Aberrant: Dead Rising - 12h: Seeking Home

[Dawn OOC]

July 17, 2007

Fox had gathered all the willing supers, particularly those who had expressed a desire to remain at the Refuge and who weren’t helping Myfwanny. “First, thank you all for coming.” Fox’s smile was genuine and welcoming as he glanced at everyone around him. “We have a number of things to accomplish, and I’ve moved up our timetable for doing them.”

“Why?” Jules asked, raising her hand.

Fox paused before admitting, “Violet’s new friends unnerve me. I don’t like them knowing where we live and not returning the favor. Plus they have a number of supers and it sounds like a fantastic base of operations. By the end of the summer, I want something better.”

“So are you moving and not saying anything to… them?” Markham, Fox's second-hand man asked.

“Not entirely,” Fox said. “We’re going to keep the Refuge as neutral ground. I don’t think we’ll be staffing it round the clock but Han and I both know where it is so it’s excellent that way. And better if we’re not living here.

“So I’m sending out a groups today to scout a new site,” Fox continued. “Hawaii was a bust, but I think that we could still benefit from moving to an island. I also see the benefit of moving to a university. So I’m having us look at the University of Dutch Antilles on Curacao. The climate seems agreeable; what we need to know is if the disposition of the current residents is welcoming and what kind of amenities they have. Power, food, zombie problems.

“I'll be leading the team. Anyone have any questions?”

[Dylan Harvey]

Dylan raised his hand slightly before speaking.

"Not so much a question but a note. Power shouldn't be a problem. My latest test with the generator have been fairly positive. I think with a couple of weeks putting solid time in to it I can get the prototype to become self sufficient. I still don't know how much power we are talking here but I built the thing with random parts that Draygo and I could scrounge. A couple raiding parties getting me more efficient parts I can easily build better versions once the model is sound. That means that in no more than a month I can probably provide us the power of a small power plant as long as we have ample sun light.

As to security I have been working on that too, for one thing I already have an adapted solar relay for vehicle batteries, which means you find me a cement truck and we can put up concrete barriers pretty much anywhere we want. The only down side, as I have been learning, vehicle batteries are not designed to handle the power transfer without the aid of gasoline, so the battery will burn out. I am trying to figure out a way to manufacture new batteries without a plant, it is a interesting challenge. Also I have been looking in to simpler methods of plastic production so we may be able to have Plexiglas for quick zombie barriers."

It sometimes seemed to people that Dylan's brain did not grasp the idea that a world like this should be limited in technology.

[Anatoly]

Benedict felt elated at the buzz of excitement among the people of the Refuge. He didn't understand all that had come before, but he understood he had arrived at just the right time - a turning point, a time where he could help in making a difference.

While he felt interested at joining the doctor in her trip to the laboratory that was planned, he had quickly decided that since these expeditions were about food (among other things) he might be of more use here.

As he stood among the volunteers for the reconnaisance mission a clear goal crystallized in his mind: a university-degree mess hall, capable of serving a hundred at least, plates of food emerging from stainless steel kitchen apparel. This thought made him happy indeed.

With this in mind, his proper British mind mingled with Euro-mercantelism as he posed a question. "Should we find equipment unattended and serviceable, yet the area itself unsuitable, is there any way to transport such commodities to the location deemed more fitting?"

[Jillian Johnson]

Jill was still getting used to everything. Her body had changed almost like James‘ although she retained her feminine features. Almost like Kristin.

She sighed feeling stupid and dumb now. She blamed Kristin for everything and it was wrong. She did her wrong and she would have to apologize to her once she had overcome her grudge.

The blonde buff ´barbie´ as she was often labelled was wearing a black tank top that just covered her breasts and long matching sweat pants which hung low on her hips. Every inch of her exposed skin was showing her superhumanly defined physique. After her becoming she had gained superhuman strength and toughness which granted her this awesome figure but her true ´shape´was underneath her skin. She could feel it and the experience was both thrilling and discerning. Turning into living steel was one of the more unusual manifestation of super powers in the Refuge. Also her ability to manipulate, control and shape metals. It greatly helped her at the smithy since she could shape the metal as she wanted which resulted in some truly spectacular and very useful creations. With some practice she could speed up the construction of buildings – given they had enough raw material at their disposal.

