not in our favor. Best to observe and look for an opportunity. Or drop artillery...if anyone has any laying around." She frowned contemplating the situation. "However...they could be mainly laborers and not reliable in a fight."

[Matsu Hide]

“Damn? Forty? That’s a lot!” Hide had on gear Eriko was familiar with. She had worn her combat gear to that derelict ship, after all. Armor, dark-colored combat attire underneath, and a rifle strapped to her. Much like Rei, she accepted the night vision goggles when offered.

[OOC: Hide has with her a sidearm, rifle, light armor, and 2 ammo packs each for her sidearm and rifle.]

[Matsu Eriko]

"Well, on the plus side, it's mostly labourers from the looks of it..." she said pensively as she surveyed the grounds. "It's still about half that's still going to shoot at us if they get any closer. They've got a lot of hardware too, the sort of thing that would make anyone blush if they saw it in the black market! I see like two armed vehicles. It looks like they're patrolling the grounds for spirits or such. They were popping a few shots earlier..."

"Aw, great...there's that asshole." She frowned, pointing in the distance to anyone who could also look.



They could see Gorou looking around smugly with his shit-eating grin, waving a few to move inside where it looked like they had been digging. Bulldozers were pushing away at debris to form small mountains while trucks were rolling out with some of the other rubble. After that bit of ordering giving was done, he was seen getting into the passenger side of the technical, slapping the body of the truck before they rolled out from the block.

[Usagi Rei]

"Usagi-san, I hope your shooting has improved." Reki teased the man, "I didn't know you were involved in this, but I am happy you are here."

"Ouch." Rei flashed her a quick grin. "Guess you'll have to wait and see." The grin faded into a warm smile. "I'm glad you're here too, Akodo-sama."

He frowned, hearing the assessment. "Wait for an opportunity sounds right. Those vehicles sound dangerous, but maybe the Desolation will give them enough else to pay attention to..." He shrugged uncertainly.

[Kuni Koyuki]

Coming up to Eriko, dragging herself through the dirt on her belly beside her. Koyuki brings up the goggles that she'd brought along and hands it to her without word on that matter. As she only had five, someone was likely going to go without. Eriko, far as Koyuki was concerned, was the ringleader and would definitely be served by a set.

"Guy looks like an asshole," she says, giving a grunt. For a moment she thought of Tatsunosuke but the memory faded. How he would have loved to be here.

[Matsu Eriko]

"Okay...that's some of them gone," she said after the vehicle left. "That might leave us with a little less to deal with. From the looks of it, they're still going through the excavation, so they might not exactly be anywhere close. Even if they dig the ground entirely, from my notes, there should still be a reinforced entrance to the vault. The codes have been lost in time but thankfully it's just a puzzle we have to figure out."

Eriko took out the tsuba she shows the other night, which showed a Crab surrounded by a circular design of flowers. "So, Kuni Emi's hobby was hanakotoba. We see the prominent designs of bluebell, camelia, hibiscus, lavender, and lotus in place of the elements. There's a certain order that these need to be keyed in and it's likely based on each step of her life. Hibiscus might be the first one to start because it represents her early childhood while growing up at Sunda Mizu Mura, her mother wasn't a born Crab but instead..."

KAA-BOOOOM

The ground suddenly shook as there was a large explosion rocked the area from the direction of the excavation. Eriko ducked as a gust of debris flew by their direction, followed by a plumb of dust emerging from the temple ruins.

She quickly recovered and blinked at what just happened. "...Right, should have just expected the True Scions to not be subtle about getting through."

[Boogiepop]

As the sound of the manufactured explosion began to dissipate and the dust from the site began to clear enough to no longer be a nuisance, a few members of the work crew and some of the members of the gang began to scurry down to the tunnel to see the results of their brutish handicraft. There was a prominent man that made himself obvious as he left one of the vehicles.


Taiki

The 'ronin' known as Taiki showed himself, grinning at what looked like a successful breakthrough in their dig. Taiki removed his coat to show that the arm he seemed to have kept hidden in previous encounters was indeed a prosthetic one. He too would follow after the rush of people making their way down.

[Matsu Eriko]

Eriko exchanged a few glances with those with her. Not sure if she should offer any more expositionary explanations after that. The True Scions was a rather large organization, after all, and she likely upset a lot of people in her past.

"...So yeah, I think that's our chance now. It's now or never..." She said as she drew her sidearm and quickly made her way down to the dig site while the numbers were reasonably thin. They were still outnumbered but this was likely their best and only chance, especially if they've made it this far...