Jill looked around at the assembled supers and tried to appear as calm and confident as she could even though she was super excited. Most people weren’t so sure if she should go on a mission so soon after... after what had happened to her but she said that doing nothing would be even worse for her. She was eager to help and was sure that her new found abilities and powers would greatly help them on their scouting mission.

Looking over to Jules she smiled shyly hoping to be in her team, which would most likely be Captain Fox’s. She would of course join any team the others suggested, wherever she would be most effective. Fortunately she wasn’t the only ´newcomer´. Lately some new arrivals had joined the ranks of the supers and they were of course welcomed to help out. Jill smiled at Benedict and nodded at him as she made her self comfortable next to him.

„Jill Johnson.“, she introduced herself and offered her hand, „You can call me Jill.“

[Anatoly]

Benedict, bearing a wide grin as ever, turned to Jillian and accepted the outstretched hand with enthusiasm. "Benedict Prydford, gentleman adventurecook." he added to the motion in impeccable King's English.

Pausing for a moment to set his chef's hat back firmly on his head which had been dancing up and down under Jillian's more-than-firm handshake, he continued. "Very pleased to meet you. I am hoping to join this endeavour as refreshment specialist."

Raising an eyebrow as he surveyed this living example of 'American Health and Living' he added, without missing a beat,"I take it you are quiet well-versed in proper diet - you look like the picture of health. If you need anything palate-related, don't hesitate to knock on my door. I enjoy nothing better than preparing a meal, and so far the only audience I've had in weeks were some coyotes."

Benedict exuded an almost palpable aura of laissez-faire and relaxation, as if to him, Zombies and the z-virus didn't even exist.

[Jillian Johnson]

Jill couldn’t help herself burst out in short laughter at Benedict’s invitation. She quickly regained her composure but a beautiful grin remained on her face. He could see the play of muscles underneath her skin which bulged with raw power and strength, as if someone had exchanged human fibre with chords of steel.

„I’m sorry, Benedict. I didn’t mean to be impolite but I haven’t heard anything like this in a while. I’m still getting used to this but even before my becoming I was keeping a strict diet so your perception didn’t fool you. But I only know the basics needed to maintain a bodybuilder’s physique. I’m sure that pales in comparison to the knowledge of a Master Chef.“, it was difficult not to giggle at that even though she didn’t mean to disparage Benedict.

The aura he exuded was a welcomed change although something about it reminded her of what Violet did. Her smile quickly faded as she looked at him with a very different attitude, less open and more wary now.

„Are you doing something?... I mean...“, she was trying to search for the right word. „I feel strangely relaxed and easy around you... too easy actually. Makes me wonder if...“, Jill didn’t want to say it but she was suspicious that Benedict was having some kind of similar effect like Violet did. Something that bypassed her rationale and made her emotionally docile. He could see that her muscles were tensed almost ready to spring into action if he gave her the wrong answer.

Click to reveal..

I don’t mean to cause trouble. If there is really some power or Enhancement at work it would be nice to know and if it requires a roll to resist I‘d do that, too.

[Anatoly]

Benedict quirked one eyebrow at the sudden change in Jill.

"Doing something?" The expression on his face changed to that of a person who was just asked what the parrot was doing on his head. It took a second or so for the other shoe to drop."Not that I am aware of...I fail to see how that would have anything to do with an improved appetite and a keen sense of taste."

He then chuckled."I guess it's just part of my nature. Once you've seen a kitchen in full swing during prime time, a zombie could lunge at you from the freezer and you wouldn't bat an eye."

Click to reveal..

No social powers, honestly. Zilch. But then, a man that can cook - would he need any?

[Jillian Johnson]

Jill relaxed instantly and sighed giving Benedict an apologetic smile. „I’m really sorry. I’ve just been through some... emotional trouble and for a moment there was something I thought I felt. It reminded me of...“, she sighed again looking down as she shook her head.

„I just can’t talk about it right now. I didn’t mean to offend you. Can we start over?“, she raised an eyebrow at him and extended her hand once again.

„Hi, my name is Jill, I’m the local blacksmith, nice to meet you Benedict and welcome to the Refuge.“, this time she made sure her grip wasn’t as steely as it was the first time. The increased strength was still new and she would need some getting used to it to not hurt someone unintentionally.

„Once we get back from the mission I’d love to take your invitation. It feels like years the last time I ate something that wasn’t on my 15-foods-list.“

[Anatoly]

Benedict turns to the group of people gathered again, shielding his eyes from the sunlight."Blacksmith, you say? That's going to come in handy. Good thing to see that not all classic professions have vanished."

[Jillian Johnson]

Jill nodded and smiled at Benedict putting her hands on her hips. Even relaxed her muscles were cut with extreme definition and rippled under her skin. They bulged obscenely displaying both their power but also bordering on being too much, too perfekt. Her skin was practically wrapped taut over her muscles, even her exposed abs and now flaring lats from the casual stance she was assuming.

„Haven’t heard from a Master Chef in a while, either. I guess we’re both a rare breed then?“, her eyes turned to the group of supers as she tried to engage Benedict in a little chat.

„So you’re going to stay here? Or are you just passing through and lending a helping hand?“, she was hoping that he would stay, of course.

[Anatoly]

"Depends on how I get on here, and how much need there is for my skills." With one hand he imitated the gesture of stirring a spoon, while the other imitate adding salt to aforementioned imaginary cookpot.

"I can do more than just cook, of course, but that is my main interest. While I can get equal satisfaction to cooking for one as for cooking for dozens, the prospect of safe food that is good to eat while appeal to many who arrive here."

Benedict grinned again."I also heard many rumors about the Z-virus, and the Supers. I want to know more, what happened to us and where we're going. And for some reason - call it a gut instinct - I have the feeling that here it's happening, that from here things are going to change."

He stuck his hands under the apron and inside his pockets, assuming the disinterested position often taken by street hoodlums. "One day someone's going to stand at a street corner and discuss getting themselves a Benedict Special. I have no idea what that kind of dish will be - but if I manage to get out of this alive I damn well am going to make one."

He then turned to Jill and pursed his lips in thought. "That reminds me - I shouldn't go away without bringing something of a Zombie-repellant. Perhaps you can help me think up a suitable weapon - without mentioning frying pans. That joke's been done quite sufficiently."

[z-Jules WhiteElk]

"Nothing repels them." The speaker was the gorgeous copper-skinned woman said from her seat to the side. Despite her negative remark, she was smiling as she leaned forward and offered her hand. "Jules WhiteElk. Good to meet you."

Sitting back, she added, "I'd love for you to stick around. Walker and I have been working on harvesting edible wild plants, but making them taste good is another issue. We'd welcome your help there. As for a weapon - can you shoot a rifle? If not, you've got a teacher." She gave him a crooked smile.

[Anatoly]

Benedict looked genuinely shocked even as he acepted the outstretched hand. "Shoot a rifle? Can't say I'd know how to - aside of the occasional Manchester United supporter, the United Kingdom didn't open up many prospective recipients for target practice."

In his mind he ran the list of "Supers" he had now met, and how they all seemed to be so much more - extreme - than he'd imagined. Certainly his own augmentations seemed much less daunting in his mind now.

"It's not that I wouldn't want to be able to defend against the zombies, but I'd say to save the ammo for people who can already shoot. I can imagine a whole zombie army worth of gunpowder is wasted on my sensibilities before I would be able to hit much of value."

He seemed to consider something for a moment, and then his face lit up with a huge grin. "So enlighten me - how tough are these zombies, now really?"

[z-Jules WhiteElk]

"Picture how hard it is to kill a person, and that's a zombie," Jules said softly. "Except you're looking at something that isn't concerned for itself and can keep coming long after shock and blood loss would have stopped it. Remove the head or destroy the brain. That's all you can do."

She glanced at him. "That wasn't helpful was it? You've never really hurt anyone before, have you?" She smiled and said, "That's a good thing, just so you know. Not necessarily the safest, but certainly good. I'd love to not know about that kind of stuff."

[Anatoly]

Benedict seemed to whince for a second, the grin on his face disappearing for a second or two before sliding back on his face. "I don't think I have, except for the occasional minor kitchen-level violence. When people good around, sometimes a reminder shaped like an open hand applied firmly to the back of the head enlightens the dull-witted."