[Usagi Rei]

"Here we go." Rei said, tone firm. He shifted, bringing his rifle into his hands, ready to fire, as he followed Eriko.

"Stay safe." He said, addressing everyone.

[Boogiepop]

By investigating the criminal syndicate's operations in the slums and the loose ends that they've left behind, the party is able to extrapolate where the True Scions might be located. They've done their best to cover up their tracks but they are brutish criminals at the end of the day and not exactly experts in covert activities. As it turns out, they were no longer found in the bustling metropolis but have ventured deep into the Desolation, one of the last places anyone goes who looks for anything. It is not uncommon for criminal elements to operate within the Desolation. Many use the forsaken territory as a means to dodge law enforcement but only scavenger gangs and small outfits are able to operate in the long term.

Once knowing where to look for the True Scions, it is rather difficult to miss the sounds of industrial vehicles and the numerous flood surrounding a dig site situated inside a collapsed shell of what looked like a temple. Even as the investigators arrive, they will see heavy machinery being used to clear the rubble. The True Scions have set up a defensive perimeter around the block consisting of defensive cover, watch posts, and even heavily armed emplacement to make it look like something of an urban military base. There's no denying that they've withdrawn a large amount of money from their holdings and have been spending it on everything here. Several pirates and their hastily hired ronin stand guard as they force the heimen to continually work as they keep watch. It seemed like the True Scions were not going to take any chances on either spirits or intruders. The ominous locale hasn't done anything to dull their senses, making them especially uneasy.

Now, was the time to strike!

Heroic Actions

Prior to rolling for initiative and starting combat, each investigator will have the opportunity to use a heroic action. A heroic action allows a narrative opportunity for the investigator to charge into combat, dodge through potential danger, and potentially take out some mooks along the way. The end result, if the investigator is successful, will grant either the investigator or the party a slight advantage in combat. However, this all comes with a risk as it will also allow for retaliation from the enemy should they fail. Ultimately, it will be up to each investigator if they wish to seize the opportunity to play heroes or play it safe and lay low.

If an investigator fails a roll here, they will take 1k1 Damage with exploding dice.

The True Scions also have patrols in the area and will quickly move to intercept the combat in 3 rounds.

Also, the number of Threat points collected in the previous event will determine the difficulty of the Heroic Actions. They are as follows.

• 0-3 Threat Points: The True Scions have little idea that they have been tailed this entire time. Roll as normal. Enemies are in Ashigaru Armour.
• 4-8 Threat Points: The True Scions have been expecting a confrontation, although they are unaware of who. As a result, they are better armed for retaliation as ar result and investigations take an additional +1k0 in damage (for a total of 2k1 damage) from a failed roll in this portion of the event. Enemies are in Light Armour with Reduction 3.
• 9+ Threat Points: The True Scions are fully aware that Matsu Eriko and her associates have been interested in their activities. They have been more than prepared for their confrontation. All TNs in this portion are raised by 5. Enemies are in Light Armour with Reduction 5.

Here are the Heroic Actions that our investigators may use. Each investigator may only take one Heroic Action prior to rolling for initiative to start combat.

1. Heavy Firepower
Through highly illegal means, the True Scions have managed to procure themselves some old military hardware to bolster their firepower and this includes a surplus of heavy assault rifles from a campaign several decades old. The old guns may lack the refined comfort features taken for granted in some of the more recent designs but they still pack an effective punch and are able to shred through enemies with ease. There is a crew manning the gun atop of a parked technical vehicle that may pose a significant risk alter if not dealt with. An investigator may attempt to neutralize them and potentially commandeer the gun for themselves.

Mechanics: Make a Brawl/Agility or Melee Weapon/Agility skill check at TN20. On success, the investigator disables the heavy assault rifle emplacement. If a successful raise is called, the investigator takes control of the heavy assault rifle emplacement. A failure here will result in 2k1 Damage instead, or 3k1 Damage at 4 Threat Points or greater. Once successful, no other investigator can select this option. Please note that the gun is stationary and may require some work to remove.

The (old surplus) heavy assault rifle does 4k4 base damage with a range of 500' and has 5 shots.

2. High Ground
There is an elevated walkway that the True Scions have been using as a make-shift guard tower. It provides enough of a vantage point for someone to supervise the dig and ensure everyone continues to do their job. A lone rifle-totting ronin stands guard and keeps a lookout for trouble, which seems to be standard procedure for their operations.

Mechanics: Make an Athletics (Climbing)/Strength skill check at TN20. On success, the investigator subdues the watchman and gets a Higher Ground bonus of +1k0 to all Ranged Attack rolls against opponents at the lower ground while remaining at the walkway.