His brow furrowed as other thoughts came to him. "I understand that many of the so-called 'supers' can hurt people badly. Being stronger, faster, bigger or being able to toss screaming balls of fire at people does help there. But to be honest, I'm not built that way."

"I will take the 'remove the head' advice to heart though - I think I can work with that...in some fashion."

[Dylan Harvey]

Dylan typed on his laptop, zooming the satellite feed in on to the area they were heading to. The images were two hours old but would give them all a good idea of immediate large zombie threats. He couldn't help but snort at Benedict's last comment.

"No need to worry Benny. Jules here can kill enough zombies for the three of us. Now Super Zoms, those could be a threat. Though with me along you have little need to worry about that. Everything has a weakness and I can find any of them. Not that I think we will run in to one of those."

Dylan started rattling off percentages and numbers that he had come up with comparing number of apparent supers to humans and the same, much lower, percentage of zombies that acquired super powers.

[Anatoly]

Benedict opened up his mouth two or three times during the extended mathematical predictions, statistical analyses and sheer numbers. Somewhere during the proceedings, he decided to wait for the end.

What stuck in his mind was "few people, fewer supers, many zombies, not so many super zombies". For now, he decided, that would have to do.

The moment the last syllables of this mathematical orchestra left his ears, he pounced at the opportunity. "You seem to have it all figured out...and what's your name?"

[Dylan Harvey]

"Not all of it, but I am getting there. I'm Dylan, if you haven't heard of me yet you probably have heard of my friend, he is the dragon."

Dylan looked up suddenly and around the room.

"Speaking of which, anyone seen the big guy? I figured he would be back by now and would join us. Not that I don't think you will be enough Jules, but you gotta admit its nice to have him around, and Walker."

[Anatoly]

Benedict raised one eyebrow. "A...dragon. He repeated the word inside his mouth a few times, then focused his gaze back on Dylan.

"Right, well, nice to meet you. Can't say I've seen any dragons. I am sure I would've remembered one unless the initial reaction to his presence would be sheer, abject terror and I've somehow repressed the memory."

The expression on his face, still smiling, made it hard to tell if this was a joke or meant in earnest.

[Jillian Johnson]

"Draygo is ok, Benedict - I think you're going to like him once you get to know him better.", Jill joined the conversation.

"If rifles are not your thing, I could show you some basics with the sword.", she offered patting her own large bastard sword she crafted herself which was resting against the wall next to her. There was also a backpack which looked rather packed lying next to the sword.

"I've brought enough scrap metal to make something for you, if you want. Got to practice my new skills a little.", she winked at him.

"Do you know if Draygo will join us?", she asked Dylan, trying to get a feel what resources they had. It also helped hiding her anxiety. At least it did well in forgetting about the whole Violet-thing. Action was good, missions were good - just doing something and not thinking about her personal troubles.

[Anatoly]

Benedict didn't seem too sure. "Well, can't say that I have any practice with swords, but could give it a try. Mind you I am not defenseless, but it's good to have a solid weapon as a backup."

The idea of facing Zombies seemed very real to him now, and just the thought of it gave him a bad taste in his mouth.

[Dylan Harvey]

Dylan shrugged. "I wish I knew, haven't seen the big guy yet." Suddenly Dylan's eyes lit up. "But I can talk to him!"

Grabbing his backpack he pulled out his headset and plugged it in to the laptop. Typing a few commands he turned on the microphone.

"Hey big guy, I just realized now that I have communication satellites I can broadcast pretty much anything to anywhere. You won't be able to respond obviously, we are getting ready to head to some island to poke around and see what pokes back, you should join us."

Leaning back he grinned and rubbed his hands together. "I will need some heavy duty flash lights, two pound electro-magnets, and some transponders from F-18s and I can build walkie-talkies that can broadcast to the satellite so that we can keep in communication."

[Jillian Johnson]

Jill raised an eye brow smiling briefly at the teenager and then shook her head but still keeping her smile. His enthusiasm was infectious and he made it sound so easy to just gather the stuff he needed and instantly put back the internet how it used to be, or establishing some kind of communications grid.

She refocused on Benedict sensing that his lack of combat experience was slowly creeping up on him.

"This may sound cold blooded, but it'll help if you don't think of them as humans. Whatever suits you, just try to lock that part away that these Zeds used to be humans, just like us.", it felt a bit hypocritical to her, having just briefly put herself out to die because of..., she shook her head again, this time with a frown as unpleasant memories resurfaced.

Don't even think about it...

"Jules, when are we leaving? Are you waiting for some more people to show up?", she tried to stay focused on the mission but for the emphatic observant she was struggling to keep her facade. Inside Jill was shaking with terror...

[Stargaizer]

As they were talking, a shadow crossed over them as a large creature passed in front of the sun. Looking up, an unmistakable silhouette born from the age of legends flew overhead. With wings that stretched around 50 feet from tip to tip and almost 30 feet from tip to tail, it was easily the largest living thing that anyone in living memory had ever seen flying. Sporadic shouts of alarm started rising from around the compound as its' shadow passed across the Refuge.

Dylan's comment about his friend the dragon started to ring true as it moved its' front leg and Dylan's radio crackled with static. It circled around and started to descend, but before it could raise even more alarm it... imploded. In a heartbeat or two it went from a large brown dragon to the size of a large man... with wings. Dylan's radio crackled again, this time on the open frequency, the one the sentries used. "Draygo ready to land."

It didn't take long for him to touchdown, in an open space next to Dylan. Once down, he rolled his shoulders and cracked his overly thick neck, loosening up after a long flight. The strained thin white t-shirt and blue jeans gave this dragon-man an even more out of place appearance, almost recognizable but completely different.

His landing successful, he looked around and noticed the new faces, and changed again. With a rear back of his head and clinched fists, the 7'2" tall dragon-man shrunk to a 6'7" tall normal person. His golden flaked, brown scales faded to a pleasantly tanned caucasian complexion, and his elongated face with razor sharp, dagger like teeth shrunk back to a regular mans' face with a slightly bushy mustache. He extended his hand to Benedict and anybody else around that he hadn't met before.

"Hello there, I'm Nathan, it's a pleasure to meet you. You new here, I don't think I've met you before."

Click to reveal..

Draconis, the first one mentioned:

Draygo, without his clothing

[Anatoly]

When the shadow passed overhead, Benedict looked up and as the draconic form imploded, phase by phase, into a Human being, his mouth was agape.

Recollecting his jaw as Nathan extended his hand to him, he shook it with vigor. In his customary King's English he stammered "Th-that was...incredible. Nice to meet you, my name's Benedict. It would appear that spekaing of a Dragon was indeed not much of an exaggeration."

Something in Benedict's eyes was lighting up, and his smile grew wider as some things finally started to fall into place for him.

[Dawn OOC]

"Alright, we're all here, I think," Fox said. "Any questions for me before we go?" He stood easily, giving time for questions before turning and opening the portal.

The silver portal flared to life and opened to a narrow beach. Empty buildings stretched left and right, small beach houses that looked more like a temporary vacation bungalow than a permanent house. Birds sang, the ocean hummed but there were no sounds of human habitation.

[Anatoly]

Looking at each of the gathered people in turn, Benedict gave a short tug on the strap of his backpack, as if ascertaining he had all he needed by the weight alone.

There'd be nothing more he could ask. nothing more to prepare. Now all that was left was keeping eyes and minds open and the ranks closed as he joined the others at the portal.

[Dylan Harvey]

As Draygo had approached Dylan watched him with a confused look. He started to ask if Draygo could always do that then stopped and just shook his head. When Fox opened the portal he closed the laptop and put it away, standing up he opened up a waist pouch and pulled out what looked like earpieces to headsets.

"Wired these up after the DC trip. Without the laptop set up their range is only a couple football fields at best and they will probably burn out in a few hours but I figured it couldn't hurt. Just be careful about magnetic fields. Had to pretty much jury rig these things so there might be enough metal and such in them a strong enough magnet could pull it right through your brain. " Tossing them around to those gathered he put his own earpiece in without hesitation after the warning. Plugging the wire it was connected to in to his CD player he nodded his head to some song as he stepped through the portal.