3. Battle Awareness
Strewed about the site are various mounds of rubble from the ongoing excavation of the ruins, as well as crates of shoring material to maintain their tunnels. The roads have long crumbled here and the heavy vehicles rolling through the streets lately haven't helped, creating some craters that could be used as makeshift foxholes against fire from certain angles. An investigator with keen battle senses could take advantage of the terrain here.

Mechanics: Make a Battle(Skirmish)/Perception skills check at TN15. If successful, the investigator can choose to either start combat in cover, granting +5 ATN to all Ranged attacks, or begin with a free move equal to their Water Ring x10 in feet. If a raise is called, both these options may be selected. The investigator choosing this option may also call a raise to grant the same bonuses to another teammate.

4. Cover Fire
One way to fight defensively, and attract a large amount of attention, is to start firing on the enemy. The investigator may fire at the enemy in hopes of scaring away some people and suppressing the remaining hostiles. This is a bold move, considering that it may not prove effective in an open space with spread-out targets, they may just as likely fire back without recourse.

Mechanics: Make a Firearms/Reflexes skill check at TN20. If successfully, opposing combatants suffer -1k0 to all attack rolls on the first round of combat. For each Raise successfully called, opposing combatants suffer an additional -1k0 to their attack rolls on the first round of combat.

5. Sneak Attack
By keeping a low profile and sneaking around the side, an investigator can make their way toward the enemy flank or get as close as they wish. This can either put them in an advantageous position to ignore their cover or potentially even engage them in melee combat without giving them the chance of being shot at first by catching them unawares.

Mechanics: Make a Stealth/Agility skill check at TN20. If successful, the investigator may begin somewhere behind enemy cover or engage with an enemy of their choice.

6. Cause A Distraction
The True Scions have brought a large stock of equipment and tools for their digging operation. This consists of industrial vehicles, power generators, and various other mining apparatus. If they wish, an investigator may fashion a distraction with a combination of things found on site, which can cause enough trouble to allow others to get the jump on them or delay the arrival of reinforcements from making their way to the battle.

Mechanics: Make either an Engineering(Construction)/Intelligence or Drive/Agility at TN10. On success, reinforcements can be delayed by 1 round or one investigator of their choice receives +1k0 to their initiative roll. For each raise successfully called, the investigator can choose another one of the above bonuses.

Roll For Initiative

After everyone has elected to take a Heroic Action and made their roles to determine their success (and any applicable bonuses or penalties), please roll for initiative. If any of the Heroic Actions provide any bonuses based on choice, please indicate what was chosen based on success.

The Map for Round 0

[Usagi Rei]

Rei wasn't quite the daredevil that some of his cousins were, but he was still a Hare! He was able to climb up the tower as quick as... well, as quick as a bunny.

Moments later, and the watchman was subdued, and Rei had control of the walkway.


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D10EN Heroic Action, Athletics/Str, TN20, VP spent 1k1 | 6k3 ⇒ 20 (TN: 20)

D10EN Initiative | 5k3 ⇒ 20 (TN: ?)
ATN: 28
Wounds: 0/57
Void: 2/3 remaining

[Yūrei]

"Can't promise safe, but I'll work on alive."
Yūrei pulls down the glowing green night vision goggles as they start up with a quiet whine before disappearing into the dark. Might as well do what she's good at, right?

The ronin emerges behind the enemy, cloaked in the shadows of the temple where they hopefully won't be able to spot her, silenced gun trained on the back of the in cover pirates.

Day 10 EN, Scion Event, Heroic Action, Sneak Attack, Stealth/Agility TN 20 | 9k4 ⇒ 35 (TN: 20)

((Holding two sidearms, one silenced. Reloads packed away.
ATN 26.

Opponents need to win an investigation/perception contested by her stealth/agility to target her even after she starts firing))

[Kuni Koyuki]

As the team moves in, Koyuki quickly splits off from the main group to approach a lone technical. Finding a good hefty chunk of rubble like a brick she throws open the door, and dives in. Giving a glance around for a good target first while the others are still getting in position. Spotting out the best route she might find she takes the seatbelt and wraps it around the steering wheel to help keep it loosely in one direction. Then, with a prayer to Muzaka she sends the truck on it's way by wedging the debris up against the gas pedal. Diving clear of the car, tumbling through ash and dirt, as it runs off on it's merry way.

Day 10, EN | Cause a Distraction: Driving/Agility | 3k3 ⇒ 10 (TN: 10)

+1 Round before Reinforcements Show