[Stargaizer]

Nathan shook his head as Fox asked if anyone had any questions. Then, before he walked through the portal, he decided that Draygo would be better suited for the scouting mission. Draconis maybe once they were there, especially for areal recon, but Draygo for the initial walk through (in case they got ambushed by something unexpected).

So, not seeing anyone else that Nathan needed to talk to, he clinched his fists and let Draygo out, growing and changing, knees bending backward and teeth and nails growing into daggers and talons.

Once transformed, the man-dragon walked through the portal and immediately started taking in the new scenery.

[z-Jules WhiteElk]

Jules stepped through the hole, bringing her shotgun to her shoulder. She kept the weapon trained low but was ready to snap it back up as needed. Looking up and down the beach, she frowned and said, "So, how long before the welcome committee arrives? Anyone care to take a bet on it?" She smiled a little grimly as she waited to see if anyone was interested in laying money on someone's arrival.

[LydaLynn]

Olivia was running late. She had meant to join the party headed for exploration earlier, but just as she had finished getting her supplies packed she was called on to set a broken arm.

As she hurried towards the gathered group, the sudden dark shadow from overhead startled her. Olivia stopped dead still when the dragon passed overhead. She watched as it . . . imploded. Then it landed and became a man. That was something she would never have thought to speculate as a mutation. She stood there, blinking and thinking for a long moment as people began to pass through the shimmering portal.

Olivia kicked herself back into gear. If she didn't hurry she would miss the gateway and be left behind. Honestly, she still wasn't sure if she should be going along. She was less than useless in a fight and didn't have any powers to help out on the exploration. But if anyone got hurt, they'd need a doctor.

So, gripping the shoulder straps of the backpack slung across her back and full of medical supplies, Olivia rushed forward. Despite her short stature, she was as quick as someone of a normal height. Coming to a slightly winded halt behind Jules at the portal, Liv watched the woman pass through to the beach, joining the others already across. The sight of the dragon-man in the lead gave Olivia another pause before she too took her turn stepping through the rift in space.

[Dawn OOC]

For several minutes, they waited for someone to show up. But there was only the natural cries of the wind and the waves around them, pierced by the occasional warble of a bird. "Alright," Fox said, looking around. "I don't see an immediate greeting party. After Hawaii, I find that to be a good sign. No zombies, either."

He looked at the group, considering, then said, "Let's go to the University here." After consulting a map quickly, Fox led them deeper into the island.

The buildings were silent and abandoned. It was like walking through a ghost town. "Won't have trouble finding housing for everyone," Jules muttered under her breath. It was true; just the buildings they passed on the way to the university was enough to uncomfortably accomidate all of their people. If they spread out, there was more than enough room.

It was ten minutes of walking before they saw their first zombie. It lurched at them but was quickly put down with dual shots from Jules and Fox. Things were looking good - until they found the corpses.

The first one was strung up across a doorway; a child who wasn't long dead. She was a dark-skinned descendant of the island people, a mixture of South American, Caucasian and African evident in her features. Her throat had been slit and she hung by her arms, her body blocking entrance into the house.

Fox floated up without a word and released her body, lowering her to the ground. He used a garbage bag to cover her face, tucking the edges around her head so it wouldn't blow away. Draygo caught Fox's arm and pointed. Ahead, they could see another body hanging over a door. Fox's expression hardened. "Let's learn what we can here before we move on," he said, "but everyone stay close."

Click to reveal..

Folks, tell me what you want to do; add the 'no-duh' rolls as needed.

[Anatoly]

Benedict seems a bit startled by the sudden revelation.

"Zombies aren't clever enough to hang people - only people do that. And I'm having the sneaky suspicion that hanging them there is a message to not enter, or as a message that there's a big fish swimming here and it's not liking competition..."

Slowly allowing Quantum to seep through his body, he prepared for the possibility that the perpetrator had not yet left the area in its entirety...

Click to reveal..

I am spending 1 Quantum on Flexibility, like a spring ready to go off at trouble.

Benedict sniffed the air, his precise and analytical palate "tasting" the air, trying to get a feel for the area, its aroma and activities. To him, getting this baseline smell and taste was important - how else to detect something off, if you don't know a place's standard state of being?

Click to reveal..

Activating Analytical smell and Bloodhound.

Roll:Perception pool 6, +1 Megaperception (6d10=40, 1d10=8)

6d10: 7,9,8,9,1,6 (4 succeses -1) for 3 total

1d10 (Mega): 8 (2 successes)

5 successes total.

[Jillian Johnson]

Jill quickly caught up with Draygo and Jules feeling that she should be right there at the front if something happened. Sensing that things were getting rough her skin slowly got covered with liquid metal that quickly solidified only her hair was still the same blonde es ever, everything else was covered completely in shiny steel as if she was wearing a very skin tight armor.

Click to reveal..

Applying the alternate rules from the APG for a fixed Density Increase granting her +2 Strength and +2 B/L Soak

Taking a careful step, now that her weight had dramatically increased Jill worked her way forward trying to look out for any potential threat.

[LydaLynn]

Olivia moves closer to the body of the girl. Taking shallow breaths to keep the smell of death from overwhelming her stomach, Liv examines the body. There would be time later to sorrow over the loss of a child, for now, there was work to do.

Looking for signs that the girl had become a zombie or had been infected by them, Olivia also looked for cause of death. She expected it to be the slit throat, but wasn't going to rely on that initial assumption. Not letting herself be caught up in the distasteful circumstances, Olivia strove to discover all she could from the body. She trusted the others would at least alert her to coming trouble and focused her attention on her task. Once she had discovered all she could normally, Olivia focused her vision to examine the girl's blood.

Click to reveal..

Will start with Medicine and Perception then use Electro Magnetic Vision to get all the info she can on the body. Invisible Castle is still down (Server 500 error).

[Stargaizer]

Not good. This isn't the work of zombies... Draygo's blood started to boil slowly as images of people killing people down on the barrier islands of Louisiana flashed through his mind. Still, there wasn't enough evidence to go into a vengeful frenzy just yet.

Draygo looked up and down the street, high and low, with his keen eyes, seeing everything there was to see. He shifted his eyes between the IR, visible and UV spectrums as he looked, seeking anything that could possibly shed light on their situation.

Click to reveal..

(Draygo): Perception check

(11:29:15) (Draygo): 5 dice, mega first

(11:29:20) ChatBot: (Draygo) rolls 5d10 and gets 1,2,9,5,9.

(11:29:30) (Draygo): 2sux

[Dylan Harvey]

As everyone looked up and down, left and right, Dylan simply looked at the building. Carefully he stepped up to the door with a hand on his chin. "Why across the doorway?" Seeing everyone ready for action he cautiously reached out for the handle on the door.

[Dawn OOC]

The door opened as Fox said, "Uh, Dylan, that's a bad idea-"

The stench of the grave rolled out through the open door and Dylan saw movement. A zombie lurched at him, only to stop short as the chain around its neck went taut. Arrayed behind it, in the gloom, was a scene of corpses.

"What the hell?" Fox asked, staring. Four corpses were sitting at the family table, arrayed as if they were still eating. Empty plates sat before them, covered with cobwebs. Fox raised his rifle and shot the zombie, his face curling with disgust.

[Anatoly]

Benedict turned around, quickly eyeing around whether the sound of the gunshot, echoeing through the abandoned buildings, might have stirred up more unwanted guests.

"That zombie," he croaked as he retched from the stench, "chained like a...guard dog."

He spat once on the ground, getting the awful scent out of his nostrils and mouth. "Arranged...like some mock-up family".

[Jillian Johnson]

Jill tried to keep her anxiety low. She could feel the adrenaline pumping through her veins sharpening her reflexes and senses. The scene they saw was grotesque – as if it was made for a movie set, surreal.

„Maybe it’s a trap...“, she shared her thoughts with the others – Jill had seen her share of horrible things since Z-day but it seemed that there was still potential for even more horrible things.

„Who would do this... and why?“, she tried to find an explanation struggling to comprehend the motives for such a cruel setup. The person who did this, if he was still alive, must’ve been insane. She knew personally that a desperate situation could lead to desperate measures – hell she was one of the best examples for decisions bordering on the insane. Suddenly she felt guilty again, she surely wasn’t the one to question someone else’s sanity...